Top Rated Attractions in Reno

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center situated in the heart of Reno is a popular tourist attraction. Learn how much you would weigh on Venus and about black holes in the universe. In the Star Theater, visitors recline in comfortable seats while the heavens open above them on the Skydome screen. Among the many exhibits, you can see a meteorite, weighing more than one ton, that actually fell in Nevada. The public observatory contains a 12-inch reflecting telescope so you can see the stars up close and personal.

This facility is home to more than 40 species of animals and is now officially the largest zoo in Nevada. Staffed by volunteers and supported by donations, this organization does a marvelous job displaying the animals in their natural habitat. Special tours and field trips are available to provide educational fun for young and old alike. See lions and Siberian tigers roaming, reptiles slithering, baboons swinging, and parrots and other birds putting on their high-flying antics. If the weather is questionable, call before you visit.

In 1900, the Central Pacific Railroad decided to move the tracks out of Wadsworth, Nevada, and run them closer to the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The land for the new terminal and the rail yards is where Sparks is located today. It took four years to fill the swamp created by the Truckee River. By 1904, the job was completed and Sparks became the busiest terminal between Utah and California. You can see artifacts and learn the history of Sparks at the museum located three blocks from John Ascuaga's Nugget.

Grab your rod and reel and head out to this recreational area conveniently located between Reno and Carson City. Fishermen of all ages delight in catching the stocked channel catfish and wipers, a cross between white bass and striped bass. This lake suffered a bit during the drought years of the early 1990s, but it has made a comeback and the fishing gets better every year. Campsites and a boat launch area are available, so you can easily turn your adventure into a day-long or weekend-long excursion. Hiking. picnicking, and hunting are other popular activities here.

First discovered in 1859, this mine once produced both gold and silver ore. Today, it yields history rather than precious metals. Take a 30-minute walking tour through the actual mine shaft and learn more about its intriguing history. As you descend 400 feet (121.92 meters) deep into the mine, you will marvel at the design of the mine's support structures and see the tools that were actually used by men that coaxed the ore out of the mine's veins. This guided tour offers many historical facts about how Virginia City miners lived, worked, and survived.

Comstock Gold Mill is a splendid landmark that unravels the intriguing history of Virginia City. This stamp mill was built in 1864 and initially operated in the ghost town of Marietta. Comstock Gold Mill is a two-stamp gold mill that once broke down heaps of gold and silver ore. Today, visitors can witness the mighty mill at work and explore the rich heritage of Virginia City up close. Steeped in fascinating history, Comstock Gold Mill is an unmissable attraction in the town.