W.E. ROCK :: World Extreme Rockcrawling

Things to do in Reno

By: Aaron Campbell

W.E.ROCK Live Editor-In Chief

With the upcoming Reno Rocks event teams and spectators are going to be looking for things to do around our host city. So here are some of the things to do around Reno as helped by our friends from the Reno-Tahoe Visitors Center. These are some of the unique attractions that show that the “Biggest Little City in the World” has to offer.

Let’s start this off by taking a visit to the Animal Ark. This 38-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of animals. A wide variety of animals living in the ark include cheetahs, tigers, black bears, and wolves. This attraction is located close to town, and is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM-6:30 PM. The ark is a smash with young and old alike, and would be a highlight of any visit to Reno. Check them out at www.animalark.org.

Just across the city line in the town of Sparks, is the Golden Eagle Regional Park. This park is the largest public works project ever taken by the City of Sparks. It houses many different sporting facilities including, baseball, softball, and multi purpose play fields. It also includes a regulation stadium soccer field. So if throwing a ball or a Frisbee around is something you like to do then a trip over to the Golden Eagle Regional Park is just what you need.

The Fleischmann Planetarium is the place that brings the stars right to you. The planetarium is home to a large format movie system and many hands on interactive displays and exhibits. You can check out all of the things happening at the planetarium by checking out their website at http://planetarium.unr.edu.

Reno is home to one of the coolest museums for the gear head in your life. The National Automobile Museum is located within walking distance of many of the hotels and casinos of downtown Reno. The museum houses multiple authentic street scenes, multiple galleries, and over 220 classic, special interest, and vintage automobiles. They offer free self guided tours, and there are film presentations available. They are open seven day a week, and are open Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM-5:30 PM and 10AM-4PM on Sunday.

While in Reno head over to the Donald W. Reynolds Center for the Visual Arts, also known as the Nevada Museum of Art. Designed by Will Bruder, the center became the Nevada Museum of Art in May 2003. The architecture marvel includes a torqued exterior wall, suspended atrium staircase, and awesome views of the Reno skyline. The museum is home to many travelling exhibitions from national and international artists, and even houses a huge collection modern twentieth and twenty-first century art. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10AM to 5 PM and extended hours on Thursday to 8 PM. Check them out at www.nevadaart.org.

Also while in Reno you have to check out the downtown area that includes the legendary Reno Arch, Raymond I. Smith Truckee River Walk, Truckee River Arts District, Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield, Wingfield Park Amphitheater, and Victorian Square. All are great places to take the family out for charming day in the “Biggest Little City in the World”.

So while you are here for the amazing rockcrawling action at the luxurious Sands Regency Casino get out and enjoy what Reno has to offer. Feel free to spend some time on the river. Enjoy the great parks, and the very cool museums. Now let’s get out and have a blast in Reno.