Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, NV - Wilbur D. May Museum, Arboretum, Botanical Garden, & More

Wilbur D. May Center

1595 N Sierra Street

Reno, NV 89503

Helpful Links

Museum Instagram | May Arboretum Society

Wilbur D. May Museum Website

Volunteer Opportunities

Museum Facebook

Museum Event Space Rental Information

Garden Wedding Rentals

Pavilion Rental Information

Hall of Heroes Exhibit

Wilbur D. May Arboretum Brochure 

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Reno’s largest and most dynamic park. It’s home to the Wilbur D. May Museum, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, the largest off-leash dog park, hiking trails, Herman’s Fish Pond, beautiful event pavilions, and host to some of the most popular annual events, including The Great Reno Balloon Races and The Dragon Lights Festival.

At Wilbur D. May Museum, you can find a neat gift shop, Wilbur May's permanent collection, and fun themed traveling exhibits in winter that usually open around January. The Hall of Heroes, Dragons, Toytopia, and retro video game-themed some of exhibits I have enjoyed in the past. The permanent collection preserves the life of Wilbur D. May, a world traveler who collected thousands of artifacts throughout the span of his life and brought them back to his home here in Reno. Though small, the museum is packed with so much to see.

The Arboretum (right next to the museum) is tranquil and beautiful.  It features over 4,600 native and adaptive plant species, 1,700 trees, a Labyrinth Garden, waterfalls, and Evans Creek. It also offers educational programs, a bird-watching spot with 55 species, and a redwood bridge. with lots of labeled trees and plants. 

Paved trails and shade from trees in the Arboretum area provide fun & relief from the blazing hot summer sun, allowing for families to enjoy the outdoors for extended amounts of time. There are many beautiful gazebos in the arboretum area and a beautiful mini waterfall that contribute to it's tranquil atmosphere.

In the same area, you can travel back in time with the kids and play at the Dinosaur themed playground that features some swings, a slide, and a wall perfect for climbing. Other playgrounds available at Rancho San Rafaeal Regional Park - a playground made out of wood next to the pond & a more substantial and modern one next to the main street on North Sierra Street (just drive down the main road after entering the park and you'll spot it from the street). Because of the shade available, along with seating, restrooms, and so many other attractions nearby, this playground ranks among the highest on my list.

The park's wide-open spaces, amenities, and attractions make this park ideal for large and small gatherings, events, outdoor sports, and more.

I always encounter people from all walks of life here, including joggers, hikers, nature lovers, dog walkers, couples, families, and it's no wonder why. It has everything one would look for in a park and more.

Notes

-Stroller and wheelchair friendly  

-Museum features wildlife displays, African primitive art, Ta'an Dynasty pottery, Egyptian artifacts, and European silver  

-Indoor garden includes a centerpiece waterfall, a koi fish pond, and a seasonal flower garden

-Available for weddings and parties  

-Call the park to reserve outdoor pavilions for events  

-25-acre off-leash dog park (bring a towel on wet days for muddy paws)  

-Rose garden located in the Arboretum  

-Large grassy areas are perfect for kite flying  

-Larger children's playground near the grassy field, another playground next to Herman's Pond, and a dinosaur playground by the museum parking lot  

-Gazebo available for gatherings  

-Exercise course around the grassy area  

-Home to a variety of wildlife  

-No dogs allowed in the Arboretum  

-Shade is mostly found in the Arboretum area  

-Ideal for photo shoots  

-Great for picnicking, with tables and BBQs located next to the playground and the open grassy field.

Categorized under Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots

*Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.*

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Discover Damonte Ranch Park

1950 Steamboat Pkwy
Reno, NV 89521

Meet South Reno's most popular park. Easy to access and includes wetlands + wildlife, beautiful views, one of the biggest playgrounds in town, and a nice long paved path that's popular among walkers, runner, bikers, dog walkers, and the like. 

Notes
-Trail: 3.1 mile loop trail with no elevation gain, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
-8-acre park with plenty of open space.
-The park is completely exposed, making early morning or sunset visits ideal during summer. Don’t forget sunscreen, as the higher elevation in Reno means stronger sun exposure. 
-There are no water fountains, so be sure to bring your own water.
-Play Structures: Two play areas - one for smaller kids and one for bigger kids.
-Popularity: This park can get busy on weekends, after school, and during holidays. However, you might find it more peaceful during colder, windier days.
-Picnic Area: 1 picnic shelter with 4 tables and a BBQ, conveniently located near year round restrooms.
-Basketball Court: Features two half courts 
-Hills: A couple of cute hills are perfect for running or rolling down. In winter, they’re great for sledding.
-Open Grass Areas: Ideal for flying kites or playing fetch with dogs, though it can get muddy when wet.
-Photography: The park offers stunning views of sunsets, snow covered mountains, and local wildlife
-Parking: The parking lot can fill up during peak hours. Street parking is available if needed.
-Biking: The wide trail is great for family biking or for those learning to ride.
-Neighborhood: The trail is lined with residential backyards
-Pet Waste Stations: Poop bags are available at a couple of locations for dog owners.
-Nearby: If you need to grab a bite or run errands, there’s a plaza down the street with McDonald's, Home Depot, Pizza, Subway, & Safeway.  Local eats:  Twisted Fork, Poke N Go, Tofu House, Asian Paradise, and Tahoe Natural Cafe.

*Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots, Birthday/Event Venues"

Phillip Annie Callahan Park- A Close Getaway Within Arms Reach

15960 Callahan Road

Reno, NV 89511

Park Ranger Office: 

(775) 849-2511

Website

Phillip Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem tucked away in a serene forest next to Mt. Rose Highway. I stumbled upon this park while searching for family-friendly spots to enjoy during the summer. I couldn’t believe such a beautiful place had remained a secret for so long. Over the years I’ve been visiting, it’s always been a low-key and peaceful retreat, likely because many people head straight to the nearby Galena Regional Park instead.

Although it’s on the smaller side, the park is packed with charm. It features a pavilion, limited paved pathways, two play structures, some grassy areas, and a handful of picnic tables. 

A lovely creek runs alongside the park, providing a refreshing alternative to swimming, especially during those hot summer days.  One of my family's favorite activities is bringing along floating toys like rubber ducks or toy boats and watching them float down the creek. 

Shade is abundant here, and there’s a short loop trail perfect for beginner hikers, all while being serenaded by the soothing sounds of the creek. There’s truly nothing better than hiking in the shade with the gentle sound of water nearby.

To access the short loop, head past the end of the paved path into the dirt area and towards the forest. Keep going until you find a bridge, then turn right onto the bridge (picture) that leads back to Callahan Park. The trail ends at the parking lot for the Galena Creek Trail, which is just a short walk from the park.  The short loop is simple, short, and sweet.

This charming park is a go-to for summer fun, hiking, picnicking, and small gatherings. 

Access Galena Creek Trail from the park. 4.7 mile Out and Back. 774 ft. elevation gain.

History 

Phillip and Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem honoring the Callahan family, who donated 25 acres for its creation. The park's history dates back to Nevada’s early settlement, particularly during the Comstock Lode boom in nearby Virginia City. Matthew Callahan arrived in 1863 from England, establishing a brickyard that supplied bricks for significant local structures. When demand for bricks declined, the family shifted to dairy farming in Galena, producing a variety of crops and fruits.

Phil Callahan, Matthew’s son, helped establish a school in Galena using materials from their land. The historic Galena Creek Schoolhouse, now part of the park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once home to Nevada's famous poet Joanne de Longchamps. Today, as you explore the park, you can appreciate its serene beauty while reflecting on its rich history.

Notes

-Beautiful golden foliage in the fall

-Ample shade in the summer

-Small play structure is shaded; the larger one has partial shade, with swings for both big and small kids

-Wildflowers & wildlife

-Ideal for picnics and photo shoots

-The downward slope pathway next to the parking lot is a favorite spot for kids to ride their plasma cars & bikes

-Horse and dog-friendly, with poop bags available at the parking lot

-Mountain biking paths and horseshoe pits available

-The pavilion includes a BBQ pit and is available on a first-come, first-served basis

-Water fountain and benches available throughout the park

-Download the AllTrails app for detailed reviews, trail information, photos, and directions to Galena Creek Trail. The app also helps navigate so you won’t get lost.

-While there are no restrooms at the park, you can find a porta-potty at the Galena Creek Trailhead, just a two-minute walk toward Mt. Rose Highway. 

Categorized under Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots