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 the Lighthouse Room, Old Lodge, 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 only.
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 Street, Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28.
NORTH LAKE TAHOE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
Summer | (775) 586-1610, ext. 25 | demogarden.org
Featuring lake-friendly landscaping using native and adaptive plants. Self-guided tours & clinics. On the campus of UNR at Lake Tahoe.
NORTH TAHOE ARTS CENTER
(530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com
Featuring works by local artists & workshops at its two arts center 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 (1908) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and Transit Center.
TAHOE CITY FIELD STATION
Tours by appt. | (530) 583-3279 | terc.ucdavis.edu
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 Sierra Nevada University. 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 1909, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places (summer tours).
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.
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; check schedule in advance of visiting.
SOUTH SHORE
HEAVENLY
(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com
Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. Ticket required; check in advance for schedule.
LAKE TAHOE MUSEUM
Sat. & by appt. | (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
May-Oct. | (530) 543-2674 | fs.usda.gov
Features Stream Profile Chamber to view slice of Taylor Creek, nature trails & more.
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
Fri.-Sun. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org
Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history.
OLD JAIL MUSEUM
Opens late May | (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org
One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1964 (summer tours).
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
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 Summer 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.
VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE
(530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA
parks.ca.gov | vikingsholm.com
Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (interior tours Memorial Day weekend-Sept. 30), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House.
VISITORS’ CENTERS
East Shore
Spooner Lake State Park (775) 831-0494
Kings Beach
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. (Depot) (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
go.usa.gov/xwurX
