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Attractions in Reno
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, they can do the next thing by adopting one at the Ark. Through their adoption program, they 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. There is an admission charge at the Theater. 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 charged 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. There is also a diarama of a typical general store, complete with all the goods stocking the shelves.
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 to experience the vista into which the road curves just 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.
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 fee 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."
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