Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd. 530-541-5458 laketahoemuseum.org An impressive collection of photos and other memorabilia is found at this museum, which features a shop with a large book collection and gift items. Mormon Station State Historic Park 2295 Main St. Genoa, NV 778-782-2590 parks.nv.gov/parks /mormon-station-state -historic-park This site of Nevada’s first nonwhite settlement features a replica of the original 1885 trading post, which houses a museum with pioneer artifacts. Nevada State Museum 775-687-7340 museums.nevadaculture.org The Nevada State Museum in Carson City is one of seven Nevada State Museums operated by the Nevada
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Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. The primary building of the museum is the former Carson City Mint. Tallac Historic Site 530-541-5227 tahoeheritage.org The former site of the 1880s Tallac Resort, which included a hotel and casino, is now home to the Valhalla Arts, Music and Theatre Festival and the Boathouse Theatre. Vikingsholm Castle 530-541-6498 or 530-525-7277 vikingsholm.com Situated on the shores of Emerald Bay, this castle is considered one of the best examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. Open to visitors in summer.
History & Heritage
BLAST FROM THE PAST From the Pony Express to Gilded Age resorts, Tahoe South is rich in history and lore. Picture it: a 100-foot barge floating out on Lake Tahoe with a full orchestra entertaining the guests on board. No, it’s not the party scene from “The Godfather Part II.” It’s a flashback to the 1880s, when Lucky Baldwin’s opulent hotel–casino attracted the rich and famous to Tahoe’s shores. Today you can stroll the grounds of Baldwin’s former digs at Tallac Historic Site or enjoy a concert in the Boathouse Theatre with Lake Tahoe as the backdrop. Other historic sites include Vikingsholm
Virginia City 775-847-7500 visitvirginiacitynv.com Virginia City is known as the home of the Comstock Lode and one of the largest mining camps west of Denver. Today, its trusty wooden sidewalks carry visitors who come to see this real-life bonanza as well as the icons known around the world.
Castle and Valhalla, a turn-of-the-century summer home. Close by is a mother lode of Western history at Virginia City, where Mark Twain started his career; the Mormon Trading Post in Genoa; the Nevada State Railroad Museum; and the capitol building in Carson City.
©Russ Bishop/Alamy
Hellman–Ehrman Mansion Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park 530-525-7982 www.parks.ca.gov Built in 1903, this rustic, three-story summerhouse has been preserved as a museum with period furnishings.