Housed in the original Douglas County High School that was built and designed by renowned architect Frederic DeLongchamps in 1915 and then converted into a museum in 1995, the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center offers visitors a glimpse of the area in a bygone era. Exhibitions include the American Indian Washo Room, featuring murals in bold colors illustrating the land, water and sky and numerous other Washo artifacts. The Record-Courier and Farmers Telephone and Telegraph exhibits explain how critical communication was to the early pioneers. The Basque Exhibit details the lonely life of a Basque sheepherder living in the nearby Pine Nut Mountains. The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center also features an on-premises art gallery, gift shop and outdoor patio area perfect for enjoying an afternoon picnic. The center is open daily Tuesday through Sunday.
Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center
1477 Highway 395 North
Gardnerville, NV 89410
775-782-2555
museums.travelnevada.com
Spend the day at the beautiful Topaz Lake Park in Gardnerville. Located in the Eastern Sierra Mountain Range, and encompassing both parts of the states of Nevada and California, the park offers year-round outdoor activities including camping, fishing, boating and water skiing. Purchase either a California or Nevada fishing license and try your luck at catching some trophy-sized trout, large mouth bass or catfish. Fed by the West Walker River, the lake is a pre-eminent fishing locale from April through October. The camping section is situated on the northeast side of the park and is able to accommodate recreational vehicles and campers alike. Scenic picnic sites and several boat launches can also be found at the northeast section of the lake. Topaz Lake Park is open daily year-round.
Topaz Lake Park
Topaz Park Rd.
Gardnerville, NV 89410
800-962-0732
topazlake.com
Try your hand at the slots, or play a game or two at the poker tables in true Old West fashion at the Topaz Casino Lodge. Located on Highway 395 South, the casino features several slot machines, including penny slots, poker machines, keno and numerous poker tables. Catch a car show or enjoy some live entertainment. Play a game of keno at the on-site Lakeview Bar with expansive views of Topaz Lake, or spend some of your winnings enjoying a steak at the Topaz Lodge Steakhouse. Stop by the Lakeview Coffee Shop, offering coffee, a lighter-fare menu and some tasty desserts. The Topaz Lodge also offers accommodations with panoramic views of the lake and complimentary, high-speed, wireless Internet access. The Topaz Lodge Casino is open daily.
Topaz Lodge Casino
1979 Highway 395 South
Gardnerville, NV 89410
775-266-3338
topazlodge.com
