About
So you're on a Henderson, Nevada, vacation looking for something the entire family can enjoy in Las Vegas. Naturally, this must be easy on the pocketbook and cater to young and old alike. If this sounds like you, the Bellagio Fountain is calling your name!
Before you scoff at the idea, let me share some history and facts about his iconic water fountain. Steve Wynn, a real estate developer, had the idea for the fountain and hired the design firm WET in 1995 to bring his dream to reality. The Bellagio Fountain opened in 1998 and became an instant "hit" on the Vegas Strip.
The Bellagio Fountain is one of the most expensive, taking $40 million to construct. It has an 8.5-acre artificial lake with the Bellagio Resort as the backdrop. Contractors used nearly 5 miles of pipe and 1,214 water nozzles, and 4,792 lights.
The result is a mesmerizing, jaw-dropping experience for the whole family. Water shoots skyward 1,000 feet, almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower! As if that's not enough, the geysers are timed to music ranging from Sinatra to Lady Gaga to Luciano Pavarotti.
You can see this spectacular sensory extravaganza Monday-Friday 3-8 PM every 30 minutes and every 15 minutes from 8 PM-Midnight. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the fountain runs from noon-8 PM every half hour and every fifteen minutes from 8 PM-Midnight.
Fun Facts & Cool Features
I was on a family vacation and was looking for attractions we could enjoy in Henderson, Nevada, which isn't an easy task when on a tight budget and with a wide range of ages. I'd heard about visiting the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas but waved it off as boring. And then, I did some research and became excited at the prospect of seeing this iconic fountain.
I was amazed at what I learned. The "pool" for the Bellagio Fountain is designed after Lake Como in Italy and contains 22 million gallons of water. Designers tapped into an underground well to disrupt or strain the Colorado River that supplies the Las Vegas Valley.
Stages have been built on the lake for superstar entertainers like Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, allowing entertainers to incorporate the water spouts and dazzling lights into their shows. And I'd forgotten that the fountain was in blockbuster movies like Ocean's 11 and Jason Bourne.
I fed my newfound knowledge to my family, whose skepticism faded into exuberance. We went at night for the full effect of lights, music, and water and arrived ten minutes before the show.
The Bellagio Fountain was one of our family's vacation highlights. Watching the timed water jet into the air and to such heights had us awestruck. And what I loved about this adventure is that aside from parking, it was free!
If you don't mind driving to Vegas, the Bellagio Fountain is one of the best outdoor activities in the Henderson, Nevada area.
Getting There
From Henderson, Nevada, get on I-215 W. Follow I-215 W/I-15 N to W Flamingo Road in Paradise. Take exit 38 and stay on W Flamingo Road until you reach Las Vegas Blvd.
Bellagio Fountain is at 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd
Local Tips
- The least crowded times are in the afternoons
- The Bellagio and other hotels offer rooms with views of the fountain
- The best place to park is the Paris Hotel across the street from the Bellagio
- Swimming is not allowed
- Yes, you may throw coins into the fountain
