Go To Lake Tahoe
Incline Village on Lake Tahoe's north shore is a mere 35 miles southwest of Reno. Just visiting this part of the lake is outstanding, but if you want to explore further, read my article with directions for driving around Lake Tahoe and other information and facts about this High Sierra scenic wonder and playground. Be prepared to share the road with lots of other drivers if you opt for the circumnavigation; the Lake Tahoe Basin gets plenty of visitors on holiday weekends.
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park offers two distinct experiences on the east side of Lake Tahoe, just south of Incline Village. Marlette-Hobart Backcountry in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is the place to go for both hiking and mountain biking. Some trails lead to spectacular views of the Lake Tahoe Basin. For a place to take the family for a day on the beach at Lake Tahoe, you can't beat Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park.
Country Crossroads at the Nugget
Country Crossroads is a Memorial Day country music festival in Sparks at John Ascuaga's Nugget. Featured performers include David Nail on May 25, Uncle Kracker on May 26, and Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson on May 27. Visit the Nugget website for more information and tickets. During the weekend, there will also be some free entertainment. The info phone is (775) 356-3300.
Things To Do Nearby
Black Rock Rendezvous: May 26 - 27
Here's your chance to learn more about the incredible Black Rock Desert, located within the BLM-administered Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyou Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (or just NCA for short). This is two days of environmental workshops, tours of significant area features, history, camping, food, raffle prizes, geocaching, and movies under starry desert skies. Friends of Black Rock / High Rock are the main organizers, with assistance from organizations such as the Bureau of Land Management, Desert Research Institute, Burning Man Earth Guardians, Nevada Outdoor School, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, and several others.The Rendezvous starts on Saturday, May 26, 100 miles north of Reno at the main campsite on the Black Rock Playa. A schedule of events, directions, and maps are available at the Black Rock Rendezvous website. This is a free, family-friendly event. If you plan on doing the campout, be sure to read this information about camping in the Black Rock Desert. See some of the fun with my Black Rock Rendezvous pictures.
Virginia City Memorial Day Parade
The parade starts at noon on Saturday, May 26 and will travel down C St., Virginia City's main drag. The parade celebrates the heroism and sacrifice of those Americans who have died defending our nation. Call (775) 847-4386 for more information. For parade line-up, be at the Fourth Ward School on the South End of C Street at 11:00 a.m. All entries are welcome.
The Virginia Truckee Rail Fest will also be happening in Virginia City during Memorial Day weekend. Besides the parade and rides on the V&T Railroad, there will be a Made in Nevada Market at the Gold Hill Hotel, stagecoach rides, gunfights, and theater.
Ride the Virginia & Truckee Railroad (V & T)
Ride a real steam train on the restored Comstock route between Virginia City and Carson City/Mound House. Most of the line opened in 2009 and will be running round and one-way trips for the 2012 season starting on Memorial Day weekend. Trains will run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 21. You can get tickets online for this route and also for the excursion train listed below. Call (775) 847-0380 for more information.
Ride the Virginia & Truckee Excursion Train
Come ride the Queen of the Shortlines on Memorial Day weekend. The 2012 season of diesel train excursions between Virginia City and Gold Hill starts on Saturday, May 26. There are departures all day from the depot at F Street and Washington in Virginia City, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult tickets are $9 for diesel, $11 for steam. Children 5 to 12 are $4.50, kids under 5 free. An all day pass for steam is $24 and for diesel it's $18. For more information, call (775) 847-0380. (Note: This is an excursion train, not the V&T that runs round trips all the way to Carson City.)
Nevada State Railroad Museum
The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City will be open with extended hours on Memorial Day weekend, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday. You'll be able to ride the historic Virginia & Truckee No. 25 steam locomotive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Outdoor exhibits and displays will be available and include the 1910 McKeen Motorcar and the French National Merci boxcar. The Museum is located at 2180 S. Carson Street. For more information, call (775) 687-6953.
Parks and Recreation Areas
Our Reno / Tahoe region has excellent public parks suitable for everything from a quiet walk to big family gatherings. We are also surrounded by public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, offering a multitude of possible outdoor adventures.
Reno Aces Baseball
Our Reno Aces will be playing the Sacramento River Cats in Sacramento during Memorial Day weekend. Starting on Tuesday, May 29, the Aces will be back home for four games vs. the Tacoma Rainiers. Check the Reno Aces schedule for games during the remainder of the season. There are always fireworks after the Friday games and special promotions of some sort at almost all home games.
- Wednesday, May 30 - Graduation Celebration
- Friday, June 1 - Military Appreciation Night
Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Wild Island Family Adventure Park in Sparks opens for the 2012 season on May 19 and will be open over the Memorial Day weekend. Water park hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Other attractions, like the Coconut Bowl, Laser Mazes, Pirate Cove, and High Ballocity, will be open as well. For information about hours, rates, and all the things you can do, visit the Wild Island Family Adventure Park website. The park phone number is (775) 359-2927.
Opening Day at the Lake
Taking place Memorial Day weekend from May 27 through May 31, this Lake Tahoe event features activities like kayaking, biking, big band dance parties, historic tours, and restaurant deck opening parties. The event is sponsored by Tahoe's West Shore Association, so that's where most of the action will be. See the schedule of events to find out what is happening and where.
City of Reno Recreation Facilities Hours on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012
Rosewood Lakes Golf Course – no public tee times until 2 p.m.
Northwest Pool - closed
Idlewild Pool - closed
Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center & Pool - closed
Neil Road Recreation Center - closed
Teglia's Paradise Park Activity Center - closed
McKinley Arts & Culture Center - closed
Southside Cultural Center - closed
Sibayan R.E.C. - closed
Traner Pool - closed
Memorial Day Services
Continue to Memorial Day Services, Memorial Parks, and Cemeteries.
