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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.
My kids learned how to bike here. |
I took my little ones here to get some fresh air and I fell in love right away with the feel of the park. Tall trees, ramps, interpretive signs, a little visitor center, American Robins, picnic tables, and nature sounds were what welcomed me.
Upon Entering, I noticed a NO DOGS ALLOWED sign. It seems that the city aims for wildlife to be uninterrupted so as to allow an ideal habitat for wildlife to thrive. If I were to take a field trip to this area as a kid, I would be so excited to learn about nature.
The beginning of the trail was very inviting, with it's narrow, tree-lined entrance and sounds of birds nearby. Up on the observation deck, I could spot three nests.
Shade is a big plus for me and my family as it provides relief from the blazing sun during the summer. You will find many shaded areas throughout the trail. As you may already know, because of Reno's higher elevation(4,506ft), the sun is much more intense. Sunblock is always good for protection in any case.
There was no problem with getting around with my stroller, but I could imagine that during a rainy and wet day, conditions may not be favorable, as the trail would be too muddy to get around.
Toward the end of the trail (after the last bush tunnel), there are long tree logs laid out to create a bridge to get to the other side. It's not completely flat, so crossing with a stroller/wheelchair may pose a problem. Turning back and going the way you came is what I'd suggest. Anyway, the path after crossing the log bridge is only a few min back to the same path you took to get to the bush tunnel. Note that there's a fork at the end before the bush tunnel. The path with a tire and stick leads to a dead end. Take the fork to the right.
I love that within the 0.8-mile looped trail, you get to experience all sorts of different areas-the the river, open areas, tree/bush tunnel areas, and the picnic study area located at the entrance.
Me and my little ones had a blast walking the trail, reading the educational signs, checking out the river, checking out wildlife, listening to the train nearby, and snacking near the river. I'm so thankful for this precious area that has been preserved.
As others have suggested, visiting the park during busy day times is ideal, as it is well-lit, safest, and easy to get around. I have not yet visited during fall and would imagine that it would be even more stunning to see the trees change colors in such a sweet spot.
Notes:
-Restrooms and water fountain available during business hours.
-benches laid out throughout the trail. You can find two benches in front of the river.
-To get to the deck in front of the river,(facing the park)take take the path all the way to the left. This path connects to the main path.
-Bring some chairs or a blanket to enjoy a picnic or just relax on the deck in front of the river or anywhere else in the area