Reno, NV Area Guide

Reno is located in the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada. A 2006 estimate ranked Reno is the largest city in Northern Nevada, but is the third largest city in the state. Reno lies 26 miles north of the Nevada state capital, Carson City. Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World”, is famous for its casinos.
Reno’s Truckee Meadows and surrounding area provide unlimited indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Spectacular Lake Tahoe and the largest concentration of ski areas and ski facilities in the world are all within a fifty-mile radius. Biking, camping, hunting, fishing and mountain climbing are all activities Reno residents and visitors enjoy.

History
Charles W. Fuller built a log toll bridge in 1859 to provide the necessary connection between Virginia City and the California Trail across the Truckee River for both pioneers and gold-seekers alike. Soon, a small community to service travelers soon grew up near the bridge. When the Central Pacific Railroad reached Nevada from Sacramento in 1868, a deal was made to build a depot at Lake’s Crossing. On May 13, 1868, this town site was officially established as Reno (named after Civil War General Jesse Reno).  Then, in 1871 Reno got a lucky break and became the county seat of the newly expanded Washoe County.
Nevada’s legalization of casino gambling in 1931 and the passage of liberal divorce laws created another boom for Reno. However, the divorce business eventually died as the other states fell in line by passing their own laws easing the requirements for divorce, but gambling continued as a major Reno industry. Beginning in the 1950s, the need for economic diversification beyond gaming fueled a movement for more lenient business taxation.

Reno Parks and Recreation

Reno is home to a variety of recreation activities including both seasonal and year-round. In the summer, Reno locals can be found near three major bodies of water: Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake. Lake Tahoe provides visitors and locals with opportunities to fish, water-ski and wakeboard, parasail, jet-ski, and swim.  The Truckee River draws kayakers from all over the United States and is also a major part Artown, held in the summer at Wingfield Park, where locals and visitors come to swim, inner-tube, raft and enjoy local Reno culture. Washoe Lake is also a popular kite and windsurf location because of its high wind speeds during the summer.
There are approximately eight major ski resorts in Reno, including Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley Ski Resort, Sugar Bowl, Diamond Peak, Heavenly, and Mount Rose Ski Resort.  These provide opportunities for cross country skiing and snowboarding, as well as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.
Department of Parks and Recreation
Reno’s Department of Parks and Recreation provide a numerous parks, pathways, playgrounds and picnic shelters as well as trails and open spaces for residents and guests to explore.  More information about just a few of the many parks and recreations offered in Reno can be found at the links below.

Truckee River Whitewater Park
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=311

Dogs and Dog Parks
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=294

Skate Parks
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=394

Rose Garden at Idlewild Park
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=455

Teglia's Paradise Park Community Garden
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=457

Pools
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=1696

Ice rink
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=1695

Tennis
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=1694

Rosewood Lakes Golf Course
Rosewood Lakes Golf Course winds through sixty acres of federally protected wetlands, making for a pleasurable golf experience year-round.  Since the wetlands that the golf course is built on provides food, water and shelter to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl, golfers frequently get surprise visitors. Rosewood is a member of the USGA'S Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.  Four sets of tees with different ranges make the course challenging for all levels, even the most serious enthusiast.

Reno Attractions

Reno is home to many attractions that will you keep you busy all year long. Spend an afternoon at one of the many museums or check out one of the many sports teams. Reno is sure to have something to interest you!

West Street Market
The West Street Market is downtown Reno’s most anticipated addition! Artists, entertainment and eco-friendly themes make this urban market more than just fresh, delicious food.

National Automobile Museum
The museum features four authentic street scenes representing each quarter of the 20th century, a Changing Exhibits Gallery, Masterpiece Circle featuring themed car displays, 145 seat lecture hall, automotive shop which is open to the public, a world famous automotive research library, a museum store and free parking.

Nevada Museum of Art
The Nevada Museum of Art (NMA) strives to serve as a cultural resource for every member of our community. The Museum provides an opportunity for people of all ages to encounter, engage, and enjoy a wide variety of art experiences. The NMA focuses on its collections, education, and outreach as means to conserve, convey, and expand artistic knowledge.

Nevada Opera
Nevada Opera Association has thrived in Reno for over forty years.  Talented artists, musicians and production crew members come together to stage larger than life stories set to breath-taking music under current Artistic Director, Michael Borowitz.  An equally committed board of directors, office staff and crew of volunteers handles the business side of the house and ticket holders and donors to Nevada Opera complete the picture. 

Reno Aces
The Reno Aces are a minor league baseball franchise based in Reno, Nevada. The team is a member of the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Reno Bighorns
The Reno Bighorns are a team in the NBA Development League based in Reno, Nevada that began play for the 2008-09 season. Originally owned by David Kahn, operator of Southwest Basketball LLC. The Bighorns play their home games at the Reno Events Center.