Experience Americas Most Treasured Roads
Full Video Tour: Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
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DAY ONE
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls, originally named Linkville, was incorporated in 1905 when access was either by horse or stagecoach. When the railroad arrived in 1909, the town experienced its first building boom, giving rise to today’s turn of the 20th-century downtown. The original wooden buildings were replaced by brick and stone structures and ultimately Klamath Falls expanded into the surrounding hills towards the railroad tracks.
Downtown Walking Tour and Mural Trail
Experience the variety of early 1900’s Gothic Revival architecture and murals depicting the history of the Klamath Basin and surrounding area. In addition to the historic murals, you may notice that a new wave of urban public art is underfoot, perfect for Instagrammable moments. Highlights of the tour include the Fred Goeller House, built from a mail-order design and Pelicans on Parade, featuring over a dozen 7 foot high pelicans painted to celebrate the city’s centennial. There are also a half dozen birds at the Visitor Center. Colorfully painted featuring local birds and the Klamath Piano Project, donated pianos painted by local artists and placed in outdoor areas throughout downtown Klamath Falls, are also featured downtown.
The tour of downtown Klamath Falls can begin on either end of Main Street with the Discover Klamath Visitor Center, 205 Riverside Dr. Suite B on one end, and the Klamath County Museum, 1451 Main Street, on the other.
Favell Museum
Over 100,000 artifacts illustrate the lives of indigenous tribes from North and South America, including collections of arrowheads, obsidian knives, spear points, primitive ancient stone tools, native clothing, intricate beadwork, basketry, pottery and more, some more than 12,000 years old.
125 West Main Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97601, 541-882-9996 Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Adults $10.
Klamath County Museum
The Klamath County Museum reveals the history of Klamath County and the surrounding area and features local artists in the Modoc Art Gallery and an exhibit covering World War II Balloon Bombers.
1451 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR, 97601, 541-8834-208 Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM, Adults $5.
Baldwin Hotel Museum
Constructed in 1905 as the centerpiece hotel of downtown Klamath Falls, the Baldwin Hotel Museum now features 40 rooms filled with antiques and artifacts.
Originally built as a hardware store, the building was converted into a hotel in 1911 that was to be located right across the street from the railroad, when George Baldwin sought to profit from the coming of the railroad. Unfortunately, the railroad was built at the other end of Main Street. Nonetheless, thanks to the hotel’s very unique characteristics of almost all rooms connected in order to create the ability to rent out either one room or an entire suite of rooms, the hotel thrived.
31 Main Street, Klamath Falls, 97601, 541-882-1000 W-Sa 10AM-4PM, 1-hour tour: Adults $5, 2-hour tour: Adults $10.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Running Y Ranch Golf and Spa Resort 5500 Running Y Road, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-850-5500 Enjoy this 82 room lodge located in 3,600 pristine acres in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
Destination Distinctive Dining
A Leap of Taste 907 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-850-9414 Sandwiches, paninis, salads, smoothies, baked goods, and drinks, all organic and locally sourced as much as possible. Vegan and vegetarian options available. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Nibbley’s Cafe 2424 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, 541-883-2314 All the comforts of home cooking including sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, and amazing fresh bread and desserts. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Rodeos Pizzeria and Saladeria 1215 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-205-3464 Gourmet style pizzas sold by the pie or slice. All ingredients are Non-GMO, locally sourced as much as possible. Large selection of beer and wine. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
The Falls Taphouse 2215 Shallock Avenue, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Enjoy great views of the Upper Klamath Lake on the open upper rooftop patio, while sipping local beers. Two food trucks, Maria’s Taqueria and Wubba’s BBQ, are on site.
Mermaid Garden Cafe 501 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-882-3671 Great soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, and wraps all with gluten free options. The Best Clam Chowder served only on Fridays. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Keeper’s Corner 195 E Main St, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-273-7553 Antiques, crafts, and collectables in over 20,000 square feet and 130+ vendors
Poppy 522 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR, 97601, 541-884-4361 Unique gifts and home decor from stuffed animals to glass centerpieces.
DAY TWO
Tulelake
Named after the abundant tules, or bulrush, that grow along the shallow shoreline of Tule Lake, the city of Tulelake was established in 1937 as a place for those working on the development of nearby Klamath and Tule Lake Basin farm ground. After World War II, a land lottery was held for Veterans to begin cultivating potatoes, onions, grains, and other produce, which drew local businesses, farmers, and their families. Today, the town is still an agricultural community and attracts duck and geese hunters and tourists in search of scenery and wildlife.
Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds and History Museum
On view at this museum of local history are interpretive displays and exhibitions on Modoc history, the geological and agricultural history of the Klamath Basin, homesteading and settlement of the Tulelake Basin area, the Civilian Conservation Corps., and the history of Japanese American incarceration at the nearby segregation center. A one-hour audiotape tour of the museum is available. The gift shop features local history books and regional treats like jams, horseradish, and other souvenirs.
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-5312 Summer 8M-5PM, Winter 9AM-4OM Adults $5, Free for veterans.
Tule Lake National Monument
The Tule Lake National Monument brings increased understanding of the high price paid by some Americans during the second World War. There are two sites of historical importance within this National Monument. First, the Tule Lake Segregation Center, the largest and most controversial of the ten concentration camps constructed in 1942 by the United States government to incarcerate Japanese Americans during World War II. The second site is Camp Tulelake, a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp that first imprisoned Japanese Americans and later detained German and Italian prisoners of war until it closed in 1946. The public cannot access the camp unless on a guided tour, but several buildings can be viewed from the road.
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-260-0537. The Tule Lake National Monument currently uses the Fairgrounds Museum as its temporary visitor center, open Th-M 9AM-5PM, with Ranger-led tours every Saturday, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Lava Beds National Monument
This National Monument pays homage to the geological and historical turmoil this part of the country has experienced over the past half-million years. Thanks to volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano, the landscape is rugged, dotted with diverse volcanic features, and home to more than 800 caves strewn about the high desert wilderness. Explore Native American history through rock art and archeological sites like Petroglyph Point, learn about the Modoc War of 1872-73, and discover the colorful characters that populated this area like early cave explorer J.D. Howard and Prohibition-era moonshiners who set up stills in the remote caves. Highlights of Lava Bed National Monument include Symbol Bridge and Big Painted Cave, Hidden Valley and Mammoth Crater, and Captain Jack’s Stronghold, the fortress of lava rock where the Modoc Indians made a stand for their homeland and refused to be relocated to a reservation.
Visitor Center: 1 Indian Well, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-8113, Daily and year-round 10AM-4PM. Some roads are temporarily closed in winter due to snow.
The GPS enabled audio tour can be found at:
https://voicemap.me/tour/klamath-county-oregon/the-modoc-war-a-homeland-lost
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Winema Historic Lodge 5215 Hill Rd, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-5158 Offers 10 motel rooms each with a private bathroom, microwave, and refrigerator. A restaurant with breakfast and lunch choices and RV parking and hook up is also available on site. The perfect place to retreat after an afternoon of exploration, hunting, or bird watching.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Captain Jack’s Stronghold Restaurant 45650 CA-139 A, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-664-5566 Full menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials. Featuring fresh homemade food including prime rib, seafood, burgers, pies and desserts, soups and breads, pasta, vegetarian and much more.
DAY THREE
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
With 39,000 acres of open water and crop land, the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for waterfowl during spring and fall migrations as well as fertile land perfect for growing potatoes, onions, and cereal grains for the Public Lease Lands program. Over one million ducks, geese, and swans can be found here by early November, best seen on a 10-mile auto tour route that allows for wildlife observation throughout the year. Take the Walking Trail at Discovery March to explore the Refuge.
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 4009 Hill Rd, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-2231, Auto tour routes open daily from sunrise to sunset, Visitor Center open daily 9AM-4PM.
The GPS enabled audio tour can be found at:
https://voicemap.me/tour/siskiyou-county-california/tule-lake-national-wildlife-refuge-history-tour
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
This Refuge, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 as the country’s first waterfowl refuge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. With over 50,000 acres of diverse landscape and the soaring Mt. Shasta in the background, the area provides habitat for millions of waterfowl and other birds during annual migrations and throughout the year. Sandhill cranes, bald eagles, tundra swans, and white Pelicans are just some of the birds that call this Refuge home.
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 4009 Hill Rd, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-2231, Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset, Visitor Center open daily 9AM-4PM.
Dorris
This small community is surrounded by large cattle ranches, farms, mountain lakes, wildlife habitats, and an awe-inspiring view of Mt. Shasta. The city was incorporated in 1908 when the Southern Pacific rail line arrived and remains a rural hometown with family-oriented qualities and a 200-foot flagpole, America’s second largest flagpole.
Butte Valley Museum
The Butte Valley Museum has managed the 45-acre mill site at the south end of Dorris for over 30 years, where you can find outdoor exhibits with interpretive signage and a 1.75-mile walking trail throughout the property.
437 S Butte St, Dorris, CA 96023.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Butte Valley Bed and Breakfast, 200 South California Street, Dorris, CA 96203 530-397-2097. Newly renovated in town B&B.
Destination Distinctive Dining
A Slice of Heaven Delicatessen 322 South Main Street, Dorris, CA 96203 530-397-5493. Best in town.
DAY FOUR
Macdoel
The town of Macdoel was started in 1906 by the Butte Valley Congregation of the Church of the Brethren and named for W.H. McDole, the first land company president. When the post office was established in 1907, the postal department, either in error or by design, changed the name to Macdoel.
Butte Valley National Grassland
With sweeping views of the Cascade Range and Mt. Shasta, this is the only national grassland in California. The area attracted homesteaders in the late 19th century, but overuse of the land and a drought in the 1930’s caused a decline in productivity. The U.S. government planted over 4,000 acres of wheatgrass in an attempt to restore the land and now, songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and coyote dwell within the protected borders. This is also a great place for birdwatching.
Goosenest Ranger District: 37805 Highway 97, Macdoel, CA 96058, 530-398-4391.
Butte Valley Wildlife Area
Waterfowl, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes are on view in the 13,400 acres of wetlands, sage flats, and farmlands. The Butte Valley Wildlife Area is also home to the 4,000-acre Meiss Lake, the remnant of a lake that once occupied the entire valley with water from receding glaciers.
Macdoel, CA. 96134, 530 398-4627
Klamath National Forest Goosenest Ranger District
This Ranger District includes 514,000 acres of land held by the Klamath National Forest, Butte Valley National Grassland, and Bureau of Land Management and sits at an elevation of 4,260 feet, which produces a high, dry climate and an average of 257 days of sunshine each year. Excellent outdoor recreational opportunities like bird watching, fishing, swimming, and picnicking are available at every turn, and several vista points offering excellent views of Mt. Shasta are scattered throughout the district. Deer, elk, and bands of pronghorn antelope are seen at all times of the year, as well as the largest winter roost of Bald Eagles in the contiguous United States. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway winds through a substantial portion of the Goosenest Ranger District. Highlights of this section of the drive include: Goosenest Peak Trail, a moderate 2.2-mile hiking trail; Grass Lake Rest Area; Herd Peak Lookout, which offers sweeping views of the Little Shasta Valley; Mt. Shasta Vista Point, with interpretive panels and views of Mt. Shasta’s northern face; Pluto’s Cave, a 1,200 foot-long lava tube; Emigrant Trail Historic Marker, which denotes where wagon trains crossed the land as early as 1852; and Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, a collection of metal sculptures dedicated to veterans of all wars.
Goosenest Ranger Station: 37805 Highway 97 Macdoel, CA 96058, 530-398-4391
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Lake Shastina Resort 5925 Country Club Drive, Weed, CA 96094, 800-358-4653
Enjoy condo accommodations surrounding 27 holes of golf with Mt. Shasta looming overhead.
The Sunset Bar and Grill is available for dining
Destination Distinctive Dining
Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. 360 College Ave, Weed, CA 96094, 530-938-2394 Family friendly microbrewery with an antique bar built during the gold-rush era. Sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, beers on tap, and a kid’s menu.
Hi-Lo Cafe 88 S Weed Blvd #2607, Weed, CA 96094, 530-938-2904 Local joint with an old-school vibe serving all-day breakfasts & other diner classics since 1951.
Destination Distinctive Retail
The Weed Store 158 S Weed Blvd, Weed, CA 96094, 530-938-4678 The best souvenir and local art store in Weed with many gifts from local artist items and fun tee shirts to collectibles that play on the name of the town…Weed!
River Run Gallery 151 Main St, Weed, CA 96094, 530-938-9917 Fr-Sa 12PM-5PM (also by appointment) Founded by Sharon LoMonaco and David Gochenour in August of 2004, River Run Gallery features an eclectic mix of their artwork as well as many other local area artists. A working artist studio – when the artist is working the gallery is open.
DAY FIVE
Weed
Abner Weed bought the Siskiyou Lumber and Mercantile Mill and 280 acres of land for $400 in 1897 to take advantage of the strong winds to dry green lumber in what is now the town of Weed. By 1905, the town was bustling, and the lumber industry thrived until the 1980s.
Weed Historic Walking Tour
Beginning at the famous Weed Arch, this tour takes you through downtown Weed, with many points of interest including the Weed Visitors’ Center.
Tour begins at Main Street and South Weed Blvd. Weed, CA 96094, 530-938-4624
Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum
Featuring a collection of artifacts from Weed’s logging past, the museum is housed in the former courthouse that included the judge’s chambers, court room, jury deliberation room, police protection district office, and two jail cells.
303 Gilman Avenue, Weed, CA, 96094, 530-938-0550. Memorial Day-Labor Day, W-M 10AM-5PM.
Black Butte
As you drive along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, you’ll notice a cluster of overlapping lava domes just south of Weed. These satellite cones were created during the Cascades’ major eruptions about 9,000-10,000 years ago. There is a 2.50-mile hike to the summit that was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930’s.
Directly adjacent to Interstate 5, Milepost 742
Mt. Shasta City
A quaint mountain town, a world-class destination for outdoor activities of all kinds, and a longstanding home of the Wintu people that has seen silver and gold miners, a burgeoning lumber industry, and an Italian labor uprising in 1906. Visit Lake Siskiyou, Castle Lake and Bunny Flat.
Everitt Memorial Highway
This 15-mile scenic drive will get you up close and personal with Mt. Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range. An important part of many Native American myths, the Shasta people believed the mountain was created by the Great Spirit who used it to step onto the earth from a hole in the heavens. From 7,858 feet above sea level, the highest point you can reach by car, you will get an incredible view of the mountains and valleys to the west.
Exit 738 from Interstate 5. Turn right onto Lake St. and left onto County Road A10.
Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum and Fish Hatchery
The current museum served as a fish hatchery for 72 years and now highlights the history of Mt. Shasta City, local Native American basketry, past Mount Shasta climbing expeditions, and the legend of the volcano. The Fish Hatchery is the oldest operating hatchery west of the Mississippi and holds rainbow and brown trout.
1 N Old Stage Rd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-5508. Th-M 10AM-4PM. Donations accepted.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Mount Shasta Resort 1000 Siskiyou Lake Blvd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-3030 Rustic-chic rooms and chalets with flat-screen TVs, plus gas fireplaces, full or half-kitchens, and private decks. An 18-hole golf course and seasonal restaurant is on site.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Yak’s Shack 401 N Mt Shasta Blvd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-568-8121 Panini, wraps, salads & other American bites, plus coffee & pastries, in a warm, art-lined venue.
Pipeline Craft Taps and Kitchen, 320 North Mt. Shasta Boulevard, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067, 530-918-6020
Poncho and Lefkowitz 445 South Mt. Shasta Boulevard, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-1505
Destination Distinctive Retail
The Crystal Room 109 W Castle St, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-918-9108 Beautiful crystals and minerals from all over the world.
The Fifth Season 300 N Mt Shasta Blvd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-3606. Locally owned and operated by a staff of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, selling adventure gear for climbers, skiers, hikers, and more, since 1977.
DAY SIX
McCloud
Step back in time with a walk down McCloud’s Main Street, where most of the buildings were constructed in the late 1800’s and retain much of their original grandeur to this day. The town is thought to be named after Alexander Roderick McLeod, who led a group of Hudson Bay Company trappers to the area in 1829. Not long after, the railroad made it possible to transport lumber to more populated cities and McCloud became a company town, owned by the McCloud River Lumber Company.
McCloud Historic District Walking Tour
Built by trappers, explorers, railroaders, and the lumber industry, McCloud’s buildings and charming homes were constructed at the turn of the 20th century and a downtown that is a Nationally Registered Historic District. On this walking tour, you will experience the town’s unique architecture, the beauty of the surrounding countryside, and the friendliness of the local townspeople.
McCloud Chamber of Commerce: 303 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057, 530-964-3113.
McCloud Heritage Junction Museum
Learn why the lumber industry was an integral part of the town’s history and why the McCloud community remains strong, close, and hardworking. The Museum is filled with more than 100 years of photographs and artifacts that document McCloud’s beginnings as a sawmill and railroad town.
320 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057, 530-964-2604 M-Sa 11AM-3PM, Su 1PM-3PM, Donations accepted.
McCloud River Falls Trail
Three volcanic and scenic waterfalls are visible on a 12-mile trail that meanders upstream on the McCloud River. A recreation center offers picnicking, fishing, and swimming, though the water will be chilly.
From Highway 89 turn south on FR 40N44 and follow the signs.
Medicine Lake Volcano Geologic Loop Tour
Drive a bonus Byway! Craters, caves, and lava flows are on view on this 60-mile driving loop that includes a portion of the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway. Highlights of this drive include the historic Harris Spring Forest Service Guard Station, jagged lava flows, dozens of geologically fascinating cinder cones, three different types of craters, natural bridges, mini-volcanoes called spatter cones, giant lava tubes, and Medicine Lake, nestled within the still-active Medicine Lake Volcano and lying at 6,700 feet above sea level. Stop at the Medicine Lake Recreation Area to enjoy fishing, boating, and exploring in a cool and crisp setting you won’t believe is in the middle of a volcano!
Start and end your drive in Bartle, Drive north on forest road 15 (Harris Spring Road), east on gravel forest road 43N48, south on gravel forest road 44N75, back down forest road 49 south, and then back toward forest road 15 south to the entry point on Highway 89. You will not need four-wheel drive for this trip, but high clearance vehicles are recommended, and be sure to fill up your gas tank before departing. Also, check the road conditions before departing.
McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park
This 910-acre park offers swimming, fishing, and excellent hiking trails, but its centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, named after Samuel Burney, who lived in the area in the 1850’s. Hundreds of tiny springs seep directly out of the rock behind twin falls that thunder down into an iridescent pool underneath, creating a 250-foot wide veil of water – truly a sight to see! The Falls were called the “eighth wonder of the world” by President Theodore Roosevelt and declared a National Natural Landmark in 1984.
24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013, 530-335-2777.
Hat Creek Recreation Area
Home to the second largest deposits of lava in California, stories of this valley’s geologic past are told through lava tubes, ancient lava flows, fault lines, and towering volcanoes. Named after a surveyor who lost his expensive hat in the rushing waters, 49-mile Hat Creek is renowned for trout fishing. Highlights of the Recreation Area include: the four-mile Fisherman’s Trail, the 1.5-mile looping Spatter Cone Interpretive Trail; a glimpse of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags from Panoramic Point Picnic Area; Subway Cave, the largest lava tube of the Hat Creek Lava Flow; the Bridge Picnic Area; and the Hat Creek Rim Overlook.
Old Station Visitor Center: 13435 Brian’s Way Highway 44/89 Old Station, CA 96071, 530-335-7517.
Susanville
Isaac Roop, a pioneer of the Honey Lake District, changed the name of this former logging and mining town from Rooptown to Susanville in honor of his daughter in 1857. The arrival of the railroad turned the town into a major lumber manufacturing center, but the area is now an agriculture and tourism center, known for its many hiking and biking opportunities.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Diamond Mountain Casino Hotel 900 Skyline Road, Susanville, CA 96130, 530-252-1100 Newly enlarged hotel with four restaurants.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Courthouse Cafe 2455 Main St, Susanville, CA 96130, 530-257-0923 Friendly staff and an extensive menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and California burritos.
Kopper Kettle Cafe 2535 Main St, Susanville, CA 96130, 530-257-2966 Local restaurant featuring American fare and an all-day breakfast menu.
Destination Distinctive Retail
The Elegant Iris 618 Main St, Susanville, CA 96130, 530-252-4747 Gifts, home decor, baby boutique, outdoor adventure equipment and more.
DAY SEVEN
Historic Susanville Railroad Depot and Visitor Center
The Susanville Railroad Depot was built in 1927 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and showcases the region’s history and cultural heritage with vintage photographs of railroad and logging history. The Depot also serves as the main trailhead for the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, a 25.4-mile trail along a converted railroad track. Especially popular in late October when the cottonwoods turn a dazzling yellow, the trail crosses the Susan River 12 times on bridges and trestles and passes through two tunnels.
601 Richmond Rd PO Box 1461 Susanville, CA 96130 530-257-3252.
Susanville Murals and Historic Uptown Walking Tour
Visit sites like Roop’s Fort, Pioneer Saloon, and the Elks Lodge on this picturesque walking tour of Historic Uptown Susanville. Try to spot the eleven beautiful murals scattered throughout the town that were painted over the last 20 years and pay homage to the many historical figures and colorful characters that have shaped the area.
Tour begins at 1025 North St, Susanville, CA 96130.
Lassen Historical Museum and Roop’s Fort
Roop’s Fort, established in 1854 as a trading post, was the site of the 1863 Sagebrush War and is the oldest building in Susanville. It is also the home of the Lassen Historical Museum, which includes authentic arrowheads, Native American art, old weapons, photographs, and other artifacts from the county’s early beginnings in its collection.
115 N Weatherlow St, Susanville, CA 96130, 530-257-3292 Tu-F 10AM-2PM, Sa 10AM-1PM.
Reno
Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno has been beckoning chance-takers for decades with its clanging slot machines and bright neon lights. Named after Civil War Union Major General Jesse L. Reno, the city was settled by pioneers in the mid-1850’s but the discovery of silver in 1859 led to a mining rush and population boom. The railroad soon followed and Reno grew as the principal settlement between Salt Lake City and Sacramento. But it was the state’s legalization of gambling in 1931 that put Reno on the map as one of the most popular vacation spots in the country. Today, the city is an entertainment destination, technology hub, and thanks to its proximity to Lake Tahoe, a haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
The Jesse 306 E 4th St, Reno, NV 89512, 775-219-0220 An understated boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Reno. Six airy rooms with exposed brick walls and modern decor feature TVs, Wi-Fi, and sitting areas. There is a bar, casual Mexican restaurant, stylish lounge, and outdoor seating on premises.
Renaissance Reno Hotel One Lake Street, Reno, NV 89501 775-6823900 Four star comfort in downtown Reno.
Destination Distinctive Dining
The Silver Peak 135 N Sierra St suite e, Reno, NV 89501, 775-284-3300. Casual brewpub serving a menu of elevated bar fare such as grilled NY steak, craft beer & wine.
Wild River Grille 17 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, 775-284-7455 A modern venue in the historic Riverside Hotel with an array of American entrees and cocktails.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Home Means Nevada Co. 135 N Sierra St Suite C, Reno, NV 89501, 775-682-3800 Local shop offering apparel and gifts such as stickers and mugs with quirky, Nevada-inspired designs.
Antiques & Treasures 151 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89501, 775-327-4131 Large antique mall featuring over 40 dealers and a huge selection of antiques and collectibles.