Reno

Complete Guide to Visiting Reno, Nevada: Historical Sites, Tickets, and Hours

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction to Reno, Nevada: History and Cultural Significance

Reno, Nevada, affectionately known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” is a dynamic destination offering a blend of rich history, vibrant arts, diverse attractions, and outdoor recreation. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada and along the Truckee River, the city invites visitors to explore its indigenous heritage, pivotal railroad legacy, and continuous transformation into a modern urban hub. From the Washoe people and the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad to its growth as a gaming and cultural center, Reno’s story is one of innovation and resilience (Nevada Historical Society).

Reno boasts iconic landmarks like the Reno Arch, a revitalized downtown, and world-class museums such as the National Automobile Museum and Nevada Museum of Art. Its reputation as both a gaming destination and an arts capital is complemented by proximity to natural wonders like Lake Tahoe. This guide delivers essential information on visiting Reno, including historical highlights, museum hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, and insider travel tips, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for every traveler (Visit Reno Tahoe; National Automobile Museum).

Introduction
Indigenous Roots & Early Exploration
Founding of Reno & the Railroad Era
Early 20th Century: Divorce Capital & Economic Shifts
Legalization of Gambling & Rise of Tourism
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Guided Tours & Special Events
Postwar Growth, Arts, and Culture
Modern Era: Diversification & Community Resilience
Key Historical Landmarks
Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
Reno’s Cultural Landscape: Arts, Heritage, & Community
Top Attractions & Visitor Information
National Automobile Museum: Visiting Tips
Summary & Recommendations
Sources

Interior view of ticket counter at new Reno Amtrak station with multiple service windows and signage

Reno passenger train platform viewed from west side toward Emeryville

Indigenous Roots & Early Exploration

Long before Reno’s founding, the Washoe people called the Truckee Meadows home. They thrived on local resources, and their heritage is honored at museums and historical sites across the city (NGC Stucco). In the early 19th century, fur trappers and pioneers passed through, and during the Gold Rush, Reno became a vital waypoint for westward migrants (Nevada Historical Society).

Founding of Reno & the Railroad Era

Reno was established in 1868 with the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad, named after Major General Jesse Lee Reno. The city’s strategic location transformed it into a transportation and supply hub, especially following the extension of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in 1872 (NGC Stucco; eReferenceDesk).

Early 20th Century: Divorce Capital & Economic Shifts

In the early 1900s, Reno gained fame as the “Divorce Capital of the World” due to Nevada’s liberal residency laws, drawing visitors nationwide. The city’s economy diversified with agriculture, ranching, manufacturing, and the continued growth of the University of Nevada, which relocated to Reno in 1885 (Reno Historical).

Legalization of Gambling & Rise of Tourism

Gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931, and Reno quickly embraced the industry. New casinos and hotels, including the Mapes Hotel and Eldorado, cemented Reno’s reputation as an entertainment capital (Facts.net). Today, the gaming industry is central to Reno’s identity while coexisting with a thriving arts and festival scene.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Major Sites and Museums:

Nevada Historical Society: Tues–Sat, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free (donations welcome) (Nevada Historical Society).
National Automobile Museum: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $12; discounts for seniors, youth, and military (National Automobile Museum).
Nevada Museum of Art: Tues–Sun, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $12; discounts available (ohmyfacts.com).
Reno Arch & Downtown: Open 24/7, free and accessible.
University of Nevada, Reno: Campus open during daylight; historic building tours by appointment.

Most venues are wheelchair accessible. Always check official websites or contact venues for current hours and admission.

Guided Tours & Special Events

Enhance your visit with guided walking tours of downtown, Midtown, and the Riverwalk District. Major annual events include:

Great Reno Balloon Race (September) – Free entry, premium seating available (Facts.net).
Hot August Nights (August) – Classic car festival.
Reno Air Races (September).
Artown (July) – Over 500 arts and cultural events (ohmyfacts.com).
Reno Rodeo (June) – Tickets $15–$30 (renonr.com).

Postwar Growth, Arts, and Culture

Post–World War II Reno experienced rapid development with new neighborhoods, schools, and cultural infrastructure. Today, the Riverwalk and Midtown Districts pulse with art galleries, boutiques, eclectic dining, and public art (usabackpack.com).

Modern Era: Diversification & Community Resilience

Reno has diversified from a gaming-focused economy to include technology, manufacturing, and education. The University of Nevada remains a research leader, while urban renewal projects revitalize the city (NGC Stucco). Despite challenges, Reno continues to evolve, supported by a resilient community (Facts.net).

Key Historical Landmarks

Reno Arch: Iconic city symbol, always accessible.
Historic Downtown Alleys: Experience Reno’s colorful heritage.
Virginia Street Bridge: Known as the “Wedding Ring Bridge.”
Newlands District: Victorian architecture, guided tours available (redfin.com).
University of Nevada, Reno: Historic campus open to visitors.

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Getting Around: Downtown and Midtown are walkable; RTC offers public transit. Parking is ample.
Lake Tahoe: 45-minute drive for year-round outdoor recreation (Travel Nevada).
Best Seasons: Spring–fall for festivals and pleasant weather.

Reno’s Cultural Landscape: Arts, Heritage, & Community

Arts Scene

The Nevada Museum of Art anchors Reno’s thriving arts community. Midtown District bustles with murals and independent galleries. The annual Artown festival is a July highlight.

Historic Architecture

Visit the Reno Arch, Virginia Street Bridge, and Newlands District. The Nevada State Capitol in nearby Carson City offers tours Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., free admission.

Festivals

Signature events include the Reno Rodeo, Great Reno Balloon Race, Hot August Nights, and Reno Air Races.

Music & Performing Arts

Venues like the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts host Broadway shows and concerts. Major music festivals include the Reno Jazz Festival and Off Beat Music Festival).

Culinary Scene

Explore Midtown for diverse eateries, coffee shops, and bars. Annual food events include Reno Food & Drink Week and Reno Bites Week). The city’s craft breweries offer tours (usabackpack.com).

Riverfront Culture

The Riverwalk District features boutiques, dining, and public art. The Truckee River Walk is popular for recreation, while Wingfield Park hosts summer concerts.

Innovation

Reno is home to the Tesla Gigafactory and a growing tech sector, blending historic neighborhoods with new business hubs (redfin.com).

Museums

National Automobile Museum: Over 200 classic cars; open daily (usabackpack.com).
Wilbur D. May Center: Museum, arboretum, and gardens.
Discovery Museum & Fleischmann Planetarium: Family-friendly, interactive learning.

Practical Tips

Most attractions open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; check official sites.
Affordable admissions, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.
Parking available; most sites are wheelchair accessible.
Lake Tahoe and Sierra Nevada trails are nearby.

Top Attractions & Visitor Information

Iconic Landmarks

Reno Arch & Virginia Street: Free, accessible 24/7 (renosparks.org).
Truckee Riverwalk District: Open daily, scenic paths, art, and dining.

Museums & Culture

National Automobile Museum: Tues–Sun, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $15 (renosparks.org).
Nevada Museum of Art: Tues–Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $12.
Wilbur D. May Center: Wed–Sun, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $8 (atlasobscura.com).
Nevada Historical Society: Tues–Sat, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free (adventurebackpack.com).

Outdoor & Natural Attractions

Lake Tahoe: 45-minute drive; year-round recreation (Travel Nevada).
Sierra Nevada Mountains: Hiking and biking trails, open seasonally.
Idlewild Park: Gardens, playgrounds, accessible facilities.
Pyramid Lake: Year-round access; guided tours available.

Entertainment & Festivals

Major casinos: Silver Legacy, Circus Circus, Grand Sierra Resort.
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts: Broadway, concerts, ballet.
Annual Events: Air Races, Hot August Nights, Great Reno Balloon Race, Artown, Rib Cook-Off, Street Vibrations.

Unique Experiences

National Bowling Stadium: Open daily; accessible.
Keck Museum: Minerals and fossils at University of Nevada.
Space Whale: Downtown art installation.

Family-Friendly Activities

Water parks: North Valleys Splash Park (seasonal, free).
Parks: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Idlewild Park.

Dining & Nightlife

Basque, farm-to-table, craft breweries, and vibrant coffee shop culture (travelnevada.com).
Midtown and Riverwalk feature nightlife and live music (allevents.in).

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (safetravelguide.org).
Getting Around: Walkable downtown and Midtown; car recommended for Tahoe (renosparks.org).
Accessibility: Most attractions are ADA compliant.
Weather: Semi-arid, dress in layers (safetravelguide.org).

National Automobile Museum: Visiting Tips

Overview

The National Automobile Museum is a highlight for car enthusiasts and history fans. It features over 200 vintage and celebrity-owned vehicles, tracing automotive history from the late 1800s onward.

Visiting Hours & Tickets

Open: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.), closed major holidays.
Admission: Adults $12, seniors/military $10, youth (6–17) $7, children under 6 free.
Tickets: Purchase online or at the door (National Automobile Museum).

Visitor Experience

Guided Tours: Available for groups; audio guides and mobile app tours enhance the visit.
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available.
Special Exhibits: Classic Car Auction, Vintage Car Festival, and rotating displays—check the events calendar for details.
Getting There: Downtown location with public parking and RTC bus access.

Photography

Personal, non-flash photography is allowed. No tripods.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with the Riverwalk District, Midtown, and the Reno Arch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are typical museum hours in Reno?
A: Most open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Mondays. Always confirm online.

Q: Are Reno’s historic sites ticketed?
A: Most outdoor landmarks are free; museums charge nominal fees.

Q: Is Reno accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, most venues are ADA compliant.

Q: Which Reno events are must-see?
A: Great Reno Balloon Race, Hot August Nights, Artown, and more.

Q: Where can I park downtown?
A: Parking garages, lots, and metered street parking are available.

Summary & Recommendations

Reno is a vibrant crossroads of history, arts, and modern innovation. Discover its indigenous roots, railroad legacy, and contemporary culture through museums, festivals, and iconic landmarks. With accessible venues, diverse events, and proximity to natural wonders like Lake Tahoe, Reno is ideal for all types of travelers. Utilize digital resources and the Audiala app for real-time schedules, tickets, and insider guides to maximize your experience.