SIGHTSEEING

EAST SHORE

CAVE ROCK

This iconic sight is part of an old volcano. Take in the view from Cave Rock State Park.

THUNDERBIRD LODGE

May-October | thunderbirdtahoe.org

The former Whittell estate. This magnificent lakefront home features 600’ underground tunnel (with a former lion cage) and Boat House, home to the “Thunderbird,” a 1939 wooden boat. Ages 6+ only. Tours by reservation.

NORTH SHORE

GATEKEEPER’S MUSEUM

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org

Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia in Tahoe City.

KINGS BEACH northtahoebusiness.org

Kings Beach is a popular spot for dining and shopping with the North Shore’s largest sandy beach located in the heart of town. Free parking at North Tahoe Beach, Brook St., Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28.

NORTH TAHOE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

(775) 586-1610, ext. 25 | tahoe.ucdavis.edu/NTDG

Featuring lake-friendly landscaping using native and adaptive plants. Self-guided tours & clinics. On the campus of UNR Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nev.

NORTH TAHOE ARTS CENTER

(530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com

Featuring works by local artists & workshops in Kings Beach and Tahoe City.

TAHOE CITY visittahoecity.com

Popular for shopping and dining with historical sites.

Visit the Tahoe Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and Transit Center.

TAHOE CITY DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

Tours by appt. | (530) 583-3279 | tahoe.ucdavis.edu/tcdg

This 1920s-era building features a history of the field station, current UC Davis research projects, interactive exhibits and demonstration garden. Grounds open Memorial Day-Labor Day. Ages 8+.

TAHOE SCIENCE CENTER

Tues.-Sat. by reservation

(775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org

University of California, Davis, science education center at at UNR Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nev. Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+.

WATSON CABIN

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org

Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1908, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places. Opens in June.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

HIGH CAMP

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com

Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, events and more. Ticket required Closed May 29-June 16.

OLYMPIC MUSEUM

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com

Palisades Tahoe, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the Tower of Nations with its Olympic Flame and the symbolic Tower of the Valley at Highway 89. The Olympic

Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. Tram ticket required. Closed May 29-June 16.

South Shore

HEAVENLY

(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com

Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views, along with zip lines, climbing wall, tubing, coaster and more. Ticket required. Open June 16.

LAKE TAHOE MUSEUM

Thurs.-Sat. & by appt. (Sat. only in May) (530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org

Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. Pick up walking tour maps.

TAHOE ART LEAGUE GALLERY

(530) 544-2313 | talart.org

Featuring works by local artists & workshops.

TALLAC HISTORIC SITE

(530) 541-5227 | tahoeheritage.org

Once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World” as the summer retreat for three San Francisco elite families with the Baldwin Estate, Pope Estate & Valhalla. Grounds open year-round. Tours in summer.

TAYLOR CREEK VISITOR CENTER

(530) 543-2674 | fs.usda.gov

Features Stream Profile Chamber to view slice of Taylor Creek, nature trails & more. Opens June 1.

Truckee

DONNER SUMMIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY donnersummithistoricalsociety.org

At Old Hwy 40 & Soda Springs Rd. 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40.

EMIGRANT TRAIL MUSEUM

(530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov

The Emigrant Trail Museum features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at Donner Memorial State Park. See the towering Pioneer Monument.

KIDZONE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Tues.-Sat. | (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org

Interactive exhibits, science & art classes for kids up to age 7. BabyZone & Jungle Gym.

MUSEUM OF TRUCKEE HISTORY

Open Fri.-Sun. | (530) 582-0893 museumoftruckeehistory.com

Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history.

NORTHSTAR northstarcalifornia.com

Ride the Big Springs Gondola up to 8,610’ for views of Tahoe and Truckee. Opens June 16.

OLD TRUCKEE JAIL MUSEUM

By appt. only | (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org

One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1965. Volunteers needed.

TOWN OF TRUCKEE truckeehistory.org | truckee.com

Settled in 1863, Truckee grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad. During these early days, many historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown.

TRUCKEE RAILROAD MUSEUM

Open Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com

Learn about the historic railroad. Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot.

WEST SHORE

EAGLE ROCK

Eagle Rock, one of the Lake’s most famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. Trail to top is on the south side.

FANNETTE ISLAND

(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov

Lake Tahoe’s only island is in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only. (Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.)

HELLMAN-EHRMAN MANSION

Parking fee | parks.ca.gov

(530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours

Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion. See boathouses with historic boats and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. Tours May 27-Sept. 30.

VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE

(530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov | vikingsholm.com

Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (interior tours June 15-Sept. 30), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House.

TRANSIT

North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org

VISITORS’ CENTERS

Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.)

Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463

South Shore At Heavenly Village. (530) 542-4637

Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900

Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (530) 587-8808

U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village 855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)

U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe

35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600

U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City

3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)

U.S. Forest Service | Truckee

10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558

National Forest access info fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/RecreationSiteStatus