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Lake Taoe Attractions and things to do

North Shore Lake Tahoe Cablecar at Squaw Valley USA

Calif. Hwy. 89, 6 mi. north of Tahoe City, Calif.

(530) 583-6955, (800) 545-4350

During ski season, the tram operates from 9 AM until 9 PM weekdays and from 8:30 AM until 9 PM weekends. Daily hours during the summer are 9:30 AM to 9 PM. The tram is closed from late September until mid-October.

Fanny Bridge

Junction of Calif. highways. 89 and 28, Tahoe City, Calif.

Fanny Bridge spans the Truckee River where it empties from Lake Tahoe on its journey toward Pyramid Lake. Also at this site is the concrete dam with 17 gates used to raise or lower the level of the lake. There are a number of enormous rainbow trout living in the waters around the bridge

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Junction of California Highways 89 and 28, Tahoe City, Calif.

(530) 583- 1762

Since 1986 the Federal Watermaster’s Office in Reno has regulated the level of the lake. Today the gatekeeper’s cabin is a museum showcasing Lake Tahoe’s past through natural history displays, stories of pioneers and priceless artifacts. Of particular interest are exhibits showing the effects of growth and pollution on the Tahoe Basin.

Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum

The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday, May 1 – June 15 and from Labor Day – October 1, and every day from June 16 through Labor Day. The hours are 11 – 5 . Although admission is free, donations are welcome.

The museum contains a collection of more than 800 baskets from native American tribes all over the country.

Ponderosa Ranch

100 Ponderosa Ranch Rd., Incline Village, Nevada

(775) 831-0691

9:30- 5 April – October, weather permitting. Breakfast hay wagons depart twice daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, at 8 and 9:30 AM. Since much of the activity at the ranch is outdoors, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and to bring along a jacket .

More than 500 million television viewers in 86 countries have relived the days of the wild West through the television series Bonanza. The Ponderosa Ranch at Lake Tahoe was selected as the setting for the show because of its spectacular scenery.

Step back in time to the post-Civil War era as you wander around the 12 acre downtown. It is authentic to the last detail, including the Silver Dollar Saloon advertising “meals 25 cents” the Old Time Photo Shop,and the gallows. Of particular interest is the variety of horse-drawn vehicles casually parked everywhere, as if their owners were in town shopping for the day.

The highlight of the ranch is the massive log structure used as the Cartwright family home. Outside, you can test your skill at the Moonshine Shootin’ Gallery, make new friends at the Petting Farm, pan for gold at the Lucky Bonanza Mine and ride a horse at the Pony Rides.

Watson Cabin Living Museum

560 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, Calif.

(530) 583-8717

Daily June 15 through Labor Day from noon – 4 . Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Built in 1909, the Watson Cabin Living Museum is the oldest building in Tahoe City. Listed in the National Register of Historic Homes, the cabin contains the first indoor private bathroom in Tahoe City, as well as antiques and collectibles from the turn of the century.

Parks

in the Lake Tahoe Basin:

Sugar Pine Point State Park – 530-525-7982 This beautiful Park fronts Lake Tahoe for 1-3/4 miles and features General Creek Campground (operated year-round), the Ehrman Mansion, Sugar Pine Point Nature Center, and over 2,000 acres of conifer forest. The park offers picnicking, hiking trails, fishing, sunbathing, and interpretive programs. The Sugar Pine Point Nature Center is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm through Labor Day. Ehrman Mansion, one of the most beautiful historic homes on Lake Tahoe, is open for guided tours July through Labor

D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Park Six miles of Lake Tahoe’s most rugged shoreline highlight these popular parks. Both have campgrounds and opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, and interpretive activities.

Vikingsholm Castle, the most popular attraction, (west end of Emerald Bay), is considered the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Guided tours are available daily, during the summer months from 10 am to 4 pm every half hour.

D.L. Bliss State Park has a beautiful beach on Rubicon Bay (and a trailhead for the Rubicon Point Trail that continues on to Vikingsholm).

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks:

Sand Harbor – 775-831-0494 Long sandy beaches, rocky coves, and panoramic lake views attract thousands of visitors to Sand Harbor. Swimming and Scuba Diving – Gently sloping beaches, crystal clear waters, and interesting rock formations make excellent areas for swimming and scuba-diving. Boating – The boat launch facility has two double ramps. A fee is charged. Parking is limited in the summer; when the lot is full, vehicles and trailers must park outside of Sand Harbor.

Spooner Lake and the Marlette/Hobart Backcountry This area contains 13,000 forested acres of park land and several alpine lakes. The blue waters of Spooner Lake adjoin aspen groves and mountain meadows dotted with wildflowers. Swimming is not recommended.

Cave Rock The day-use facility is located on US Hwy. 50, 3 miles south of Glenbrook, just south of the Cave Rock tunnel.

South Shore Lake Tahoe Aerial Tram at Heavenly Ski Resort

Heavenly Ski Resort, end of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

(800) 243-2836

During the summer season, the tram runs weekdays from 10 – 9 and weekends from 8:30 – 4 .

From this vantage point 2,000 feet above the level of the lake, the size and grandeur of the Lake Tahoe Basin is exquisite. Hiking along the ridge is popular during the summer. Sunset colors on the lake are spectacular!

Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle

Calif. Hwy. 89, 5 mi. from South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

(530) 573-2600

Tours are usually available daily from mid-June through Labor Day from 10- 4 but call ahead to verify specific times and admission prices.

Emerald Bay with tiny Fannette Island rests on a narrow arm on the southwestern shore of the lake. Its emerald green water is surrounded by sheer granite cliffs.

The castle is not accessible by car, but is a one mile walk from the Emerald Bay parking lotThe 38-room mansion is a replica of an 11th-century Viking castle

Fallen Leaf Lake

Junction of Calif. Hwy. 89 and Fallen Leaf Rd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Fallen Leaf Lake is frequently not accessible during winter months because of heavy snowfall.

The second-largest natural lake in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Fallen Leaf was an appendage of Lake Tahoe many years ago. Three miles long, Fallen Leaf Lake is considered by many scientists to be a microcosm of Lake Tahoe. Because it is smaller, researchers are studying the effects of pollution on the lake as they believe the same effects will appear in a similar way later in the larger Lake Tahoe.

Hornblower’s Tahoe Queen

Marina Village, at the foot of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

(800) 238-2463

Departures are from 10:30am- 7 pm The 2 pm trips on Monday and Tuesday are gaming cruises with personnel onboard to teach the rules and strategies of 21, craps, roulette and poker. Telephone for rates with and without dinner

Hornblower’s Tahoe Queen, an authentic paddle wheeler, sails from its pier in South Lake Tahoe across the lake and into Emerald Bay daily throughout the year.

Tallac Historic Site

Calif. Hwy. 89, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

(530) 541-5227

weekends 11- 3 from Memorial Day weekend – mid-June. The rest of the summer season Wed – Sunday 10- 4 Call ahead to verify hours and days of operation

Admission is free

Following the discovery of silver in Nevada, Lake Tahoe became a popular summer retreat for wealthy residents of San Francisco, Virginia City and Sacramento. In 1880, Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin built an opulent resort including a casino and two hotels on this site. For more than 30 years it was one of a kind. As the area became more accessible via automobiles, other lavish estates appeared all around the lake.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Calif. Hwy. 89, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

(530) 573-2674

weekends from 11- 3 Memorial Day weekend – mid-June. The rest of the summer season through Labor Day weekend: Wed. – Sun. from 10- 4 September schedules vary, so call ahead for hours and days of operation

Adjoining the Tallac Historic Site, the area around Taylor Creek Visitor Center gives the visitor ample opportunities to experience the Taylor Creek ecosystem and to understand its relationship to Lake Tahoe. Mt. Tallac rises 9,735 feet in the background.

LAKE TAHOE FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS

Animal Ark 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno, NV 775-969-3111 Located in the juniper covered hills north of Reno. Observe a tiny burrowing owl or kit fox as they bask in the sun next to their burrows; or the black bear that may lumber out of his den to take a dip in his pool. Open April thru October: 10 – 4:30; Closed Mondays, except holidays.

Bartley Park 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, 775-828-6612 The park features more than 2 miles of hiking trails, a horse arena and the historic one-room Huffacker School House. The Western Heritage Interpretive Center features traveling exhibits and other cultural themed programs and displays. The park is a former ranch with lots of open space and also has historic farm equipment.

Fleischmann Planetarium North of the University of Nevada on N. Virginia St. 775-784-4811: Current Shows & Hours and current events in the night skies 775-784-4812: Reservations Daily entertaining & informative films & star shows as well as telescope viewing weekly. Don’t miss the out-of-sight gift shop with such fun things as glow in the dark constellation maps, astronaut Freeze-dried foods & much, much more!

Galena Creek Park 18350 Mount Rose Highway, south of Reno, 775-849-2511 Hours: 8AM – 5 daily 440 acre park nestled in the forest with Galena Creek flowing through. Hiking, self guided nature trails, picnic areas and a group picnic facility. Family programs are held in Campfire Meadows at the north end of the park.

Idlewild Park 775-329-6008, West of Booth Street just off Idlewild Drive in Reno barbecue pits, swimming, fishing, a beautiful rose garden, wedding garden, & much more. For the children there is an amusement park including Merry-go-Round, Flying Planes, Roller Coaster, Tilt-a-Whirl & famous train. Rides open daily: May thru Labor Day 11 – 6. Sept. thru May – Sat., Sun, & holidays, weather permitting.

National Automobile Museum 775-333-9300, 10 Lake Street (Corner of Lake & Mill Sts.) A collection of 200 antique, vintage, classic, & special interest automobiles, located in downtown Reno. Don’t miss the interest automobiles, located in downtown Reno. Don’t miss the great gift shop with the hard to find unusual gifts!! Open 9:30 to 5:30PM Mon-Sat except Christmas & Thanksgiving. Open 10 to 4:00PM Sundays

Oxbow Nature Study Area 775-334-3808, 3100 Dickerson Road along the Truckee River. Nature walks, bird watching areas & nature observation platforms.

Ponderosa Ranch Hwy 28, Incline Village, 775-831-0691 Open Mid-April thru October – 9:30-6. Home of “Bonanza” & “Bonanza, the Next Generation,” Cartwright Ranch House Tour, petting farm, Mystery Mine, shooting gallery, breakfast hay rides, vintage cars, gun collections, & more. Closed winters.

Sierra Safari 10200 N. Virginia, 775-677-1101 Open April 1 – October 31. Hrs: 10 – 5 daily. See more than 200 animals, 40 different species. Located 8 miles north of Reno in the beautiful North Valley area at the front of majestic Peavine Mountain. Sierra Safari has become Nevada’s largest non-profit wild animal attraction.

18-hole miniature golf courses, roller coaster, and Adventure Raceway – 3 race car tracks for all ages and more