Historical Reno Tours: A Walk Through Time
This spring/summer in Reno, locals and tourists alike can become part of some of the most iconic moments throughout Reno history. People can take a walk in Clint Eastwood’s shoes and cruise under the famous Reno Arch, or stroll down 4th Street, where the 1940s version of the arch was placed for Tommy Lee Jones’ portrayal of Ty Cobb. These tales, and many others will be on display until the end of June with guided tours starting all across town. From the University of Nevada to the Riverwalk District, and Delongchamps Walk to the Automobile Museum, these tours are sure to open the eyes to the diverse history that lays right here in our very own backyard.
Here is a look at the next 14 tours:
Cultural Crossroads, East Side
When: 10 a.m., May 12
Starting Point: The National Automobile Museum parking lot, 10 Lake Street
This tour will bring together the dynamic neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Basque culture.
Tour guide: Sharon Honig-Bear
Bricks and Stones
When: 10 a.m., May 16
Starting Point: 340 California Ave, the Lander Street side of My Favorite Muffin
Walking through the Humboldt and Lander streets neighborhood, the different architectural styles of the neighborhoods will come to life. Bungalows, Tudors, missions, and cottages will be on display.
Tour guide: Bill Isaeff
Movie Footprints in Reno
When: 10 a.m., May 23
Starting Point: National Automobile Museum, 10 South Lake Street
Marilyn Monroe, Kirk Douglas, Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren and more will take you back in time, as you discover downtown Reno’s rich film making history. Divorce, gambling and the city’s distinct look are evident in such movies as “The Misfits,” “Cobb,” “Sister Act,” and “Love Ranch.”
Tour guide: Robin Holabird
Beyond the Arches
When: 10 a.m., May 30
Starting Point: National Automobile Museum, 10 South Lake Street
Bill Harrah, Myron Lake, Baby Face Nelson, Frederic DeLongchamps and others will light your path, as you take a tour through time and see how Reno has reinvented itself time and again over the last 150 years. From the arches to the railroads and mines, the tales of divorce, gambling, and immigration to the locally driven foodie scene it is today.
Tour guide: Jim Smith
Historic University of Nevada, Reno Campus
When: 6 p.m., June 2
Starting Point: University of Nevada, Reno, Honor Court off 9th and Center Streets
The beautiful University of Nevada, Reno will be on display as you tour Morrill Hall, Mackay School of Mines and the Keck Museum to learn the history of this vibrant and growing campus.
Tour guides: Jack Hursh and Bob Shriver
Delongchamps Residential Architecture
When: 9 a.m., June 6
Starting Point: Hardy House/Arte Italia, 442 Flint Street
This Frederic Delongchamps tour will feature homes, large and small, throughout Reno neighborhoods. Learn about his life as a notable architect and hear about what made him so unique to this area.
Tour guide: Anne Simone
Parsons/Mills Architecture
When: 6 p.m., June 9
Starting Point: The corner of Marsh Avenue and LaRue
Take a look at the designs of Reno architects Edward Parsons and Russell Mills as you roam one of Reno’s most distinctive neighborhoods. These two architects have even collaborated on some of the homes, and you can learn about the lives of those that first inhabited them.
Tour guides: April Kempler and Anne Simone
Mid-Century Modern
When: 3 p.m., June 11
Starting Point: Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center Street
Take a look at how the Modern Movement affected the city of Reno, and the building boom it went under in the 1960s and 1970s in order to keep up. Learn about the Pioneer Center, the Downtown Reno Library, and both the Old City Hall, now the Discovery Museum, and new City Hall (formerly the First International Bank building), on this in-depth tour.
Tour guide: Sharon Honig-Bear
Upper Ralston/Northern Little Italy
When: June 13, 9 a.m.
Starting Point: Intersection of Washington St, The Strand, and College Ave.
Tour this beautiful neighborhood within a close proximity to the University’s campus, and get a feel for the mix of architectural styles. The close proximity to the campus has been a key factor in the mix of residents, students and teachers alike.
Tour guides: Jim and Sue Smith
Wells Avenue Neighborhood
When: 6 p.m., June 16
Starting Point: Historic Southside School Annex, Sinclair St. Side, 190 E. Liberty St.
This old working-class neighborhood, along the path of the Wells Avenue streetcar, across the V&T tracks, and past the homes of the “Thomas Street Gang”, will open your eyes to days past on this eclectic tour.
Tour guide: Mark Taxer
Downtown Sparks
When: 9 a.m., June 20
Starting Point: Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave.
During this 1-hour guided walking tour of Victorian Square and Downtown Sparks, you can learn about the Rail City through the 17 buildings and sites that have played an important role in the history and development of Sparks and Nevada. Tourists can see how the area has changed over the years. From a railroad hub, to a vibrant commercial district, to a rundown urban area and finally to a successful redevelopment area, Downtown Sparks has a bright future in this city, and this interactive tour will show that off.
Tour guide: Scott Carey
Historic Truckee River Walk
When: 6 p.m., June 23
Starting Point: In front of the McKinley Arts and Cultural Center, 925 Riverside Dr.
The intriguing accounts and deep political histories of the Truckee River area, from the McKinley Arts and Cultural Center to the Lear Theater, are revealed in the diverse architecture as you meander this beautiful section of the Riverwalk District.
Tour guide: Joan Collins
The Other Side of the Street
When: 9 a.m., June 27
Starting Point: SW corner of Arlington and Court
The Mansions on the Bluff and DeLongchamps walk make for an extremely beautiful and popular stroll, but the houses on the other side of Arlington, California, Court, and Ridge are just as appealing. Architectural, statement-making homes line these quiet streets that have been home to families for over 50 years. Now the area is home to families and business alike.
Tour guide: Anne Simone
El Reno Apartment Homes
When: 6 p.m., June 30
Starting Point: NW corner of Statewide Lighting parking lot, 1311 S. Virginia St.
Tour the original site of the pleasant and distinctive El Reno Apartment Homes, and see the new locations of seven of them. Sierra Vista Addition architecture examples will be seen as well.
Tour guide: Debbie Hinman
Tour space is limited and reservations are required. Go to www.historicreno.org or call 775.747.4478 for reservations and more information.
Cost: $10 per person, free for members of Historic Reno Preservation Society.
For more information on what’s happening in the Reno-Tahoe area, visit our website, or follow Parc Forêt on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube!
