By Isabel Prontes
Reno is a city located in western Nevada. It is the third largest city in the state, after
Las Vegas and Henderson. Like Las Vegas, it is known to be a glitzy and glamorous gambling hub, full of casinos and nightclubs. However, it is a gambling city on a much smaller scale than Las Vegas. Because of that, Reno is often referred to as being "The Biggest Little City in the World." For those visiting Reno, however, there is no shortage of exciting things to do and see.
Sierra Safari Zoo
In existence since August of 1990, the Sierra Safari Zoo is approximately eight miles north of Reno's downtown district. It's Nevada's biggest zoo, and it provides interactive exhibits with animals from forty species (there are two-hundred animals total living at the zoo). Whether you want to see Siberian tigers, fallow deers, zebras, miniature zebus or baboons, the Sierra Safari Zoo has something of interest for you.
10200 North Virginia Street,
Reno, NV 89506
Tel: (775) 677-1101
Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Gambling at casinos is the most popular tourist activity in Reno, and there is no better place to do that than the Silver Legacy resort Casino. The casino is massive, with an 85,000 square foot floor. From table games to slot machines, the Silver Legacy Casino has a diverse variety of entertainment options. There are over 100 slot machines at the casino. Be sure to check out the MGM Mirage Satellite Race and Sports Book. There are reel slots such as Triple Double Stars and Black Tie, video slots like Glitz and Cash Cove and table games like roulette and Pai Gow poker.
407 N. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89501
Tel: (775) 325-7401
Great Basin Adventure
Great Basin Adventure is a Reno theme park perfect for families and children. From the petting barn and pony rides at Wilbur's Ranch to the log flume rides and dinosaur playground, there are many exciting rides and attractions to experience at Great Basin Adventure. The park's Discovery Room is a fun, hands-on interactive center that young visitors will particularly enjoy.
1500 Washington Street (Rancho San Rafael Park)
Reno, NV 85903
Tel: (775) 785-4319
Lake Mansion
Lake Mansion is the name of the colonial residence that was owned by the founder of Reno as a city, Myron Lake (hence the name of the mansion). Some of the mansion's prominent features are a Widow's Walk and a wrap-around porch. Constructed in 1877, the Lake Mansion is an ornate architectural structure that was built in the Italianate manner. Be sure to check out the carved woodwork, period decor and etched doorway class of this traditional home.
250 Court Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
Tel: (775) 826-6100
Fleischmann Planetarium
The Fleischmann Planetarium is notable for looking very similar to--of all things--a massive metallic saddle. This planetarium consists of changing interactive exhibits and displays, such as a large-size globe that rotates and a demonstration of a black hole. There are a lot of displays that detail meteorites as well. Be sure to check out the fascinating Perceptual Reality exhibit.
1650 N. Virginia St.
Mail Stop 272
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
Tel: (775) 784-4812
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
