The name Reno suggests casino gaming, celebrity performances, and 24 hour entertainment. High wire artists entertain nightly as do the country's top comics. Guests can watch live elephants perform and can dance into the early morning hours to the beat of their favorite rock group. A variety of activities areavailable around the clock, but the most spectacular events require no advance bookings. They are the sunrises and sunsets which are exhibited daily against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The colors of the mountains and the sky are beyond description. They leave the viewer breathless with wonder, and with a feeling of exhilaration at the same time. Even the most ardent devotee of western films shot on location, is amazed at the first sight of the "real thing." The camera lens has not been able to capture the essence of the profound beauty of these masterpieces of nature.
Exploring the Reno area takes patience of a kind that, once practiced, can yield tremendous benefits to the traveler. Much of our 21st century family travel involves attendance at mega attractions where the only thing standing between the visitor and a total assault on the senses via Imax, theme rides, and action figures is an hour or two of waiting in line for admission. The Reno experience is entirely different. It is possible to drive through the desert and only remember passing along through a hot, dry wilderness of ghost towns with museums and attractions that look like a C rated western movie set. This is where the patience comes in!
Prepare ahead of time for what will be a journey through land that was at the bottom of what was once an inland sea. Look around for the fertile farms, the snow capped mountain peaks, the lush valleys. Watch for the herds of wild horses and for the families of tortoises making their deliberate way. Stop at a park for a picnic and discover pines, firs, and wild strawberries. Enter into the spirit of the wild west by visiting Ponderosa Ranch in Incline Village and recalling the drama of episodes of the Bonanza TV show.
The main route across Nevada, I-80, runs from Salt Lake City to Reno, skirting dozens of small towns with names like Winnemucca, Elko, and Battle Mountain.
The other main route, US 50, is older and slower than I-80, but highly rated in terms of scenic beauty. It follows much the same route as did the riders of the Pony Express in the 1860s. Many of the towns along it have faded away, and some have been entirely abandoned. Yet, these pioneers made their mark, and the imagination is stirred by memories of their accomplishments. Take a day trip to Carson City, the state capitol of Nevada. There you will find the Nevada Railroad Museum. Visit the Stewart Indian Museum or take the walking tour and see all the historic buildings. There is a wide choice of restaurants and lots of shopping. US 50 comes into Carson City as Williams Street. US 50 passes by Nevada's only national park, Great Basin National Park in the eastern mountains.
From there it joins I-80 at Reno, and then veers off to the southwest to circle magnificent Lake Tahoe. The view of Lake Tahoe as approached from the mountain is incredible! If peaceful sight-seeing is your desire, you might want to venture out for the 72 mile drive around Lake Tahoe. Summer is the best time for this, as snow blocks some of the roads at other times of the year. On the drive, the diversity of the area is apparent. Snow capped mountain ranges (some peaks are 14.000 feet high) rise above magnificent beaches, and enclaves of multi-million dollar homes. Lake Tahoe offers a variety of winter sports such as alpine skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country skiing and dog sled rides. There is horseback riding, gambling, cruises on Lake Tahoe, and a chance to ride the cable car to the top of Squaw Valley.
Virginia City, not far from Tahoe, is an unusual place, and still has some musty corners that evoke its heyday, when it was far larger and a history-making mining town. Virginia City is on the side of a mountain, and elevated, providing a great view of the desert and surrounding hills.
One last main route, US-95, links Reno and Las Vegas, passing near Death Valley as well as Nevada's best known ghost town, Goldfield.
If you fly to Reno, a car won't be necessary. Everything is within a few blocks as far as casinos go. The casinos on the outskirts of town have shuttle service every half hour at no charge. For fun for the whole family, take a trip to Circus Circus Midway Stage. Young and old alike get caught up in the excitement of the carnival style arcade at the Midway where there is a chance to win stuffed toy animals and other prizes at the more than 30 games available. Wild Island Family Adventure Park, has eight water adventures, two miniature golf courses and a variety of racetracks in its Formula K Raceway.
In order to take advantage of the many outlet stores and do a little sightseeing around the area, rent a car for a day or two and explore. Reno is a beautiful city with much to see and do. It extends out toward the smaller city of Sparks. Reno and Sparks are one continuous urban area, but Sparks has its own separate character. Established in 1901 as a railroad maintenance depot, residents and businesses of Victorian Square in Sparks have created a turn-of-the century atmosphere with Victorian storefronts and a gazebo highlighting an entire area of shops, casinos and restaurants for visitors who enjoy the old time appeal.
The 1999 census reports an increase of over 23 percent in the population of Reno in the last ten years! The Biggest Little City in the World is, understandably, continuing to grow.
Settlement of Reno began in 1859 when a toll bridge was constructed over the Truckee River for pioneers on their way to California on the Humboldt Trail. Travelers followed the Truckee River up into the mountains north of Lake Tahoe and crossed the Sierra Nevada range at Donner Pass. This is basically the course of Route 80 today. Some of the property owners charged toll for the passage of people through their land. Myron Lake built a hotel, saloon and several miles of good road to steer the groups in his direction. When the silver mining boom began in Virginia City, Lake became wealthy, and the area became known as Lake's Crossing.
At about the same time that pioneers discovered Lake's Crossing, explorers Kit Carson and John C. Fremont happened to find Lake Tahoe. At 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and an average of 1,000 feet deep, Tahoe is one of the deepest fresh water lakes in the world.
Lake Tahoe had more than scenic value. The rich forests surrounding the lake supported a thriving lumber industry and supplied the timbers used to build the silver mines of the Comstock Lode. Many of Lake Tahoe's modern resort areas can trace their origins back to the days of the lumber camps.
Much of the wealth on which Carson City and San Francisco were built came from the silver mines of the Comstock Lode, a solid seam of pure silver discovered underneath Mount Hamilton, fourteen miles east of Carson City off US50, in 1859. Rough and tumble Virginia City grew up on the steep slopes above the mines, and a young writer named Samuel Clemens made his way there from the east with his older brother, the acting Secretary to the Governor of the Nevada Territory to write about it. His descriptions of the wild life of the mining camp, and of the desperately hard work men put in to get at the valuable ore, were published years later under his pseudonym, Mark Twain. His tales of Virginia City life, collected in Roughing It, form a hilarious eyewitness account of the irreverent, hard-drinking life of the frontier miners.
With his new wealth, Myron Lake had purchased much of the land surrounding his original property. When the Central Pacific Railroad came through, Lake offered to donate the land the railroad needed if they would build a passenger depot and freight station on part of it. The deal was struck in 1868, and Lake's foresight insured that Lake's crossing (now Reno) would become an established municipality. The town was renamed for a Union general killed in the Civil War, Jesse Reno. Silver, and the railroads, turned Reno into a bustling town and led to settlement of the neighboring town of Sparks.
As the mining boom ended, Reno sought to remain economically viable through social vices that already existed in the mining camps. Prostitution and gambling were being legislated out of California, but were allowed in Reno. During Prohibition, Reno welcomed the illegal speakeasies and even became a place where gangsters profiting from the illegal sale of alcohol could launder their money. The other major industry was divorce. Many states had strict rules that made divorces almost impossible to obtain. Reno instituted a short 6 month residency requirement after which those seeking a divorce could obtain one automatically, as long as they had the required cash to pay for it. This was later reduced to three months and then to 6 weeks. A natural adjunct to the quick divorce was the rapid marriage. In Reno there was (and is) no waiting period for the eager bride and groom.
Wealthy socialites flocked to Reno, and the city proudly installed an arch over the entrance proclaiming it to be "The Biggest Little City in the World." Today the fourth generation of the famous Reno Arch greets the millions of visitors who flock to the city each year.
Hit hard by the Great Depression, Nevada took a chance in 1931 and became the first state to legalize gaming. It was a gamble that would pay off for the growing town of Reno.
The first skiers in the Reno/Tahoe area were gold miners from Scandinavia who introduced the long wooden boards as a means of transportation in the mid 1800s. With deep snow blocking roads and trails during the winter, the mail was carried on skis in those early pioneer days. Between 1856 and 1876 the legendary Snowshoe Thompson made the trip from Placerville, California, to Genoa, Nevada, twice a month, lugging about 100 pounds of mail. During the winter months, Thompson was able to get through the rugged mountainous terrain by strapping on hefty 10-foot long skis that weighed about 25 pounds. Although skiing was simply utilitarian in the beginning, it wasn't long before it became a recreational sport with lifts, competitions and established resorts.
Since Reno and Sparks get much less snow than the Lake Tahoe Basin (usually not more than a total of two feet for the whole winter season), it's not unusual to play golf in Reno or Sparks and ski in the nearby mountains in the same day.
Today Reno/Lake Tahoe is considered by many to be America's most complete vacation destination. The area's unique combination of indoor and outdoor attractions draws visitors from around the world.
Places to Visit
Animal Ark
1265 Deerlodge Rd., Reno
take U.S. Highway 395 north to the Red Rock Road exit, turn north on Red Rock Road and drive 11.5 miles to Deerlodge, turn right and continue for 1 mile.
(775) 969-3111
The Ark is open daily from 10 - 4:30 April 1 - October 31. Admission charged
Animal Ark is a wildlife sanctuary and nature center that shelters animals that don't have the skills to survive on their own. Disabled and orphaned animals such as gray wolves, bobcats, bears, snow leopards and Arctic foxes live in natural surroundings at the Ark. Aside from the animals, the educational displays scattered around the grounds make it an especially appealing learning experience for children.
Although most people can't own a wild animal as a pet, you can do the next thing by adopting one at the Ark. Through their adoption program, you can help pay for the care and feeding of such residents as Mignon, the kit fox, or Shere Khan, the tiger, or Whoopi, the peregrine falcon.
Circus Circus Midway Stage
500 N. Sierra St., Reno, Nev.
(800) 648-5010
When Circus Circus Hotel/Casino opened in Reno in 1978, casino patrons were astonished to see trapeze artists and high-wire walkers performing right above their heads as they placed their table bets and pulled the handles of slot machines. The age of the total entertainment concept had been born, complete with an enormous clown as a logo and a pink-and-white-striped circus tent enveloping portions of the building.
Although structural changes during the years have made the circus acts less visible from the casino floor, they can be optimally viewed from the Midway section of the casino. Young and old alike are drawn to the carnival-style arcade at the Midway where they can win stuffed toy animals and other prizes at the more than 30 games available. The circus acts are free and can be seen daily throughout the year from 11 AM to midnight.
Fleischmann Planetarium
1650 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 784-4812
the telescope of the public observatory is available on clear Friday nights throughout the year from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.
Admission to the museum, gift shop and observatory is free. Theater prices are $6 for persons ages 13 through 59 and $4 for children younger than 13 and persons 60 and older. The building is open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8 - 8 . call for listings and schedule.
Located on a knoll overlooking the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, Fleischmann Planetarium looks like a saucer-shaped spaceship that has just touched down. Its curious shape is actually a hyperbolic paraboloid canopy that covers the elliptical interior of the building.
Inside you can see all three meteorites found within Nevada, or find out what your real weight would be on the planet Venus, or see how a black hole acts in space. These and many other exhibits are on display in the Astronomical Museum. For many visitors, the real space experience takes place in the domed theater on the lower level where you can see spectacular films about nature and the universe. Lean back and relax in the reclining loge chairs while the show unfolds all around you on the Skydome 8/70 screen
Mining Machine at Silver Legacy Resort Casino
407 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 329-4777, (800) 687-8733
Admission is free.
Showcasing Nevada's silver mining heritage, the automated mining machine at Silver Legacy Resort Casino is a working model of how ore might have been processed in the 1800s. Towering 120 feet above the main casino floor, the machine is continuously in motion with pumping bellows, steam engines and running ore wagons. Designed so that human hands wouldn't touch the metal throughout the process, the finished product is coins spewing out near the Silver Baron's Bar and Lounge.
Although the resort created a fictitious tale of a miner named Sam Fairchild to explain the development of the machine, it doesn't have to be historically accurate to be appreciated. From an engineering standpoint alone, it's fascinating to see all the parts working together. >From noon - 11 Ppm daily, the dome is the backdrop for the Legend of the Legacy Laser Show, a spectacular, but also whimsical production of how the West was won, Reno-style.
Mount Rose Highway
Nev. Hwy. 431, from Reno to Incline Village, Nev.
In Reno take U.S. 395 south to the junction of Nev. Highway 431 (Mount Rose Highway) and follow the signs to North Shore Lake Tahoe.
Beginning at an elevation of 4,498 feet, the road gradually climbs for a few miles through the desert on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. But at about 6,000 feet in elevation, the terrain changes dramatically from high desert to alpine forest. Huge conifer and red fir trees dominate the landscape as the road begins to twist and turn toward the summit. As you climb higher, you are treated with magnificent views of Reno and Sparks to the north and Washoe Lake to the south. Near the summit is the Mount Rose-Ski Tahoe ski resort with a base elevation of 8,260 feet.
You are rewarded with your first glimpse of Lake Tahoe several miles farther as you pass the sign that reads, "Mt. Rose Summit, Elevation 8,900, Highest Year-Round Sierra Pass." Surrounded by snowcapped peaks, the size and beauty of the lake can take your breath away. As the road descends to lake level at 6,225 feet you'll drive through the Tahoe Meadows, an alpine paradise for hikers, skiers and snowmobilers The road is narrow and dropoffs on the sides can be very steep.
Since driving in the mountains in winter can be hazardous, it is always wise to call ahead for road conditions. For the most updated information on Nevada roads call (775) 793-1313.
National Automobile Museum
10 Lake St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 333-9300
Housing the most comprehensive public display of cars in the western hemisphere, the museum presents a singular history of the automobile and its role in American society. Four authentic street scenes representing each quarter of the 20th century take visitors back in time to experience American history. The real-life scenes are complete with the cars, architecture and memorabilia of the eras.
On Turn-of-the-Century Street you can see a realistic blacksmith's shop, illustrating the gradual change in transportation from horses to cars. On the 1930s Street you can watch Milton Berle and Ronald Reagan on a vintage television set.
Adjoining galleries contain the remainder of the more than 200 antique, vintage, classic and special interest cars in the collection. Of particular interest to many visitors are the cars previously owned by celebrities, such as Elvis Presley's 1973 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe, John Wayne's 1953 Corvette and James Dean's 1949 Mercury.
National Bowling Stadium
300 N. Center St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 334-2695
Described by the American Bowling Congress as the "Taj Mahal of tenpins," the National Bowling Stadium is the world's largest bowling facility. Used primarily for ABC and other tournaments, this ultramodern stadium has 80 Brunswick lanes and state-of-the-art scoring equipment and acoustics.
Nevada Historical Society
1650 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 688-1190
Monday - Friday from 10- 5 and the library is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4. Admission to the museum is $2 for adults.
As Nevada's oldest museum, the Nevada Historical Society provides ongoing support and preservation for the state's fabulous heritage. In its newly renovated building near the Fleischmann Planetarium, you can take a walk on the historical side through fascinating displays of how such things as mining, gaming, ranching and various ethnic groups molded the state's unique society. Of special interest is the million-dollar exhibit of rare baskets made by famous Washoe basket maker, Dat-So-La-Lee New to the museum with the remodeling is a diarama of a typical general store, complete with all the goods stocking the shelves. The society also sponsors a provocative variety of ongoing educational events throughout the year, such as lectures, trips and gala exhibits.
Pyramid Lake
Take a drive out to Pyramid Lake, roughly 26 miles north of Reno on a fast road ( no mountain roads with twists and turns to negotiate). It's a vestige of Lake Lahontan, an ancient lake that filled much of northern Nevada a very long time ago. It is spectacular, and a great contrast to Tahoe because it is a desert lake. It's a thrill just to experience the vista into which the road curves you before it descends to the lakeshore.
Reno Arch
N. Virginia St. and Commercial Row, Reno, Nev.
Blazing with 800 feet of neon tubing and 1,600 lights, it welcomes visitors in grand style to "The Biggest Little City in the World." The slogan was the result of a 1929 contest conducted by the mayor to publicize the city. The slogan stuck and the Arch has been the identifying landmark for Reno ever since. It has been redesigned and replaced several times; the present structure was erected in 1987. An older arch constructed mainly of steel and lit with neon is at 10 Lake Street next to the National Automobile Museum.
Reno Tahoe Gaming Academy 215 S. Wells Ave., Reno, Nev.
(775) 329-5665
Visitors are welcome after 1 PM Monday -Thursday throughout the year, but are requested to call ahead for reservations. The cost is $10 for two hours of instruction.
Do you want to play craps, 21, roulette or poker, but don't have a clue how to place a bet or what the rules of the games are? For a mere $10 and two hours of your time, you can learn the basics behind the scenes where dealers are trained. At the Reno Tahoe Gaming Academy, student trainees practice newly acquired skills in game settings (putting just chips, not money, on the line).
Under the supervision of the training director, visitors can learn to play in a comfortable, risk-free environment. Then, armed with the strategies of the games, you can hit the casino tables with more than just your pocketbook and a desire to win.
Sierra Safari Zoo
10200 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 677-1101
take the Red Rock Road Exit off U.S. 395 about 8 miles north of Reno. Turn left and go underneath the underpass to the second road and then turn left again.
Daily April - October 10 - 5
Admission charged.
Nestled at the base of Peavine Mountain, the zoo offers a rare "up-close and personal" opportunity to interact with more than 200 exotic animals, all in a natural setting. Free to roam behind security fences, most of the animals have been born and raised in captivity. Many are exceptionally gentle and tolerant to human touch. Visitors can view 40 different species from around the world, including muntjacks (deer from India), rheas (flightless birds from Argentina), audads (sheep from the Middle East) and servals (cats from the African savannas).
Children especially enjoy the petting section of the zoo, where they can wander among the animals to pet and feed them. Dedicated to the propagation and preservation of animals, the zoo is nonprofit and staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Zoo workers have named all the animals, such as Elvira, the North American alligator who is affectionately known as "the lizard with an attitude."
The Wilbur May Center
1502 Washington St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 785-5961
The Wilbur May Center in Rancho San Rafael Park has something for everyone. It's a museum, an arboretum and an adventure park. The son of David May, founder of the May Department Stores Company, Wilbur D. May lived in Reno from 1936 until his death in 1982. A philanthropist dedicated to the welfare of children, Wilbur D. May's legacy lives on through the foundation that built and maintains the center.
Designed as a comfortable ranch-style home, the Wilbur D. May Museum showcases May's eclectic collection of memorabilia gathered from his more than 40 trips around the world. An avid art and antique collector, May acquired such treasures as rare T'ang Dynasty pottery, primitive African artwork and Egyptian scarabs The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden contains pools, waterfalls and a xeriscape garden of plants indigenous to the high desert climate. Designed especially for children ages 2 through 12, the Wilbur D. May Great Basin Adventure has a petting zoo, pony rides and a log flume ride.
Admission to the museum is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and children ages 3 through 12 and free to children younger than 3. Hours are 10 AM until 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday during the summer and Wednesday through Sunday during the winter. The adventure park is open from 10 AM until 5 PM daily, except Monday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission costs $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 3 though 12. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. There is no charge to view the botanical garden.
Truckee River Walk
Arlington and Island aves., Reno, Nev.
On its route from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River flows through Reno, bringing much-needed water to the desert environment. The river provides a fertile habitat for a wide variety of wildlife as well as a delightful place for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors.
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the river is to take the Truckee River Walk in either direction from Wingfield Park on Arlington and Island avenues. Heading west, the walk meanders past old Victorian homes shaded by huge elms and cottonwoods and then enters Idlewild Park with its rose garden, children's playland and ponds full of waterfowl. From here it continues on for several miles past Oxbow Park to Chrissie Caughlin Park on W. McCarran Boulevard.
Going east through the business section of downtown, the path wanders through a variety of other small parks to finally end near Vista Boulevard east of Sparks. The distance from Chrissie Caughlin Park to Vista Boulevard is about 10 miles. As you walk along, keep your eyes peeled for the many birds that live here, such as flycatchers, mallards, belted kingfishers, hawks and Canada geese. And don't be surprised at the number of anglers trying their luck, as the Truckee is considered a premium fishing stream (see our Fishing and Hunting chapter).
Bikes and RollerBlades are welcome on the path, but motorized vehicles are not. Dogs need to be leashed, and owners are expected to clean up after them. See our Parks chapter for more details about Wingfield and Idlewild parks.
Sparks Museum
820 Victorian Ave., Sparks, Nev.
(775) 355-1144
11- 4 Tuesday - Friday and 1 - 4 Saturday and Sunday.
admission to the museum is free; donations are welcomed
In 1904 Sparks was the busiest railroad terminal between Ogden, Utah, and Sacramento, California. Its location near the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains was strategic for the large steam engines that pulled trains over the mountain passes to the valleys in California. Much of the city's early history is tied to the railroad, including its nickname, Rail City.
The Sparks Museum allows visitors to step back in time and experience those turn-of-the-century railroad days. Much of the memorabilia is railroad oriented, such as the model train collection that begins with the DeWitt Clinton and ends with the last of the steam-driven engines. Other displays include a barbershop with a collection of 200 razors and a full-sized Amish-type carriage, circa 1910. While the displays are not elaborate, history buffs will love the variety and attention to detail.
Victorian Square
Victorian Ave., Sparks, Nev.
take Interstate 80 east and exit on Rock Boulevard. Turn left on Rock and then right on Victorian Avenue.
When the citizens of Sparks decided to revitalize their downtown area some years ago, they selected a colorful turn of the century theme appropriate to the Rail City's history. The result was Victorian Square, a four-block area featuring a bandstand gazebo, Victorian-style storefronts and streetlights, park benches, a fountain and a 14-screen movie theater complex. Also in keeping with the historical theme is the Glendale School at the east end of the square. Constructed in 1864 on a nearby ranch, it is the oldest remaining school building in Nevada. It was relocated to the square in 1993. Victorian Square is the place to be for special events, such as the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off, Hot August Nights and the Hometowne Christmas. On Thursdays from June through September you can buy fresh produce and enjoy cooking demonstrations and musical events at the Hometowne Farmers Market 4 - 9 June through August and 4-8 in September.
Wild Island Family Adventure Park
250 Wild Island Ct., Sparks, Nev.
(775) 359-2927
Wild Island Family Adventure Park has more than enough excitement to keep the family entertained all day long. With eight exciting water adventures, two miniature golf courses and a variety of racetracks in the Formula K Raceway, it's hard to decide which adventure to tackle first. Admission to the museum is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and children ages 3 through 12 and free to children younger than 3. Hours are 10 AM until 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday during the summer and Wednesday through Sunday during the winter. The adventure park is open from 10 AM until 5 PM daily, except Monday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission costs $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 3 though 12. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. There is no charge to view the botanical garden.
