About the Wilbur D. May Center
Located in Reno, Nevada, within Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, the Wilbur D. May Center brings together a museum and a botanical garden. Its museum displays artifacts collected during Wilbur D. May’s travels, while the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a 13-acre setting with plants adapted to Reno’s climate. The center reflects May’s adventurous life and philanthropic legacy.
History
Wilbur D. May was born on December 28, 1898, in Denver, Colorado. He was the third son of David May, founder of The May Department Stores Company. While his siblings joined the family business, Wilbur pursued adventure and exploration. His early years were marked by a rebellious streak and an interest in the outdoors. At age sixteen, he joined the British forces in Europe during World War I; when the United States entered the conflict, he joined the expeditionary forces and quickly rose to the rank of major (Washoe County).
May visited more than 40 countries and collected artifacts from a range of cultures. He also owned the 2,600-acre Double Diamond Ranch in south Reno, known for its cattle and horses and serving as a luxurious retreat. May was an avid big-game hunter; during the 1930s and 1940s, he collected numerous hunting-related items.
What to see
Wilbur D. May Museum
The Wilbur D. May Museum displays objects from May’s travels, including Tang dynasty pottery, African masks, statues, artwork, Inuit scrimshaws, Egyptian scarab figures, Greek icons, and a shrunken head from South America. The collection includes objects from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
The museum also recreates rooms from the Double Diamond Ranch: an opulent living room, bedroom, well-kept tack room, and big-game trophy room. The trophy room contains taxidermy and other items related to May’s hunting adventures (Reno Tribune).
Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden covers 13 acres at an elevation of 4,600 feet above sea level. It receives only 7 inches of rain annually and features plants suited to Reno’s climate. Temperatures can vary by as much as 50°F in a single day (Reno Tribune).
Practical visiting information
Opening hours and admission
The center is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children; children under 5 enter free. Discounts are available for seniors and students.
Accessibility
The center is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The museum and arboretum are wheelchair accessible. For detailed accessibility guidelines, visit the Washoe County Parks website.
Community events
The center welcomes visitors of all ages year-round and hosts educational programs, workshops, and cultural celebrations (Reno Tribune).
Tips
Guided tours are available and highly recommended.
Nearby places
Other Reno attractions include the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium.
For more information, visit the official website.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for the Wilbur D. May Center?
The center is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. See Opening hours and admission above.
How much do tickets cost?
See Opening hours and admission above for ticket prices and discounts.
Is the Wilbur D. May Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum and arboretum are wheelchair accessible.
Are guided tours available at the Wilbur D. May Center?
Yes. Guided tours are available and highly recommended; see Tips above.
