Reno Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Reno

Reno, known as 'The Biggest Little City in the World', is famous for its casinos, and is the birthplace of the gaming corporation Harrah's Entertainment. Reno is the corporate headquarters for International Game Technology , which manufactures most of the world's slot machines.

As a tourist destination, Reno is very popular with a rich arts scene and year-round outdoor activities, Reno has something for everyone inside its 85.2 square miles with the added advantage of being just 22 miles away from Lake Tahoe and some of the country's best ski resorts.

In Reno, you can reach for the stars at the Fleischmann Planetarium, journey back to the wild west at the Ponderosa Ranch, take a walk down 1930's main street America at the National Automobile Museum, pet a deer at the Sierra Safari Zoo, or roll a custom bowling ball at the National Bowling Stadium. The options are endless; its no wonder Reno-Tahoe has been named America's Adventure Place

Locality:

Reno lies 26 miles (42 km) north of the Nevada state capital, Carson City , and 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Lake Tahoe in the high desert. Reno shares its eastern border with the city of Sparks.

Popular attractions include:

National Bowling Stadium - This $43 million facility is the world's only bowling stadium of its kind, operates 80 championship lanes and is the site of major tournaments. A pro-shop and several restaurants make this a facility that can easily host conventions when not being used for tournaments. But the main attraction for visitors to Reno is the I-MAX theater and its regular venue of adventure films.

National Automobile Museum - The museum is in remembrance of the machine that has affected American society and industry more than anything else and includes a display of over 200 antique, classic, vintage and special interest automobiles in four galleries plus four authentic street scenes. Also housed at this site is the largest automotive library in the world (with limited public access). A state-of-the-art multi-media theatre presents the history of the automobile and helps explain its fascination and importance. Gift shop sells books and novelties.
Open Mon-Sat 9:30a-5:30p, Sun 10a-4p Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Downtown Ice Rink - Open Wednesday, November 27, 2002 thru March 2, 2003 - weather permitting.

Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Great Basin Adventure - Adventure Area which includes a museum, arboretum and a kiddies' fun park. The museum has exhibits on May's life, including stuff he picked up on his world travels, as well as a bunch of animals he shot during his time on earth. If you don't mind a spot of taxidermy and you like your museums eclectic, it can be a fun spot. The nearby arboretum has outdoor gardens featuring Great Basin desert plants and an indoor tropical garden. The children's fun park has a log ride and a petting zoo.

Great Reno Balloon Race - The Great Reno Balloon Race at Rancho San Rafael-- Rides available at the event. Passenger flying is available by sponsoring a balloon for the weekend. Sponsorship costs are reasonable and along the scale of what private balloon rides offer. The event is always the first weekend after Labor Day.

Fleischmann Planetarium - North of the University of Nevada on N. Virginia St the planetarium features shows & events in the night skies. 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!

Reno Tahoe Gaming Academy - Learn to play blackjack, craps, roulette & baccarat. Behind the Scene Gaming Tour.

Oxbow Nature Study Area - Nature walks, bird watching areas & nature observation platforms.

Fun Quest - Children's amusement park

Idlewild Park - Where family fun never stops!!! Including 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 11:00AM - 6:00PM. Sept. thru May - Sat., Sun, & holidays, weather permitting. Great for birthday, groups, etc. Discount group rates available. Open since 1962.

Virginia Lake - A nice place to take a break from all of the excitement. A nice walk around the lake.

Total Sports - 94,000 sf. sports complex. Olympic size ice rink, 2 artificial turf soccer fields, In-line skate rink.

Sierra Safari Zoo - The largest zoo in Nevada, Sierra Safari Zoo currently has over 150 animals of 40+ species. New gift shop is now open to the public. Also available for public use are a scenic picnic area and a pleasant covered patio. The picnic area is available after normal hours for private parties and includes full access to the zoo.

Galena Creek Park - 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.

Animal Ark - A wildlife sanctuary located in the juniper-covered hills north of Reno, Animal Ark exists to "provide permanent care in captivity to animals that cannot be returned to the wild...," but their mission goes well beyond this. The Ark is "dedicated to inspiring our community by providing a window into nature".

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Population: 295.734.100
Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
U.S.A. - District of Columbia - Washington DC

U.S.A. - Florida - Orlando

U.S.A. - California - San Francisco

U.S.A. - New York - New York

U.S.A. - Nevada - Las Vegas

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why a significant proportion of Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

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