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
One of Truckee’s hidden gems sits atop Donner Summit at 7,000 feet. Clair Tappaan Lodge was constructed in 1934 by Sierra Club volunteers, and, just like...read more
If theme park-like crowds and high prices aren’t your ticket to a simple day on the slopes, then Donner Ski Ranch is your place. Nestled between the larger...read more
Hiking in Lake Tahoe is one of the truly special ways to experience and take in all of the beauty that the area has to offer. Plus, there are hundreds of...read more
Lake Tahoe has only one outflow – the Truckee River. And for 25 years IRIE Rafting Company has given visitors a close-up view of the waterway as well as the...read more
KidZone is a hands-on children's museum in the heart of the High Sierra. The space is designed for kids younger than 8 years old to learn and share...read more
As the only accredited art museum in the state, Nevada Museum of Art is a beacon of culture in the High Sierra. The museum is in Reno, about an hour's drive...read more
Since 1972, the Northstar California Resort has drawn winter sports enthusiasts to the area. Twenty different lifts provide access to some 100 trails...read more
Parents vacationing with their kids may want to look at a visit to the Old Truckee Jail Museum as a two-fold exercise: educational and cautionary tale. Upon...read more
Piper J Gallery is a contemporary gallery for the modern mountain home. Located in historic downtown Truckee, this impressive fine art gallery features...read more
The nation’s largest cross-country ski resort sits atop Donner Summit out of view of most travelers. But for those in the know, Royal Gorge’s 200 km of...read more
Immersed in the Truckee forest is a place that delves into the research and lessons that Mother Earth can provide. Sagehen Creek Field Station is a quaint...read more
If you enjoy the serenity and fun that the state parks provide on the California side of the Lake Tahoe area, then you can thank Sierra State Parks...read more
