Truckee Attractions

Nature colors many Truckee attractions. And, just like winter’s shades of whites to the pale greens of spring and the deep verdant hues of summer grasses and golden spheres of aspen leaves in autumn, the attractions vary. History is found at the heart of many Truckee and Northstar attractions, while Mother Nature influences others.

The ill-fated Donner Party of the mid-19th-century was just one emigrant experience of those crossing the Sierra Nevada. Learn about the hardships and triumphs at the Donner Memorial State Park with its thought-provoking Pioneer Monument. The Visitor Center was recently renovated to showcase stories of not just the Donner Party but also the Washoe Native Americans, Chinese construction workers of the Transcontinental Railroad and early automobile enthusiasts crossing Donner Pass.

There’s a Truckee attraction that highlights one of America’s most massive projects – the building of the Transcontinental Railroad – from a small venue: a caboose. Yes, it’s small, but it’s very interesting. Northstar attractions bring visitors to famous ski resorts and slopes that are popular for their picturesque and thrilling trails.

A popular Truckee attraction is found not in just one location but in 20! Drive old Highway 40 from Nyack (I-80) to below Rainbow Bridge. There are signs at each spot with individual historical information, stories and activities to best enjoy that location.

Truckee Attractions for Every Interest

Downtown at Jibboom and Spring streets is the Old Jail Museum. Be aware that this particular Truckee attraction is run by docents, so sometimes it’s closed despite signs of operation saying otherwise. Art studios encourage creativity, while the indoor play structure helps unleash energy. The seasonal Nature Play area encourages the young to protect the environment. Check out the Truckee attraction up at the Boreal Ski Area, where you can explore the Western SkiSport Museum. Learn how Gold Rush miners used long boards to entertain themselves when Sierra snow became too deep to pan for gold.

Truckee Attractions by Category

Around Tahoe Tours

889 Tahoe Boulevard, Unit C, Incline Village, NV
(775) 345-5966

Discover Lake Tahoe's splendor with Around Tahoe Tours, led by local experts Chris and Darin Talbot. Drawing on decades of insight since 1977, their tours...read more

Discover Lake Tahoe's splendor with Around Tahoe Tours, led by local experts Chris and Darin...read more

Donner Memorial State Park

Truckee Attraction
12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-7892

History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or...read more

History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner...read more

Hang Gliding Tahoe

Truckee Attraction
2640 E. College Parkway, Carson City, NV
(775) 772-8232

You love Lake Tahoe, and you feel as if you’ve seen all the sights it has to offer. But as the old saying goes, you ain’t seen nothing yet ... not until you...read more

You love Lake Tahoe, and you feel as if you’ve seen all the sights it...read more

Tahoe Donner Association

Truckee Attraction
11509 Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, CA
(530) 587-9400

Sprawling Tahoe Donner and its 6,000-plus properties above Truckee are home to full-time and part-time residents and a year-round destination for visitors...read more

Sprawling Tahoe Donner and its 6,000-plus properties above Truckee are home to full-time and part-time...read more

Truckee Ice Rink

Truckee Attraction
10500 Brockway Road, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-7720

One of the treasures of winter is the pleasure of ice skating. In Truckee there is a fabulous family-focused ice rink that comes with the flurries of...read more

One of the treasures of winter is the pleasure of ice skating. In Truckee there...read more

Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District

Truckee Attraction
10981 Truckee Way, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-7720

Take a look around and it’s clear that Truckee is a special town: history, mountains, lakes, river and forests. But there are many hidden gems known mostly...read more

Take a look around and it’s clear that Truckee is a special town: history, mountains,...read more

West End Beach of Donner Lake

Truckee Attraction
15962 South Shore Drive, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-7720

Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of its own: Donner Lake. While not as big and broad as Big Blue, Donner Lake...read more

Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of...read more

Atelier Truckee is a place for tactile living that connects artists, creatives and community through workshops, yarn, art and craft supplies. With a little...read more

Although it’s a club, Auburn Ski Club (ASC) & Training Center welcomes the public to cross-country ski on its trail network. As far as Donner Summit...read more

Slower than a car and able to cover more ground than on foot, biking is the best way to get the lay of the land. With its centralized location, Bike Truckee...read more

There is no missing Boreal Mountain Resort. Its ski and snowboard runs are visible right off Interstate 80 at the 7,200-foot Donner Summit. It’s also always...read more