Adventure Center opens its doors

It’s been nearly two decades since Boulder City Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Rowland Lagan first brought up the concept of having a one-stop shop for outdoor adventures.

Last Wednesday, that concept became a reality.

With several elected officials, including Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Rep. Danielle Gallant and Mayor Joe Hardy on hand, as well as dozens of invited guests, attendees got their first look at the new Travel Nevada Adventure Center, which is next to the chamber office. It was said that it’s the first of its kind in the nation, and will be duplicated in Carson City next year.

“Today’s really about opening doors,” Rafael Villaneuva, CEO of Travel Nevada, told the crowd. “Sometimes the challenge isn’t convincing someone that they want an adventure, it’s helping them to figure out how to get that adventure. And that’s what this center is designed to do.”

According to a release, the Adventure Centers are backed by a $3.7 million Economic Development Administration award, which was granted through a competitive, merit-based selection process—part of more than $7 million invested to develop the Boulder City and Carson City facilities on existing state-owned land. That investment supports an outdoor recreation economy that generated nearly $1.7 billion in visitor spending in 2025, when visitation to Nevada State Parks, Great Basin National Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area topped 10.5 million for the second consecutive year.

Rowland Lagan said the idea of having the adventure businesses in one location was first discussed 18 years ago but it wasn’t until recent years when the funding had become available.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the original tour and attraction operators that came to the very first meeting 18 years ago to better understand this concept of a one-stop,” she said, naming a few of those businesses, which are still around today. “I can honestly say it was the first meeting I had ever hosted that every operator in this space was in attendance. That truly never happens. But it tells me how much interest there was in this story and the value of cooperation.”

Gallant, who now calls Boulder City home, said she appreciates the outdoor activities available to residents and visitors.

“As an elected official, we come and go but Jill, you’re a constant here and Boulder City wouldn’t be what it is today without you,” she said. “We have so much to be grateful for, so please don’t ever leave us.”

Each speaker praised Rowland Lagan for the work she did to see this project to fruition.

Anthony, who serves as chairman of the Nevada Tourism Commission, was in Boulder City just last month to help dedicate the opening of the Nevada State Railroad Museum’s new visitor center. He said outdoor tourism continues to grow in Nevada and is a crucial part of the state’s economy.

“Thank you to Boulder City. You are the heart and soul of outdoor recreation here in Nevada, especially here in Southern Nevada, and everything you do to promote outdoor recreation,” he said.

Like others, Titus praised Rowland Lagan for her work on this project.

“I want to acknowledge Jill Lagan. She is such an incredible person,” Titus said. “She has done such an amazing job of opening up Boulder City to the rest of the world and I do mean the world, while also preserving its special historic, small-town character. That’s quite a combination and feat.”

As the ceremony was winding down, Rowland Lagan was asked if the Adventure Center is somewhat like a child of hers who is now ready to go off to college.

“I love that analogy,” she said to the Review. “I feel like this is phase two with phase three seeing it become very successful and to see the small business owners be successful. To be able to watch them grow, especially a couple of start-ups who are here, will be very exciting. Success is what we’re always striving for.”

Those at the Adventure Center

The center, which broke ground nearly a year ago, will be home to more than a dozen outdoor tour companies in one location. These outdoor companies, mostly from Boulder City, but at least two from Las Vegas, will lease the spaces, one year each to start. A percentage of that rental fee will be put into a pot for advertising, of which each vendor will have a say on how and where it’s spent. In all, the new Boulder City center will employ 29 people.

The idea is that the businesses will work in conjunction with one another. If a customer signs up for an adventure with one company, they might see something else they would enjoy while visiting the area.

In addition, the center will be collaborating with a bus service that will pick up and return those staying at certain Las Vegas resorts for a nominal fee.

Seven businesses to date are confirmed as tenants at the center, offering a range of outdoor experiences and visitor services. They include:

• Canyon Riders LLC — E-bike rentals and tours

• Desert Adventures — Kayaking, hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures

• Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures — River rafting

• HPP Armory — Storage and locker rentals

• Lake Mead Cruises — Lunch and dinner sternwheeler cruises

• Loop Trail Rentals — E-bike rentals

• Papillon Airways — Scenic air tours

Jayme Waters, recreation manager of Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures, said the Adventure Center looks amazing and that they are excited to be a tenant.

“I joined the team about five years ago and they’ve been talking about this ever since,” she said. “I jumped on board because I like things that are cool, new and exciting. It’s kind of a no-brainer for us to be part of this, especially since it’s the first one in the entire country.”

Joyce Kehoe, vice president of operations for Desert Adventures, said owner Izzy Collette was one of the adventure tour owners who met with Rowland Lagan 18 years ago.

“They came up with this idea, so we’ve been looking forward to this ever since then,” Kehoe said. “By being here it will allow us to try new things like same-day trips. Right now, trips are booked at least 24 hours in advance but now we’re developing trips they can go on right now. They’ll be able to walk up to our window, and say, ‘I want to go on a kayaking trip on the lake’ and we’ll be able to say, ‘Yup, that leaves at 10 a.m.’ and sign them up.”