Animal Ark
(North of Reno, off US-395)
This is a privately operated wildlife sanctuary
located in the juniper-covered hills north of Reno. Animal Ark exists to
"provide permanent care in captivity to animals who cannot be returned to the
wild..." but their mission goes well beyond this. The Ark is "dedicated to inspiring our local and global community by providing a window into
nature".
Open from April 1 to October 31. Hours: Daily 10a-4:30p. The Ark is closed Mondays, except those which fall on holidays
Directions:
From Reno, take US-395 North to exit #78 (Red Rock Road). Turn right and drive 11.5 miles to Deerlodge. Turn right and travel one more mile to 1265. Watch for their brown and white signs.
www.animalark.org
Fleischmann Planetarium
University of Nevada at Reno
info: 775-784-4811; reservations: 775-784-4812
http://planetarium.unr.nevada.edu
Fleischmann Planetarium, operated by the University of Nevada Reno, includes a domed theater containing the planetarium projector, state-of-the art special effects equipment and a Cinema-360 projector. In the upper level hall are displays including six-foot-diameter spheres representing the earth and moon, a meteorite collection, and other exhibits about our solar system.
The University also operates a small observatory with several telescopes which are made available to the public on clear Friday and Saturday nights when such viewing attempts are practical. This service is free of charge and is well supported by volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Nevada.
Hot August Nights
Hot August Nights is, fittingly, is possibly the highest attended event in the Reno-Sparks area. Created in 1986, it was intended to be a nostalgic journey to the days of the American muscle car, the 1957 Chevy, the Mustang and Thunderbird. But, then, Reno is the site of the National Auto Museum - so why not have such an event in Reno. Today Hot August Nights is host to over 4,000 show car entries representing every period of American automobile history. Contests, drag races, parties - it is a wowzer of a celebration. (And it really isn't that hot (usually) in Reno so you can have a
good time without being uncomfortable.) This extravaganza lasts all week.
For more information phone 775-356-1956
NOTE: They do have a web site
( www.hotaugustnights.net ) but
is frequently not available.
Spooner Lake State Park
Glenbrook
U.S. HWY 50 & SR 28
775-831-0494
While it should be said that the main feature of the park is the deep blue, ice cold Spooner Lake, our recommendation to tourists who enjoy easy hikes through stunningly beautiful terrain is the 2.3
mile trail which loops around the lake. Ducks, geese, osprey and a wide assortment of other wildlife can be observed. Parking space is very limited so carpooling is recommended for large groups.
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Fun
Quest: Children's Amusement Park
2500 East Second Street
Reno 89595
866-607-9330
Fun Quest, located inside the Reno
Hilton, is one of Reno's top family attractions and, certainly, the area's largest indoor fun center. The 37,000 square foot facility includes:
5,000 square foot laser tag arena, some 200 state-of-the-art arcade games, batting cage and power pitcher. Thrill to the Max Flight simulated roller coaster or challenge the 5,000 square foot Tumble Town play structure. And, if you're space age, gather around the Galaxian Theater, a six-person video battle game.
For more information phone 775-789-2386
Liberty Belle
4250 South Virginia Street
Reno 89502
Featured on the NBC Today Show, the Discovery Channel, and many other world-wide media, the Liberty Belle is reputed to be the most complete museum of slot-machines in the world. Included at the site is an Old West Memorabilia collection. And, if you're hungry, the all this is housed in their restaurant.
Web site: libertybellreno
National Automobile Museum
10 Lake Street
Reno
775-333-9300
This 'memorial' to the machine that has affected American society and industry more than anything else 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. There is also a shop selling books and novelties.
Open Mon-Sat 9:30a-5:30p, Sun 10a-4p Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
National Bowling Stadium
300 North Center Street
Reno
775-322-9391
Believe it or not, this is the world's only national bowling stadium! This $43 million facility operates 80 championship lanes and is the site of major tournaments. A pro-shop and several restaurants make this a facility easily hosting 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.
Pyramid Lake
North of Reno, accessed by NV-445 - or -
take I-80 east to Wadsworth and then follow NV-447 to Nixon and the Lake.
36 miles north of Reno in the middle of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation is Pyramid Lake, one of the best recreation areas in the state. Sandwiched between the Virginia and Sahwave Mountains, their beautiful red and brown sandstone frequently casting a
reddish glow over the area, the lake offers great fishing.
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