Art, automotive history, historic neighborhoods, and riverside activities offer different ways to shape a stay in Reno. Compare the options based on your interests, without having to follow a set itinerary.
Art, Collections, and Architecture
The Nevada Museum of Art is Nevada’s only art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Accreditation status can change; if it matters to your choice, check it before your visit. The permanent collection is organized into four thematic areas: the Robert S. and Dorothy J. Keyser Art of the Greater West Collection, the Carol Franc Buck Altered Landscape Photography Collection, the Modern and Contemporary Art Collection, and the E. L. Wiegand Work Ethic in American Art Collection. The names reflect the collection’s breadth—from art of the American West and landscape photography to modern and contemporary art.
The building itself also draws on a landscape reference: its design was inspired by the geological formations of the Black Rock Desert. The architecture and collection areas offer two different starting points for a visit: the design of the building and the thematic variety of the works.
Automotive History and Exhibitions
The National Automobile Museum opened on November 5, 1989. It displays more than 240 cars, set amid authentic street scenes and complemented by fitting sound effects. The self-guided tour passes through historic street scenes, galleries, exhibitions, and displays. Visitors interested in vehicles can consider not only the number of cars, but also how they are presented as part of the museum experience.
The Discovery offers 67,000 square feet of permanent and changing exhibitions. It also hosts events and programs for all age groups. Unlike museums focused on art or automotive history, The Discovery combines its exhibitions with a broad range of events and programs.
City History Along Independent Routes
The University of Nevada, Reno National Historic District includes the Quad, Manzanita Lake, and 13 historic buildings. Reno is also home to more than 150 historic markers. East 4th Street played an important and varied role in the city’s history for more than a century. A lively mix of businesses and residences has shaped the character of the MidTown neighborhood for nearly a century.
Digital tours cover different themes and are easy to distinguish by the number of stops: the Historic Riverfront Walking Tour has 20 stops, the Mansions on the Bluff Tour has 29, and the Historic MidTown Tour has 36. In the Mansions on the Bluff neighborhood, the historical story includes homes where three former U.S. senators lived. These tours offer different perspectives on the city’s history—from the riverfront to a residential neighborhood and MidTown.
Along the Truckee River and at the Whitewater Park
The Truckee River flows through downtown Reno. The Whitewater Park has 11 pools along a total length of 2,600 feet; the course is rated Class 2 to 3. Visitors can use kayaks, canoes, rafts, and tubes in the park.
The completed West McCarran to Sparks section of the Tahoe Pyramid Trail runs through the Riverwalk District and is 10.7 miles long. Trail conditions can change seasonally. Alongside museums and history, visitors can also choose a longer trail section and activities on the water.
Discover more destinations: Sparks, Cold Springs, Crystal Bay, Incline Village, Lemmon Valley-Golden Valley
Return to the broader travel overview: Washoe.
