Cactus Garden Inside A Chocolate Factory: Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (Henderson, Nevada)

Posted by Grace on February 9, 2023

Quick Facts

Location: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014 (Map)
Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Daily, Year Around
Cost: Free
Kid Friendly: Yes
Dog Allowed: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible parking lot and entrance

The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is a 3-acre botanical garden, Nevada's largest and one of the world's most prolific collections of its kind. It is located in Henderson, Nevada, just a 20-minute drive from Las Vegas.

History of Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden

The garden, like the factory, are named after Ethel G Mars, first wife of Frank C. Mars and mother of Forrest Mars Sr.

Frank C. Mars and Forrest Mars Sr. were the founders of the food company Mars, Inc. The father-son duo developed the famous M&Ms and Mars bar.

Forrest Mars Sr. retired from the family business in 1969, but out of boredom and in honor of his mother, Ethel, he founded the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in 1978.

The garden was created to showcase the beauty of the Mojave Desert and its unique cactus species.

Plant Varieties

The garden features over 300 species of cacti and other desert plants, which are arranged in themed sections and displayed in a way that showcases the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. The garden also serves as a source of inspiration for visitors, who can learn about the plants, their uses, and the importance of preserving the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it continues to be a testament to Forrest Mars Sr.'s commitment to preserving the beauty of the desert and honoring his mother's memory.

Cacti in Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (Source)

Purple Pancake cacti in Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (Source)

My Experience

My family took a vacation to Las Vegas in April 2021 and visited the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden. I absolutely loved it!

For succulent lovers, if you are visiting Las Vegas, be sure to stop by this garden. Get a cup of coffee and some chocolate from the shop and take a stroll through the cactus garden for a true heavenly experience.

Ethel M Chocolate Samples