This Unique Cactus Garden In Nevada Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

If you're looking for a fun and interesting day trip that you can take while visiting Las Vegas, then you'll love the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden in Henderson at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. This three-acre cactus is open to the public and is free of charge, just like the chocolate factory itself. It's a lovely place to wander around for an hour or more and afterwards you can tour the chocolate factory as well. Read on to learn more about this fun day trip in Nevada.

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden are named after Ethel G Mars, the first wife of Frank C. Mars, creator of M&Ms and the Mars candy bar.

The cactus garden, which is adjacent to the chocolate factory, opened in 1981.

It contains over 350 difference species of cactus and succulents. About half of these species are native to the American southwest; the rest come from Australia and South America.

Some of the species in this cactus garden include the giant saguaro, barrel cactus, prickly pear cactus, twisted acacia, and others.

You'll be amazed by the variety of cactus species in this garden and you can learn more about them by reading the signage while you stroll through the garden.

Some of the plants you'll see here are very unique and interesting and may be different than any other cactus species you've encountered before.

The variety is amazing and beautiful.

Some even look soft enough to pet - but don't touch them - you'll be sorry!

Some are incredibly colorful and really pop with colors you rarely see in nature.

There are numerous species that flower, and if you visit at the right time of year, you'll be blown away by their exceptional beauty.

A visit to this incredible cactus garden is certainly memorable and it's the perfect way to spend a sunny day in Nevada.

During the holiday season and again during the Valentine's Day season, the garden is decorated with lights at night. These events are also free, and it's yet another magical way to enjoy this cactus garden.

When you're done looking at and enjoying these plants, you can head into the Ethel M Chocolate Factory to see how the chocolate is made and to have a satisfying chocolate snack!

The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is a hidden gem that's only about 30 minutes from The Las Vegas Strip. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of all that Las Vegas is, this cactus garden and chocolate factory is a great place to spend some time. You'll love it!