Step Back in History at the Lake Mansion
What it Offers
While the mansion itself is not regularly open to the public, it continues to serve as a vibrant hub for creativity and community. Throughout the year, Arts for All Nevada hosts a variety of all-ages art classes, workshops, events and creative programs inside the historic space.
During Reno’s month-long Artown Festival each July, visitors have the special opportunity to step inside the Lake Mansion through free public tours and learn more about its fascinating history, architecture, and role in Reno’s story.
A couple of times a year, they host free family-friendly arts festivals featuring plenty of hands-on art stations where kids can create, explore, and let their imaginations run wild. These events have become some of my favorite experiences to attend with my own kiddos as they've learned so many invaluable art techniques that have inspired their creativity and confidence in so many other areas of life.
Each October, the mansion also transforms for their annual fundraiser. Like many historic buildings, it requires continuous funding to help preserve its beauty and ensure it remains a place where future generations can experience art, history, and community.
Standing proudly at 250 Court Street, the Lake Mansion is one of Reno's oldest surviving homes and an important reminder of the city's early beginnings. Over nearly 150 years, the mansion has changed owners, been relocated twice, narrowly escaped demolition, and transformed into a vibrant community arts center. Its story is closely tied to the people who helped shape Reno into the city it is today.
While the mansion itself is not regularly open to the public, it continues to serve as a vibrant hub for creativity and community. Throughout the year, Arts for All Nevada hosts a variety of all-ages art classes, workshops, events and creative programs inside the historic space.
During Reno’s month-long Artown Festival each July, visitors have the special opportunity to step inside the Lake Mansion through free public tours and learn more about its fascinating history, architecture, and role in Reno’s story.
A couple of times a year, they host free family-friendly arts festivals featuring plenty of hands-on art stations where kids can create, explore, and let their imaginations run wild. These events have become some of my favorite experiences to attend with my own kiddos as they've learned so many invaluable art techniques that have inspired their creativity and confidence in so many other areas of life.
Each October, the mansion also transforms for their annual fundraiser. Like many historic buildings, it requires continuous funding to help preserve its beauty and ensure it remains a place where future generations can experience art, history, and community.
Interested in supporting Lake Mansion? DONATIONS are always welcome & appreciated.
The story begins in 1861, when businessman Myron C. Lake established a toll bridge across the Truckee River. Known as Lake's Crossing, the small settlement became an important stop for travelers heading west between California and the booming Comstock mining region. At the time, the area was originally called Fuller's Crossing, but Lake's investment in the bridge and surrounding land helped the community grow.
Everything changed in 1868 when Myron Lake sold land to the Central Pacific Railroad for just $200. The railroad chose the site for a new depot, and the settlement officially became the City of Reno. That land sale played a major role in Reno's founding and is one of the reasons Myron Lake is often recognized as the city's founder.
Myron Lake was a complex figure in Reno's early history. While he is credited as one of the founders of Reno for helping establish the town around his Lake's Crossing property and working with the railroad, he was also a controversial businessman. His toll bridge brought him great wealth, but many residents grew frustrated with his control over this important crossing and viewed his business practices as unfair.
Building One of Reno's Finest Homes
Although the home bears Myron Lake's name today, he was not the original owner.
Construction began in 1876, when Washington Jerome Marsh purchased land from Myron Lake and built the elegant Victorian residence at 469 South Virginia Street. Completed around 1877, the home was designed in the popular Italianate architectural style, featuring decorative roof brackets, tall windows, detailed woodwork, and a spacious wraparound porch. At the time, it was considered one of the finest homes in the young city.
Only two years later, in 1879, Marsh and his wife sold the mansion back to Myron Lake, giving the home the name it carries today.
Although the home bears Myron Lake's name today, he was not the original owner.
Construction began in 1876, when Washington Jerome Marsh purchased land from Myron Lake and built the elegant Victorian residence at 469 South Virginia Street. Completed around 1877, the home was designed in the popular Italianate architectural style, featuring decorative roof brackets, tall windows, detailed woodwork, and a spacious wraparound porch. At the time, it was considered one of the finest homes in the young city.
Only two years later, in 1879, Marsh and his wife sold the mansion back to Myron Lake, giving the home the name it carries today.
By the late 1960s, rapid redevelopment in downtown Reno threatened many historic buildings, including the Lake Mansion. Rather than watch it be demolished, local preservation advocates worked with the Turrillas family and Home Savings & Loan to donate the building to Washoe Landmark Preservation, Inc.
In 1971, the entire mansion was carefully moved from its original South Virginia Street location to the grounds of the Centennial Coliseum, near today's Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Moving an entire Victorian home weighing approximately 40 tons was an enormous undertaking, but the effort ensured the mansion's survival.
The following year, the Lake Mansion earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance to Nevada's architectural and cultural history.
Another Historic Journey
More than three decades later, the mansion made another remarkable trip.
On July 11, 2004, crews transported the building approximately 3.1 miles through Reno's streets to its current home at 250 Court Street, just west of downtown near the Truckee River. Thousands of residents gathered along the route to watch the historic move, which became one of Reno's most memorable preservation events.
The relocation gave the mansion a permanent home in a setting where it could continue serving the community.
More than three decades later, the mansion made another remarkable trip.
On July 11, 2004, crews transported the building approximately 3.1 miles through Reno's streets to its current home at 250 Court Street, just west of downtown near the Truckee River. Thousands of residents gathered along the route to watch the historic move, which became one of Reno's most memorable preservation events.
The relocation gave the mansion a permanent home in a setting where it could continue serving the community.
A New Chapter as an Arts Center
In 2006, ownership of the mansion was transferred to VSA Arts of Nevada, now known as Arts for All Nevada.
Today, the Lake Mansion has been transformed into a community gathering place where history and creativity come together. Visitors can enjoy rotating art exhibitions, creative workshops, educational programs, community celebrations, weddings, and private events.
Its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, original craftsmanship, and rich history continue to tell the story of Reno's earliest years while inspiring new generations through the arts.
Right across the street from the mansion, you’ll find one of Reno’s most beloved local grocery stores. This beloved community gem is a great gathering spot where locals can connect, grab a bite, and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere.
You’ll find everything from fresh groceries and health and beauty products to an incredible grab and go section filled with sweet and savory options, all made in house with fresh ingredients. I especially love their daily made soups, house burritos, and delicious desserts in a jar. Their chocolate pudding and berry cheesecake are my personal favorites!
Just down the street from Great Basin Co-op, Barbara Bennett Park is undoubtedly one of the best spots in Reno to enjoy the Truckee River. Surrounded by grassy areas and shade trees, the park offers a picturesque setting to relax and take in the beauty of the river.
One of the most popular areas is the shallow section in the middle of the river, where visitors love to cool off, splash around, and carefully make their way across the water. The park also features year-round restrooms, a tennis court, playground, and basketball court, making it a great destination for families.
Plus, its convenient location just a short stroll from the heart of the Downtown Riverwalk makes Barbara Bennett Park the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a meal nearby, meet up with friends, and experience the best of downtown Reno.
In 2006, ownership of the mansion was transferred to VSA Arts of Nevada, now known as Arts for All Nevada.
Today, the Lake Mansion has been transformed into a community gathering place where history and creativity come together. Visitors can enjoy rotating art exhibitions, creative workshops, educational programs, community celebrations, weddings, and private events.
Its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, original craftsmanship, and rich history continue to tell the story of Reno's earliest years while inspiring new generations through the arts.
Why Visit the Lake Mansion?
-Historical Significance: Built in 1877, the Lake Mansion is a piece of Reno’s early days, offering a rare chance to step into the city’s heritage.
-Architectural Beauty: This place is a charmer with its Victorian architecture including intricate details and period perfect furnishings that transport you straight back to the 19th century.
-A Building with a Story: Weighing at 40 tons, the Lake Mansion was relocated twice through town, preserving the historic structure from the threat of demolition.
-Location: I don't think there could be a better location for the mansion. It's surrounded with so much beauty and things to do.
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| 2024 Annual fall fundraiser - Ghostly greeting, spooktacular cocktails, creepy crafting, silent auction, live music & delightful bites. |
Notes
-Tours and visitation are available by appointment only.
-After you’ve soaked up the history, take a stroll around the area. There are plenty of other local spots to explore, plus great places to eat and shop.
-Metered parking available in front of Lake Mansion. With a little effort, you can find free neighborhood parking nearby.
Nearby
(within walking distance)
240 Court St, Reno, NV 89501
You’ll find everything from fresh groceries and health and beauty products to an incredible grab and go section filled with sweet and savory options, all made in house with fresh ingredients. I especially love their daily made soups, house burritos, and delicious desserts in a jar. Their chocolate pudding and berry cheesecake are my personal favorites!
400 Island Ave, Reno, NV 89501
Just down the street from Great Basin Co-op, Barbara Bennett Park is undoubtedly one of the best spots in Reno to enjoy the Truckee River. Surrounded by grassy areas and shade trees, the park offers a picturesque setting to relax and take in the beauty of the river.
One of the most popular areas is the shallow section in the middle of the river, where visitors love to cool off, splash around, and carefully make their way across the water. The park also features year-round restrooms, a tennis court, playground, and basketball court, making it a great destination for families.
Plus, its convenient location just a short stroll from the heart of the Downtown Riverwalk makes Barbara Bennett Park the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a meal nearby, meet up with friends, and experience the best of downtown Reno.
Nearby Eats
Liberty Food & Wine Exchange
Royce Burger Bar
DOPO Pizza & Pasta
Peg's Glorified Eggs & Ham
Papa What You Cooking
The Coconut
The Pizza Collective
***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.***
Photography
©Katherine Fung
All rights reserved.
Categorized Under "Historical Buildings"
