Best Things to Do in Reno and Lake Tahoe

Take a Drive, Visit a Museum, and Many More Activities

Jan 13, 2009 Sherril Steele-Carlin

Enjoy the great outdoors, the arts, history, and family fun in Reno and Lake Tahoe. These are the best things to enjoy during a trip to the Truckee Meadows.

What are some of the best things to do in Reno and Lake Tahoe during a visit? Well, it all depends on personal interests of course, but there is plenty to do here in Northern Nevada outside of the casinos and shows. Sure, they are fun, and the reason a whole lot of people make the trip here, but they certainly aren't the only thing to do when visiting Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Take the Drive Around Lake Tahoe

It is absolutely not allowed to visit Reno and not take the beautiful 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe! Not visiting this mountain jewel would be a shame, it's one of the world's most beautiful places, and it's right in Reno's backyard. No wonder Mark Twain called it a place where the air is so pure the angels breathe it! Visit Lake Tahoe, even if it's the only thing to see during the trip to Northern Nevada.

Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Nevada State Museum in Carson City

Take the short drive south to Carson City and take in the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Nevada State Museum. The railroad museum has an ever-growing collection of Virginia & Truckee cars and engines, along with many other historic items that will delight any train buff. The State Museum is remodeled and beautiful, and be sure to take in the underground mine tour in the basement! Carson City is Nevada's capital, to see where all the lawmaking gets done, too. The Nevada State Railroad Museum is located at 2180 South Carson Street. Call 775-687-6953 for more information. The Nevada State Museum is located at 600 North Carson Street, call 775-687-4810 for more information.

The Whitewater Park on the Truckee

Kayakers and even non-kayakers shouldn't miss at least a visit to the whitewater park on the Truckee River in downtown Reno. Visit it by walking along the River Walk anywhere in downtown, from Wingfield Park south. The City constructed the park just for kayakers to run whitewater rapids, rills, and thrills, and it's just as much fun to watch expert kayakers run the river. Enjoy the view from the patio at Lexie's on the River in the Siena Casino and Spa. The Siena is located at 1 South Lake Street, call 775-321-5831 for more information.

Day Trip to Truckee and Donner Lake

Take the 30-mile drive west on Interstate 80 to Truckee, and find a very different quaint little California town. Main Street is almost like it was over 100 years ago. There are shops, restaurants, museums, and great scenery to enjoy. Head past Truckee to Donner Lake, where the infamous Donner Party spent the winter. Visit the Donner Lake Museum and visit the meadow behind the museum for a short nature hike. Take a dip in Donner Lake, too.

Take in a Gallery

Downtown Reno has blossomed into an area celebrating arts and the good life. There are numerous galleries in the downtown area, from the Nevada Museum of Art on Liberty Street, to nearby galleries on First Street, California Avenue, South Virginia Street, and beyond. Pick up a "Truckee River Arts District Map" at just about any downtown merchant, and take in the arts downtown.

Cruise the M.S. Dixie in Lake Tahoe

Cruise Lake Tahoe from the decks of a historical paddle-wheeler. A favorite cruise is the breakfast cruise north to Glenwood, where the pilings from the docks that helped get timber to the Comstock Lode in the 1870s are still visible. Watch for the Maiden of the Lake, and some absolutely stunning scenery. The M.S. Dixie leaves from Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina, call 800-23-TAHOE or 775-589-4906 for information.

The copyright of the article Best Things to Do in Reno and Lake Tahoe in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Sherril Steele-Carlin. Permission to republish Best Things to Do in Reno and Lake Tahoe in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Truckee River Whitewater Park