Reno, NV

What to do in Reno, NV

Sierra Safari Zoo

With over 120 animals and 40 different species, this zoo is the largest in Nevada. Run by the Sierra Nevada Zoological Society, the park has a wide variety of exotic animals from around the world, including big cats, reptiles, tropical birds, and monkeys.

Animal Ark

This is another great place to see exotic animals, and the wildlife sanctuary serves as both a nature center and educational facility for schools and visitors. New exhibits contain native trees and rocks, ponds, and glass-covered viewing areas, so as not to disturb the owls, foxes, bears, and mountain lions.

Nevada Museum of Art

The NMA is not only the oldest, but also the only accredited art museum in the state. With over 1,500 paintings, drawings, sculpture, and other pieces, the permanent collection emphasizes the environment of the West, with an aesthetic appreciation for the land. The historical collection boast pieces by renowned artists like Francisco Goya and Wayne Thiebaud, while the Sierra Nevada/Great Basin collection focuses on local artists that deal with geographical and philosophical issues.

Skiing

The largest concentration of ski resorts in North America is in nearby Lake Tahoe, with 23,060 acres, 156 lifts, and over 750 trails. And not only is the range of skiing enormous, but the ski season lasts well into April.

Golfing

The high altitude of this area in Nevada makes the golf ball fly, and the industry has exploited this advantage with over 40 beautiful golf courses in the area. One of the most popular is Wildcreek, which has a gorgeous 9 holes overlooking the water and another 9 in the shadow of the hills.

Pyramid Lake

One of the largest and most beautiful desert lakes in the world, this is the remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, which used to cover most of the entire state of Nevada. Only here and in South America's Lake Titicaca can you find the prehistoric Cui-ui fish. Pyramid Lake is great for fishing Lahontan cutthroat trout, where the 41-pound world record catch was made.

National Automobile Museum

With more than 220 antique, vintage, and classic cars, this unique museum dazzles and intrigues not only car enthusiasts but also children and adults alike. The multimedia theater and automotive research library educate on the history of cars, while the Masterpiece Circle and other exhibits display one-of-a-kind models.

Bowling

There is only one National Bowling Stadium, and it's in Reno. Tournaments, events, and famous bowlers like Betty Morris, 1970s Bowler of the Decade, and Walter Ray Williams Jr, play here regularly on the Professional Bowling Association circuit. The Los Angeles Times called the NBS the "Taj Mahal of Tenpins," and USA Today dubbed it the "Pin Palace." The 4-story lobby leads to 78 lanes, with Brunswick's 30mph high-tech ball return, and the world's longest video screen displaying the scores.

Amusement Parks

There are a couple great theme parks in and around Reno, such as Wild Island, known as northern Nevada's tropical paradise. This park features 10 outdoor water rides, a wave pool, volleyball court, mini-golf, mini-race track, and other rides. The Great Basin Adventure is a children's theme park with a log flume ride, a petting zoo, and a pony ride, among interesting exhibits that explore the mining and dinosaur discoveries around the state.

Lake Tahoe

The surreal landscape of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada and the gorgeous lake make for the top outdoor destination in America, with loads of skiing, hiking, riding, and biking. The Tahoe Rim Trail (150 miles long) circles the Tahoe Basin, and the Mt. Rose trail (12 miles) takes hikers up to the top of Mt. Rose for amazing views.