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

Directions

Museum: (775) 785-5961

Arboretum: (775) 785-4153

Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512

Helpful Links

Wilbur D. May Museum website

Volunteer Opportunities

Facebook Page for latest updates

Museum Event Space Rental Information

Garden Wedding Rentals

Pavilion Rental Information

Hall of Heroes pictures traveling exhibit

Wilbur D. May Arboretum Brochure (map and descriptions of areas)

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Reno's largest and most dynamic park.  The park is home to Reno's Great Balloon races, Wilbur D. May Museum, Wilbur D. May Arboretum, multi-purpose fields including off-leash dog areas, miles of hiking trails, Herman's Fish Pond, reservable pavilions, and many special events like the Dragon Lights Festival.

In the park, you can find Wilbur D. May Museum, a pretty special part of Reno, with it's neat gift shop and historical and traveling exhibits.  The museum 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 and is a favorite among locals.  The Hall of Heroes, Dragons, and old-fashioned video game-themed events are only a few of the many events you can find here, some recurring and some only passing through, only happening once. 

The Arboretum (right next to the museum) is tranquil and beautiful, with lots of labeled trees and plants.  Paved trails and shade in the Arboretum area provide 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 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 playground with huge dinosaur swings and a slide (next to the restroom area).  Big trees shade the area and make this playground among the top playgrounds on my list.  Also available is a wood playground close by next to the pond and one next to the large open grass field next to the second parking lot, further away from the park entrance on North Sierra Street.

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

I always encounter people from all walks of life here- 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.  We are so lucky to have this special park in our big little city.  

Notes:

-Stroller and wheelchair friendly

-Museum-Wildlife Displays, African Primitive Art. Ta'an Dynasty Pottery, Egyptian Artifacts, European Silver

-Indoor Garden Features- A centerpiece waterfall, a koi fish pond, seasonal flower gardens, rotating exhibits

-available for weddings and parties

-Call park to reserve pavilions for parties

-25 acre off leash dog park(bring towel as they can easily get dirty)

-Rose Garden in Arboretum

-Large Grassy Areas ideal for kite flying

-larger children's playground near grass field, playground next to Herman's Pond, Dinosaur playground next to museum parking lot

-Gazebo

-Exercise course around grass area

-filled with wildlife

-No dogs allowed in the Arboretum

-Shade is mostly in the Arboretum area

-A small creek runs through the park

-ideal for photo shoots 

-Ideal for parties

-Great for picnicking. Tables with BBQ located next to playground, next to open grassy field.  

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

Easter Dining, Egg Hunts, and Crafts in Reno 2021

If you haven't made plans for Easter yet, there's still time.  Check out these events for egg hunting and Easter dining or if you're not looking to go out, have some Easter action right in the comfort of your own home or at a beautiful park. 

*Easter Dining in Reno and Sparks

*Easter Egg Hunts in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe

*Beautiful Parks and Playgrounds in Reno — I haven't had a chance to add Sparks Marina, Idlewild, and Mayberry Park yet.  They are definitely on the list of best parks in Reno and Sparks.

*Easter Kits at Color Me Mine

*Easter Activities to do at Home

 

Enjoy Specialty Items at Grateful Gardens for Easter

Enjoy Easter Brunch at Fire & Ice (9:30-10:30am) at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe.  After, walk around and browse the many unique shops or visit a beach and enjoy some outdoor activities and scenery.

Categorized Under "Events, News, & Announcements" 

Photos

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Witness A Millionaire's Creation During the Comstock Load Mining Boom and Enjoy Beautiful Grounds at Bowers Mansion Regional Park

4005 Bowers Mansion Rd

New Washoe City, NV 89704

775-849-0201

Bower's Mansion Regional Park website

Pool Information 

Pool Facebook

Upcoming Event: Bowers Bluegrass Festival (August 24-27, 2023)

Purchase Tickets

Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City.

For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more. 

*Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees on a lawn that seems endless

*Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature, big enough for everyone to enjoy

*Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions

*Retreat from summer heat under shade trees over a good read

*Take in a piece of history through educational plaques & tours in the most elegant building of its time

*Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, & climbing at the playground

I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby, a park that has served and continues to as the perfect place to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.

2020 hours of operation.  Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.

Bower's Mansion Tours

Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day. 

I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).

The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), the Civil War event, & more.

Notes

-49 Acre Park

-Due to historical significance, there are no pets allowed in the park, with exceptions to service animals.

-plenty of day use picnic tables with BBQ grills that are spread throughout the park on a first come, first-served basis

-There are two pavilions on each end of the park that are big enough for special events like weddings.  Comstock Picnic Pavilion & Washoe Picnic Pavilion. Horseshoe and volleyball next to each pavilion

-There are two play (partially shaded) structures on each end of the park

-Plenty of grass for all activities

-There's a trail behind the mansion leading to great views of Washoe Lake and the Bower's family cemetery. Up some stairs and less than 5 minutes up on a dirt trail

-The swimming pool always keeps a lane open for lap swimmers. There's a new gated splash pad for toddlers, easy entry ladders and hydraulic lift available.

-There are plenty of trees around the property that change during fall

-An amazing spot for photos

-Great shade in the summer

-Davis Creek Regional Park is only a couple of minutes away and is family friendly, with trails ranging from easy to difficult, camping grounds, picnic areas, and a place to fish when water is abundant. 

-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory after a long day of fun and exercise just down the street, about 3–5 min. away

-The park is surrounded by farmlands.  You can easily drive around Wahoe Lake and find lots of farm animals to look at. 

-flushable toilets available

-Huge parking lots, one on each side

My kids learned how to bike here.

Photography 

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

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

categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots & Birthday/Event Venues"