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Reno, population 180,480 (2000 census), is located on the Truckee River, near Lake Tahoe. In 1859, present-day Reno was a river crossing. It was called Lake's Crossing after its owner, Myron C. Lake. The town began to prosper after the discovery of the Comstock Lode nearby. It was renamed Reno after Union General Jesse Lee Reno, who fought in the Civil War (1861
- 1865).
The sunny, dry climate allows residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities all year long. In the winter, the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains are great for skiing and snowmobiling. During the summer, boating, golf, hiking, and whitewater rafting make Reno a popular vacation spot. Reno is probably best known for its large gambling casinos. The casinos in Reno are open 24 hours a day, and many offer stage shows and entertainment. But there is much more than gambling in Reno. The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, presents programs on astronomy and earth science. Guests at the National Automobile Museum can see more than 200 antique, classic cars.
There are four street scenes from different periods in the 20th
century. Each scene contains some of the automobiles and clothing that
were used during that time. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn
about the history of the automobile.
The Wilbur D. May Center includes an arboretum, botanical garden, museum, and children's park. The museum is a replica of May's Double Diamond Ranch. It is filled with the objects Wilbur May collected on his travels around the world, such as rare Chinese horse sculptures and African safari souvenirs. The arboretum is made up of 12 gardens. Each garden shows a different habitat from the Sierra Nevada. The Nevada Museum of Art features 19th and 20th century American art, as well as exhibits about the history and culture of Nevada. A new home for the museum is scheduled to open in spring 2003. The Nevada Historical Society Museum is the oldest museum in the state. It contains a research library with information from 1859. Native American artifacts are on display at the museum. Visitors can also see furniture, guns, and household items from Nevada's territorial days.
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Animal Ark is a sanctuary for animals that are unable to care for themselves in the wild. Many of the animals there are orphaned or disabled. Visitors can see the animals living among native trees and rocks. There are also demonstrations that allow guests to learn about the animals' natural behavior.
Each year, residents and visitors to Reno look to the sky during the Great Reno Balloon Race at Rancho San Rafael Park. More than 100 hot air balloons take flight each morning during the three-day festival.
The Dawn Patrol, a group of five specially lit balloons, is a favorite tradition of the Balloon Races. These balloons light the early-morning sky with an amazing display of color. The festival also offers craft booths, music, and entertainment.
Every year, Reno is host to the Reno Rodeo, which is known as the "Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West." Contestants from across the country compete in bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and saddle broncos. "Mutton Bustin'" allows young cowboys and cowgirls to try their hand a riding sheep. Teams of business executives even compete against each other to try to tie a ribbon on a steer's tail. The rodeo is always fast, funny, and full of action.
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