Reno Attractions & Activities - The Best Holiday Destinations for 2020
Downtown Reno with the Sierra Nevada Range in the Background
Reno, the "Biggest Little City in the World" is located in the beautiful north-west region of the State of Nevada, right at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A destination with something to offer for everyone. The second largest tourist destination in Nevada. Featuring great resorts designed to accommodate every taste. Gaming and family entertainment, outdoor activities, festivals, museums, fantastic cuisine, shows for everyone, art and culture. All steeped in a rich, diverse, and rugged history. This is it, the gateway to the old west. This is where the historic Johnson-Jeffries fight happened. This is where Marylin Monroe and Clark Gable made "the Misfits" in 1961. Where the railroad tumbles down out of the mountains from California to cross the Truckee River and begin the long journey east. It's difficult to walk the streets of Reno without seeing the history in this dynamic city.
Most Renoites consider the start of it all to be 1859, when Charles Fuller built a log bridge across the Truckee River and started charging to cross over it on the way to the Gold Rush in California or coming back to Nevada for the "Washoe Rush" in Virginia City (Nevada). Fuller set up shelter for weary travellers to rest. He served meals at a price, and created an opportunity for prospectors to exchange stories and information.
The town site of Reno, named after Civil War General Jesse Reno, was established on May 13, 1868.
Since its beginning, Reno has spread across much of the Truckee Meadows. Reno and Sparks (a smaller adjacent city) now spread across this small valley separating the Sierra Nevada mountains to the West and Nevada's expansive desert areas to the East.
The profiteering characteristic of the founders may have occasionally plagued the course of Reno's subsequent generations. Some Renoites claim Nevadans are simply of a freer nature. Others think the city has repeated the steps of the goldrush era founders. Certainly, the choices made today are what will determine the true nature of the community. Regardless, Reno enjoys a pretty decent quality of life with 4 seasons, winter and summer fun, a major university, and plenty of other entertainment.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Reno
