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

Website

Pavilion Reservations

Pool Info.

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 *Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature *Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions *Take in a piece of history through educational plaques and tours in the most elegant building of its time *Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, and climbing at the playground I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby, a place that has served and continues to be the perfect spot to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.

Friends, can you imagine spending time in a place that once belonged to a millionaire? It honestly feels like a dream. Am I crazy to feel this lucky? This spot is stunning, and it holds so many memories. It’s where my kids learned to ride their bikes. It will always be a special place for us.

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), a Civil War event, & more.

Notes

-49-acre park  

-No pets allowed due to historical significance, except for service animals  

-Plenty of day-use picnic tables with BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis

-Two pavilions, Comstock Picnic Pavilion and Washoe Picnic Pavilion, are located at each end of the park, ideal for special events like weddings. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are next to each pavilion

-Two partially shaded play structures are situated at each end of the park

-Plenty of grassy areas available 

-A trail behind the mansion leads to stunning views of Washoe Lake and the Bower family cemetery, accessible via a short dirt trail with stairs (less than 5 minutes)  

-The swimming pool keeps a lane open for lap swimmers, and there’s a new gated splash pad for toddlers with easy entry ladders and a hydraulic lift 

-The park features many trees that change color in the fall, making it an amazing spot for photos  

-Great shade during summer

-Davis Creek Regional Park is just a couple of minutes away, offering family-friendly trails (ranging from easy to difficult), camping grounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots when water levels permit 

-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory for ice cream sundaes and treats after a fun-filled day, only about 5 minutes down the street

-The park is surrounded by farmlands, making it easy to drive around Washoe Lake and spot various farm animals

-Flushable toilets available 

-Huge parking lots are located on each side of the park

 

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"

Magic Carpet Golf, Reno - Take a Magic Carpet Ride Into Fantasy and Back in Time Into the Prehistoric Era

6925 S Virginia St

Reno, NV 89511

Website

I didn't grow up with mini golf, so I never had the interest to seek out places like Magic Carpet Golf.  After becoming a parent, my mindset changed.  Like many parents, I am always on the hunt for (fun) places to take my kids, preferably those that are safe, fun (for adults as well), and educational.

I've passed by Magic Carpet Golf countless times on South Virginia St.  It's one of those places that stick out like a sore thumb and people can't help but wonder about.  I mean... it's hard to miss the ginormous blue genie and birthday cake from the road, LOL.  

One random day (with this spot in the back of my mind), I did a little more digging on the net to learn more about Magic Carpet Golf and found that it has been around since 19-freakin-74!!! 2026-1974=52.  Fifty two years of people hitting balls a gazillion ways through, over, and around gigantic whimsy art pieces.  If that doesn't scream fun, I don't know what will.  And this is just for their Reno location.  The family who started all of this magic opened their first location in South Lake Tahoe in 1968!

Magic Carpet Golf is made of 2-19 hole courses - fantasy & adventure themed, along with a 28-hole mixed themed course.  On top of fun holes (some with moving parts), they also have picnic tables, a small arcade (including lots that I played as a kid), and some vending machines for snacks & drinks.  Other huge pluses include friendly service & a beautiful & developed landscape that provides shade and adds to the charm of the whole place.

It's really hard to grasp how this place has been existence for so many years.  It's inviting, whimsical, fun, and is run by the same family that began it years ago.  I can't believe that I've been missing out on this magic of mini golf all these years.

Side Note:  I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at to enjoy.  You take the ball, aim for the hole, and swing - all while enjoying the ambiance & atmosphere everyone worked so hard to create while sending out a prayer to the golf gods. 

I've made countless fond memories here with my family, and I know you will too.  I'm feeling super thankful for attractions like this that keep Reno fun and funky.  Hope you have fun when you make it out.  Oh, and please tell the dinosaurs hi for me, LOL.

NOTES

-family owned and run

-Hungry? Sushi Minato is within walking distance.  They serve some pretty good sushi & ramen.  

-handicap accessible 

-their water structures make for a relaxing environment 

-great shade available for hot summer days 

-at the end of your game, place your ball into the ball slot machine for a chance to win a free game

-drink and snack machines available 

-small sized play putters are available for little ones 

-great for parties & events.  Check their website for more information what they have to offer

-ideal spot for meetings, dates, fundraisers, field trips, team building and work events

-restrooms available

-No alcohol, no glass, & no cooking allowed

-well kept and beautiful 

-closes on Thanksgiving

-hours change according to season and weather. check website or call in for current hours

-across the street from Target shopping center.

-outdoor food and cake allowed for events

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

© Photography

Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Outdoor Attractions"

Take a Scenic Stroll Back in Time and Walk the Lands of the Cowboys at Bartley Ranch, Nevada.

6000 Bartley Ranch Road,

Reno, NV 89511

Website

Map of trails

Facebook

Park Ranger Office: (775) 828-6612
Pavilion Reservations (775) 823-6501

Bartley Ranch holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite parks in Reno. Its Western vibe, shaded grassy lawns, natural beauty, amenities, picnic worthy spots, landscaping, nearby eats, events, & concerts make it an absolute must visit. At 56 acres, the park may seem big, but the way it's landscaped and designed make it feel like an intimate & welcoming park.

I love that a visit to the park always feel like a step back in time. The park has vintage tractors, weathered wooden ranch buildings, and the old Huffaker Schoolhouse that give you a glimpse into Reno’s early ranching days. The land was once part of the Wheeler Estate, one of the area’s early farming and ranching properties. In the 1920s, Italian immigrant Demetrio Buscalia purchased part of the estate and operated a small dairy farm here. After World War II, his son, Gus Bartley, transformed the dairy into a horse boarding and training ranch, giving the property the Bartley Ranch name we know today. The ranch operated until 1985, and the land eventually became a regional park in 1995.

The park is also home to the Western Heritage Interpretive Center, largely known for its Come in from the Cold series featuring live music by local musicians mid-January to mid-March, and an amphitheater that can be rented for special occasions. During the month of July, the amphitheater also transforms into one of the main stages for live performances throughout Artown. Just outside the interpretive center, you’ll find pamphlets filled with interesting tidbits about the park’s plants, wildlife, and history.

2024

Bartley Ranch has also traditionally been the home of NYEP’s Annual Fall Harvest Festival, a family friendly fundraiser benefiting the Nevada Youth Empowerment Project. Held here each September, the event has brought the park to life with hayrides, pony rides, carnival games, bounce houses, face painting, live performances, and even baby animals. It’s a fun fall tradition that I’ve always loved seeing here, although the festival has taken a break over the past couple of years. Hopefully, it will make its way back to Bartley Ranch soon because this park is the perfect setting for a good old fashioned fall celebration.

Coming in from the south, you’re greeted with a scenic lookout - Audrey Harris Park (more like a small lookout area) - that offers stunning views before you descend into the park. From here you can spot everything from the white picket fence shaped like Nevada to runners hitting the trails, dog walkers, and people simply soaking in the views from the benches.

Within just a short 30 minute walk in the park, you will encounter wildlife, different landscapes, and a cute nature trail that leads to a charming wooden bridge. From there, a wooden walkway takes you along the gorgeous hills, and a zigzagging trail brings you right back to the heart of the park.

Bartley Ranch Park never disappoints. It’s a place I keep coming back to, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you.

Main Events at Bartley Ranch Regional Park

Come in from the Cold 

Winter Saturday evening concerts (bluegrass, jazz, cowboy poetry) at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center.

Evenings on the Ranch 

Summer Wednesday evening performances on the Plaza lawn (bluegrass, Chautauqua, poetry).

Hawkins Amphitheater Events 

Summer concerts, plays, community performances, Artown events, and special rentals.

Gardening Series 

Spring evening classes on fruit trees, pollinators, and desert gardening.

Junior Ranger Programs & Ranger-Led Hikes 

Educational programs for kids on nature and history.

“Washoe County Rocks!” 

Geology-focused workshops at the Interpretive Center.

Fall Harvest Festival 

Seasonal festival with petting zoo, carriage rides, crafts, and community activities.

Community Gatherings 

Music, potlucks, and local events hosted by groups like the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association.

Notes

-Plenty of parking available

-For special events, get there early as parking fills up quickly

-Bartley Ranch is a hot spot for photo sessions

-Catch the fun annual festival here benefiting NYEP

-Restrooms available

Nearby at The Shops at Bartley Ranch (All Local)

*Icecycle Creamery

Great spot for adventurous, small batch ice cream flavors and deli sandwiches/soups.

*Kuma Sushi

AYCE sushi in a modern, cozy space.

*Bighorn Tavern

In the Shops at Bartley Ranch; a casual neighborhood tavern with burgers, tacos, wings, and more.

*Smiling with Hope Pizza

Classic New York style pizza. 

Bartley Ranch in Fall

Park at Audrey Harris Park for lookout.

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

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

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

Let You Imagination Run Wild at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, Carson City

813 N Carson Street

Carson City, NV 89701

Website

One of my favorite things about Carson City is how many fun, family friendly places you can discover tucked away in this little capital city. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada ranks among the top on my list of family friendly things to do. Geared primarily toward infants through about age 9, it’s a hands on, play based museum where young kids can explore, use their imaginations, and have a whole lot of fun while learning along the way.

The exhibits are thoughtfully designed and super engaging. My kids especially love the role playing areas. In the hospital exhibit, they get busy treating patients, learn how to care for babies, and even practicing their bedside manner. At the mini supermarket, they “budget” their money and whip up gourmet meals for loved ones. And when they’ve got energy to burn and wiggles to release, the indoor climbing structures, tunnels, and slides keep them entertained for hours.  Added bonus: it's all located indoors, weather proof and accessible no matter the weather and season.

Downstairs, there are a few sections dedicated to STEM activities and art projects that switch up from time to time.

One of my favorite things about this museum is their storytime and the special events they host throughout the year. My kids and I absolutely love their annual Chinese New Year Celebration, although the festival has taken a break over the past several years. We engage in cultural activities like calligraphy and origami and get the opportunity to watch traditional Chinese/Asian dances. It’s such a fun experience. Hopefully it'll return soon.  When it does, it usually falls between late January and February, following the lunar calendar.

Encouraging imagination and creative play is a huge deal for me. It’s something I really believe is key to a well rounded upbringing because it helps kids build creativity, problem solving skills, communication, confidence, and empathy. I love that the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada gives kids a chance to develop these skills naturally through play.

The drive from Reno to Carson City is always a treat, with the scenic pastures, Washoe Lake, and the Sierra Mountains as the perfect backdrop. It’s a quick trip of about 30 minutes, but it always manages to refuel my love for the region and makes me feel so calm and lucky to be living here. 

Did I mention that Carson City is the capital of Nevada? That’s right, our state capital is also this lovely little town full of local gems that make it special. Beautiful landscapes, great restaurants, epic museums, wildlife, community, and so much history, plus the fact that it’s close enough to South Lake Tahoe, make Carson City an easy place to love. Carson City might be small (compared to Reno), but it’s definitely big in its own way.

I know how daunting society and the rise of technology can feel these days, especially when it comes to raising kids. With so many distractions competing for their attention, I think it is more important than ever to be proactive about giving our children opportunities to explore, create, imagine, move their bodies, and interact with the world around them. Hands on and physical activities are so important for healthy development, and visits to places like the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada can benefit our children mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. We only get one chance to give our children a childhood, and I believe filling it with meaningful experiences, exploration, and plenty of opportunities to simply play is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

Other Nearby Attractions in Carson City

Nevada State Museum

King's Canyon Waterfall
Battle Born Hall: Free museum inside the Nevada State Capitol
Nevada State Railroad Museum
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum
Kit Carson Trail
Bowers Mansion
Carson Hot Springs
Carson City Aquatic Facility
Prison Hill Recreation Area
Mills Park
Governor’s Mansion
Brewery Arts Center

NOTES

-Snacks are available for purchase at check-in

-Toddler section with alphabet toys, books, and a play table available

-Birthday party packages available

-Yearly memberships and volunteer opportunities offered

-Closed on major holidays

-Special field trip rates available

-Elevator access for strollers and wheelchairs available.  Check in with the front desk for assistance.

-Join the museum's mailing list by entering your email at the bottom of their homepage

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

Photography

© Katherine Fung, 

All rights reserved.

Categorized under Museums & Birthday/Event Venues