Most people think Las Vegas history starts and ends with the neon lights of Fremont Street or the mob-run casinos of the 1950s. They’re wrong. Long before the mega-resorts and the Bellagio fountains, there was a French immigrant named David Lorenzi who had a wild dream about water in the middle of a parched desert. That dream is now Lorenzi Park, a 60-acre historical heavy-hitter located at 3333 W. Washington Ave.
You’ve probably driven past it. Maybe you saw the twin lakes from the road and figured it was just another municipal park with some ducks. It isn't. Honestly, this place has a backstory that involves secret Prohibition-era parties, "quickie" divorce seekers, and even atomic scientists. It’s a weird, beautiful slice of Nevada that most tourists—and plenty of locals—completely overlook.
The Man Who Drilled for a Dream
Back in 1912, David G. Lorenzi bought 80 acres of land a couple of miles west of the tiny Las Vegas townsite. People probably thought he was nuts. But Lorenzi knew something they didn't: there was an artesian well under that dirt. He didn't just find water; he found a gusher.
Initially, he wanted to make wine. He planted vineyards and envisioned a European-style estate. But Las Vegas in the early 20th century was a beer and whiskey town, and his wine dreams dried up pretty fast. Instead of giving up, he pivoted. In 1926, he opened Lorenzi’s Lake Park.
It was an instant hit. We’re talking about a time when air conditioning didn't exist. Lorenzi built a dance pavilion, a swimming pool, and two massive man-made lakes. He even put islands in the middle of them. For a few cents, locals could escape the 110-degree heat, go rowboating, or watch a beauty pageant. During Prohibition, the park became a discreet haven where socialites could find a drink and pretend the 18th Amendment didn't exist.
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From Divorce Ranch to Atomic Scientists
By 1940, the property transitioned into the Twin Lakes Lodge. This is where the history gets really "Vegas." Nevada was famous for its lenient divorce laws—you only had to live in the state for six weeks to establish residency.
The lodge became a "divorce ranch." Wealthy out-of-staters would check into one of the 48 rooms and wait out their six weeks in style. They’d go horseback riding, attend rodeos on the grounds, and eat "authentic" western food while waiting for their legal freedom.
Then came the 1950s. The Nevada Test Site opened, and suddenly the park wasn't just for divorcees. It became a temporary home for the scientists and families involved in nuclear testing. Imagine kids playing on the swings while their parents discussed the physics of mushroom clouds over breakfast.
What’s Actually There Now?
The City of Las Vegas finally took over in 1965, but the park you see today is largely the result of a massive $30 million renovation completed around 2013. They brought back the original "Twin Lakes" layout and restored the historic flavor while adding modern perks.
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The Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza
One of the coolest features is the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza. It’s an outdoor amphitheater that fits about 1,500 people. It’s named after the legendary Rat Pack member, which is fitting because Sammy was a huge advocate for civil rights in a city that was once heavily segregated. You can find a bronze bas-relief of him there, created by artist Constancia Gafeney. They host everything from Jazz in the Park to Juneteenth celebrations here.
Fishing and Wildlife
Yes, you can fish in the middle of Las Vegas. The lakes are stocked with:
- Catfish (usually in the warmer months)
- Trout (stocked in the winter)
- Bluegill
You’ll need a Nevada fishing license if you're 12 or older. Also, a quick tip: don't feed the birds. The park is a major stop for migrating species like the American Wigeon and Pied-billed Grebe. Feeding them bread messes up the water quality and their health. Just watch them. It’s cooler that way.
Sports and Recreation
If you’re looking to sweat, Lorenzi Park is arguably one of the best spots in the city.
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- Tennis: There are 10 lighted hard courts managed by the No Quit Tennis Academy. They’re usually packed in the evenings because they’re free and well-maintained.
- Playgrounds: There’s a Western-themed playground that kids actually love, plus a splash pad that runs from May through Labor Day (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
- Basketball and Softball: Full courts and reservable fields are scattered throughout the north and west ends.
The Reality Check: Safety and Maintenance
I’m not going to sugarcoat it—Lorenzi Park is an urban park. Because it’s located in an older part of town, you will see a homeless population in the area. Most people find the park perfectly safe during daylight hours, especially near the playgrounds and tennis courts. However, like any city park, it has its rough edges. Some visitors complain about litter near the water, though the city maintenance crews are out there pretty regularly.
If you want the best experience, go on a Saturday morning. You’ll see families having massive barbecues under the gazebos (which you can reserve, by the way) and kids learning to fish with their dads. It feels like a real community, not a tourist trap.
Hidden Gems for the History Nerds
Keep an eye out for the interpretive markers. There are plaques all over the park that explain the specific history of the buildings and the land. The Nevada Garden Clubs also have a home here, and the rose garden is a surprisingly quiet spot for a walk when everything is in bloom.
The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and it’s completely free to enter.
How to Spend a Day at Lorenzi Park
- Morning: Hit the tennis courts early before the Vegas sun starts cooking the asphalt.
- Midday: Take a walk around the twin lakes. Check out the bridges and the band shell on the island.
- Afternoon: If you have kids, the splash pad is a lifesaver. If not, bring a blanket and find a spot under one of the old-growth trees near the Sammy Davis Jr. Plaza.
- Evening: Look for a local event or concert. The acoustics in the plaza are surprisingly good for an outdoor venue.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Event Calendar: Before you go, visit the City of Las Vegas website to see if there’s a festival at the Sammy Davis Jr. Plaza.
- Get Your License: If you plan on fishing, grab a one-day or annual Nevada fishing license online through the Department of Wildlife (NDOW).
- Pack a Cooler: There aren't many food options inside the park itself, so bring your own water and snacks. There are plenty of shaded picnic tables and grills available on a first-come, first-served basis.