Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Reno, Nevada. #Top Attractions

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Are you preparing to visit Reno, Nevada? You are on the right page! Explore the top activities to do and sights to see in Reno, Nevada, to make the most of your time there. Get the most out of your vacation by exploring the best things to do in Reno, Nevada and the best places to visit in Reno, Nevada, below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 startup in the tourism industry that aims to disrupt the industry as a whole by utilizing Web 3.0 technologies.

Animal Ark

Animal Ark Reno Nevada
Animal Ark, Reno, Nevada / biofriendly / Flickr

If you have a favorite animal in mind that you want to see during a trip, you should visit Animal Ark.

Built over 38 acres, this facility is north of Reno. Since animals are there, it gives the impression that anyone at first to be a zoo when hearing the name “Animal Ark.”

However, it is not and serves as a haven for wildlife creatures that are non-releasable.

Animal Ark houses many animals from all over the world to nurture and care for them, as the animals they are dealing with have a difficult time or cannot survive in the wild.

For any visitors planning on visiting the Animal Ark, it is a chance to see the ark facilities, from North American species to exotic animals in the geographical areas that this safe has provided.

Anyone can visit the Animal Ark as it is open to the public for visitors to interact with animals, have a picnic, and look at the facilities.

Animal Ark is a haven for animals that you have to see.

Address: 265 Deerlodge Rd, Reno, NV 89508, United States

Casino at the Eldorado

Casino at the Eldorado Reno Nevada
Casino at the Eldorado, Reno, Nevada / Ken Lund / Flickr

Going to the Casino at the Eldorado is more than just going to any typical casino.

Travelers have pointed out that this landmark is among the top places in Reno to gamble. 

Given that it is a casino, there are numerous activities and games to enjoy, like playing slots, sports betting, table games, and poker. 

A unique highlight that visitors go to Eldorado is visiting the 13 restaurants and bars they have inside. 

Are you into eating at a buffet restaurant? If you are, it offers a buffet its visitors love most. 

Besides just being a place to gamble, it has an area called the Eldorado Resort that has several places for visitors to see, like its regular concerts and nightlife venues that it hosts and does on-site.

If you plan to visit, know that it is open every day for around 24 hours. There are also reviews of the staff in Eldorado complimented as professional and friendly. 

So come and make the most of your time in Casino at the Eldorado.

Address: 345 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center Reno Nevada
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, Reno, Nevada / Ken Lund / Flickr

If you want to find and discover something different, a place that is well worth a visit is the Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium and Science Center. 

This place is a science center and planetarium that provides various experiences for guests of any age, whether students, families, teachers or beyond.

Visitors can book field trips every six days a week with a scheduled private dome screening when there are no public showtimes.

Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium and Science Center is known for its intriguing design of adopting early projection technology of over 360 degrees when it opened itself to the public.

It has several science-related attractions, such as the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum. It is where visitors can see America’s iconic minerals, fossils, ores, and other displays.

If you want to experience thrilling excitement here, the planetarium offers a science store, a full-dome theater, and exhibits to watch. 

So visit and learn the science there is to know here.

Address: 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, United States

Planning on a visit to Nevada for your holiday? Hop over to our travel guides in Las Vegas and Henderson. Visit the best things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the best things to do in Henderson, Nevada.

Greater Nevada Field

Greater Nevada Field Reno Nevada
Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada / Erik / Flickr

If you go somewhere near the Truckee River, you can find one of the best known for featuring minor league baseball, the Greater Nevada Field.

They opened the stadium to the public in 2009. It has brought an exciting and electrifying atmosphere to watch games with tourists and locals. 

Besides just watching the baseball on an immaculate field in the stadium seats, people can even see the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the stadium.

Since then, it has been where teams like the Triple-A Reno Aces come to play. 

The stadium is big enough to have general admission, 6,500 fixed seats, and more than 9,100 people watching the game.

You can see the 22 opulent skyboxes, picnic tables, the 150-person club suite, benches, and other things to those going around the stadium field.

There are also several eateries for anyone to eat while watching sporting events, celebrations, and concerts happening in the Greater Nevada Field.

Address: 250 Evans Avenue, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Great Reno Balloon Race

Great Reno Balloon Race Reno Nevada
Great Reno Balloon Race, Reno, Nevada / Ken Lund / Flickr

The Great Reno Balloon Race is one of the top attractions in Nevada.

One of the many popular attractions in Reno to visit has to be the Great Reno Balloon Race, which features some of the most extensive and spectacular hot air balloons you’ll ever see.

This place in Reno is visually filled with stunning and intriguing entertainment, drawing over 120,000 spectators annually. 

It is known to be the largest hot-air ballooning event in the world. 

Visitors better go around in September four days early to see the beautiful skies and hot air balloons soaring into the skies. 

It started with a humble beginning, with over 20 hot air balloons in 1981. Today, it has over a hundred balloons that the Great Reno Balloon Race has prepared to take flight. 

The idea was to retain visitors by going from the Reno Air Races to the State Fair on the weekends. Years later, it is a community tradition that is world-renowned.

A trip to view the hot air balloons is well worth it.

Address: San Rafael Regional Park, Rancho, Rancho Connector, Reno, NV 89503, United States

Thinking of going to Nevada for your vacation? Be sure to check out the latest travel guides for North Las Vegas and Sparks. See the fascinating things to do in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and the best things to do in Sparks, Nevada!

McKinley Arts and Culture Center

McKinley Arts and Culture Center, Reno, Nevada
McKinley Arts and Culture Center is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada.

It was once known as the McKinley Park School, but it is now known as the McKinley Arts and Culture Center.

In 1999, they converted and renovated the building with two art galleries, an auditorium, office spaces, a boardroom, and crafts and art workshops for anyone to rent. 

Today, McKinley Arts and Culture Center is now a place where visitors can experience the culture and art of the city of Reno. While planning a trip, take a guided tour to see this center’s many galleries, artworks, and even musical performances. 

It is a large complex facility dedicated to the sound and visual arts by showcasing philharmonic concerts and exhibitions.

If you seek entertainment, the McKinley Arts and Culture Center has some iconic groups that perform here, such as the Masterworks Chorale, the Reno Chamber Orchestra, the Reno Pops Orchestra, and the Reno Philharmonic. 

Discover the art and culture of the city of Reno while you’re here.

Address: 925 Riverside Drive, Reno, NV 89503, United States

Mountain Rose Ski Resort

Mountain Rose Ski Resort Reno Nevada
Mountain Rose Ski Resort, Reno, Nevada / Ken Lund / Flickr

The Mountain Rose Ski Resort is one of the best things to do in Nevada.

Around the Carson Range, about 30 miles south, you will find Mt. Rose Ski Resort as your not-so-typical place to go skiing.

The Mt. Rose Ski Resort is in Mount Rose Ski Tahoe and is a first-class ski resort. 

It is in the center of the Toiyable National Forest, with a resort as big as over 1,200 acres. 

In 1953, it was when they opened the resort to the public. It has more than eight lifts, the longest run of over 2.5 miles, and over sixty runs. 

Based on visitors who have recently been there, it is known to be a family-friendly ski area with knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Suppose you want to explore and sightsee the beautiful terrain near the Mt. Rose Ski Resort. In that case, there are three popular terrain parks Pondo Park, Double Down, and Badlands. 

This place is worth coming to have a snowy experience. 

Address: 22222 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511, United States

National Automobile Museum

National Automobile Museum Reno Nevada
National Automobile Museum, Reno, Nevada / Nick Ares / Flickr

If you are a car lover who likes seeing cars, going to the National Automobile Museum has to be a must-visit on your trip.

This museum is the ideal place for any car enthusiast to spend that day looking around and admiring over a hundred vintage vehicles. 

The vehicles in the National Automobile Museum are not just for display only; they are also driven on the road or even used in a moving theater for people to admire the classic automobiles that existed.

Most vehicles shown in the National Automobile Museum are collections from the 19th and 20th centuries. 

One trivial fact is that a wealthy casino owner named William F. Harrah owned most of the cars collected in this museum.

There are four galleries with cars on display for people to see and take photos of the historic classical vehicles used before.

It’s a must-see if you’re looking to see some interesting automobiles.

Address: 1 Museum Dr, Reno, NV 89501, United States

National Bowling Stadium

National Bowling Stadium Reno Nevada
National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nevada / Ken Lund / Flickr

Are you in it to challenge others in a game of bowling? 

Then come to the National Bowling Stadium to play some bowling in Reno.

Have you ever watched the film called Kingpin by the Farrelly Brothers?

If not, it is a 1996 film that starred actors such as Bill Murray and Woody Harrelson.

The unique thing about this connecting to the National Bowling Stadium is that the stadium serves as a setting for the movie as the actor Murray plays and earns himself three straight bowling strikes.

They built the bowling museum in 1995. It can accommodate its visitors by featuring space for 10,000 people, a five-story with 78 lanes, and a wavy floor space of over 8 acres.

There are 78 lanes for professionals and tournaments, which means that not all bowling lanes are open to play bowling.

It is free of charge and has themed bowling clubs and even a movie theater to enjoy besides bowling.

So come to have a thrilling bowling experience.

Address: 300 N Center St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

National Championship Air Races

National Championship Air Races Reno Nevada
National Championship Air Races, Reno, Nevada / tataquax / Flickr

Do you want to see jets soaring through the sky? 

If so, visiting the National Championship Air Races is a place for you to come by and visit.

It is also called the Reno Air Races, They used to do air races every September at the Stead Air Force Base, but they currently do it at the Reno-Stead Airport. Every year, over a thousand spectators gather, visit, and see to enjoy the long-week race of planes passing by. 

This race started in 1964, managed by a person named Bill Stead. Aside from doing the race in tribute to the 9/11 incident in 2001, the National Championship Air Races has since then done air races.

It includes various things to see, like numerous military and civil flight demonstrations, six racing classes, and even a big aircraft standing display.

Even though it started doing air races in 1964, it is said to be the last of its kind to do air races in Reno.

That makes a trip to Reno to catch air racing a must-see activity.

Address: Reno Air Racing Association, 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506, United States

Nevada Historical Society Museum

Nevada Historical Society Museum, Reno, Nevada
Nevada Historical Society Museum is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada.

Built in 1904, the Nevada Historical Society Museum is known as the oldest museum in the state of Nevada.

This historical society museum is a research library, store, and museum to showcase the history of Nevada.

It had numerous collections of photographs, artifacts, and documents to interpret, collect, and preserve the heritage of Nevada.

The Nevada Historical Society features offering exhibits, museum stores, research, Membership, and volunteering for any guest or visitor.

Among the permanent exhibits to see in the Nevada Historical Society Museum involves seeing the Riches of the Earth, Neon Nights, and Living on the Land. These exhibits will help to provide visitors with a good insight into what happened in the city of Reno during 10,000 years, when the Euro-Americans arrived, during the Early Paleo people, and many other events that transpired in the past till this present day.

It is open from 10 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Friday. 

If you want to learn everything about Nevada, here is the place to go.

Address: 1650 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, United States

Nevada Museum of Art

Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, Nevada
Nevada Museum of Art is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada

Out of all the places in the whole state of Nevada, the only accredited museum is the Nevada Museum of Art.

The one who designed this museum was Will Bruder, a well-known architect designed this four-story museum.

It has four areas with different themes and with jam-packed works of art. It has interior galleries with rotating exhibits and a static sculpture garden for any visitor. 

If visitors see the Permanent Collection of the museum, know that it houses over 2,000 party pieces, some dating back to the 19th century. 

You can also check the Contemporary Collection in the museum, which features various paintings, media, photography, paper works,  sculptures, and mixed-media installations for any visitor to see.

Besides just seeing around the museum, there is a live music event with food and drink for anyone seeking entertainment once a month.

So, stop by the Nevada Museum of Art and take in their impressive collections if you’re in the area.

Address: 160 W Liberty St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts Reno Nevada
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Reno, Nevada / Ken Lund / Flickr

If you are looking for a thrilling performing arts experience, you must include the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts as part of your places to visit.

This pioneer center is a private cultural organization with a wide range of cultural performances and events.

They built the pioneer center in 1967. Now in downtown Reno, It is among the most beautiful architecture you have to see, with a geodesic dome made of gold-anodized. 

As an iconic place in Reno, it earned itself another name called The Golden Turtle.

It has over 513 seats on the balcony and 978 on the ground level. This place is when a few renowned art companies in Reno began, like the A.V.A. Ballet Theater and the Remo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Pioneer Center hosts several cultural events to watch performing arts worth seeing a year. 

So come to the Pioneer Center of Performing Arts to see a thrilling performance.

Address: 100 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Rancho San Rafael Park

Rancho San Rafael Park, Reno, Nevada
Rancho San Rafael Park is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada

If you are unsure what to do in Reno, you can visit Rancho San Rafael Park.

Rancho San Rafael Park is known to have gorgeous scenery of the surrounding landscapes, wetland habitats, and mountains.

With over a hundred acres, this is a one-of-a-kind park and the largest.

This place used to be a cattle ranch where I worked before it became a regional park. In 1979, it was bought by Washoe County and turned into a park.

Among the remaining remnants of this park when it was a cattle ranch are the two original rick houses in the park.

While staying at the Ranch San Rafael Park, people can do things around the park, such as sightseeing, picnics, trail walking, and playing volleyball.

Other nearby places in the park await you, like heading to the Arboretum or the Great Basin Adventure to see and enjoy.

So come and enjoy yourself at Rancho San Rafael Park.

Address: 300 N Center St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Reno Arch

Reno Arch, Reno, Nevada
Reno Arch is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada

The Reno Arch is one of the best places to visit in Nevada.

Are you looking for a pathway going to Reno? 

Then see the iconic Reno Arch as you take a trip through Reno.

It is on Virginia Street and Commercial Row in Reno. They built this arch in 1926 to honor the Nevada Transcontinental Highway Exposition.

After building the arch, there was content to make the town slogan, hosted by the city fathers of Reno. The phrase to be coined in the Reno Arch was “The Biggest Little City in the World.”

In 2009, they replaced the Reno Arch incandescent light bulbs with L.E.D. bulbs, which are energy-efficient and give off colors that regularly change, particularly for special celebrations and events.

Finding the perfect location to snap a great picture? The Reno Arch is the best place to do so as it is a world-famous iconic structure to take pictures.

So if you’re in the city of Reno, stop by the Reno Arch and snap a few photos.

Address: 345 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Reno Philharmonic

Reno Philharmonic, Reno, Nevada
Reno Philharmonic is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada

Would you want to listen to some contemporary as well as classical music?

Reno Philharmonic has some of the finest orchestras to hear around in the city of Reno.

With 60 professional musicians, The Reno Philharmonic, or Reno Phil, has become one of the region’s extensive performing arts organizations. 

They perform in various places like Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Carson Valley in their indoor and outdoor venues, attracting over 70,000 people a year.

It started in 1969 in Northern Nevada by showcasing an orchestra bringing popular and classical music favorites to people. 

They usually perform different pieces, from pop pieces in Hollywood and Broadway to the classical repertoire every season. 

Check the Pops on the River concert, a big fundraiser for the orchestra each summer.

Every December, the Reno Philharmonic does a Spirit of the Season extravaganza that shares the holiday spirit with its residents and visitors.

This place is worth a visit to hear some great music.

Address: 925 Riverside Drive, Ste 3, Reno, NV 89503, United States

Reno Riverwalk District

Reno Riverwalk District Reno Nevada
Reno Riverwalk District, Reno, Nevada / Vanessa Vancour / Flickr

If you want to stroll around, come by the Reno Riverwalk District to walk while seeing the iconic lake nearby.

This district in Reno is among the urban renaissance that is exciting to look around.

The Reno Riverwalk District extends from the downtown area of Reno to the banks of the Truckee River and between Arlington Avenue and the heart of the city.

When visiting the Riverwalk District, expect something to be going around as there will be something, an attraction, or an activity to do or surprise anyone. 

As you get around this place, you can see and shop around, like going to the cafes, restaurants, five art galleries and studios, three theaters, 35 bars, and taverns near the city as you stroll around the Reno Riverwalk.

There are other things to see and do for visitors, like going for a wine walk, seeing street concerns, eating at the district food tours, and many more things around the riverwalk district.

So make a pit stop and then go to explore the Riverwalk district.

Address: 148 West St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Sparks Heritage Museum

Sparks Heritage Museum, Reno, Nevada
Sparks Heritage Museum is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada

Sparks Heritage Museum is among the top historical and intriguing attractions spots to go around in the city of Reno.

The museum has an indoor exhibit room of over 400 square feet. 

Its indoor space showcases permanent gallery exhibits that capture the city’s heritage and history. The galleries change depending on various cultural, artistic, and historical themes.

If you check the museum outdoors across the street, there is a train exhibit with a Pullman business car stand, a steam locomotive, and a caboose beside the iconic Glendale Schoolhouse. 

These two exhibits are available and open to the public, accompanied by a representative from the museum. 

This museum is the place to hear the wandering tales of the state and city and provide you with insights about things commonly done in Reno during the old times, like ranching, mining, and many other things.

You may learn about the city’s history and culture here.

Address: 1595 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503, United States

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Reno, Nevada
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada.

Known as The Discover, the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum is a popular place to visit and discover new things, especially when bringing along kids.

This museum is a 67,000-square feet science center in downtown Reno that showcases various exhibits.

They opened this discovery museum in 2011 to the public. Since then, it has become a well-known spot to bring your children along.

It has made a name for itself by featuring educational programs and first-rate exhibits for locals and visitors. It focuses on topics like science, engineering, art, math, and technology, and so much to discover and learn.

Visitors can go around the museum by visiting the interactive, permanent, and rotating exhibits, the live performances, joining a day camp, and other special events. 

Check out the Smithsonian laboratory and the cloud climber to see and enjoy the museum.

There is a lot to learn for any children visiting here.

Address: 490 S Center St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Wilbur D. May Museum

Wilbur D. May Museum, Reno, Nevada
Wilbur D. May Museum is one of the best places to go in Reno, Nevada

Come and visit the Wilbur D. May Museum, open year-round for anyone to see.

The Wilbur D. May Museum is a museum that started in 1898 with an extensive and personal collection collected by Wilbur D. May, a millionaire, an intrepid adventurer, and an explorer.

Moreover, Mr. May took over the family business for his father several times until he got bored of it and wanted to try something new by traveling to hunt games in Africa and Asia.

He did many things, and his wealth increased, and the number of times he got to travel.

In fact, Mr. May even became a collector by bringing back unique collections from his travels. This led to the creation of the Wilbur D. May Museum, which is still open today.

There are many unique artifacts to see, like Egyptian tombs, antique firearms, American Western art, elephant tusks, and many other collections for visitors.

See for yourself how much dedication this collector had over his lifetime by visiting his different collections.

Address: 1595 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503, United States

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Animal Shelters in Reno, Nevada
Animal Shelters in Reno, Nevada

Consider helping at a local shelter for abandoned animals. Unlicensed breeding and irresponsible pet owners have created a severe pet overpopulation problem. Extreme measures like culling are required to reduce the rising number of strays and homeless cats and dogs. There is a need for animal shelters to address the challenges posed by the overpopulation of stray animals and abandoned pets.

Volunteering is a fantastic method to bring attention to the problem of pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse and contribute toward a solution.

When you think about helping animals, adoption or donations will come to mind. But there’s a more direct way of offering your assistance. Simply head over to an animal shelter nearby and volunteer your services! There are many ways you can help, from more labor-intensive activities like cleaning and grooming to advocacy, public relations, and even photography.

Check out the list of animal shelters in Reno, Nevada, where you can help animals in need. Lend a helping hand today!

Traveling and having fun in the U.S.A.? You have to check out this page – the best states to visit in U.S.A. for the most fun and unusual travel ideas.

Need more convincing to travel to Reno, Nevada, right? Hop over to reasons to visit Reno, Nevada at least once in your lifetime here.

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