Wilbur D. May Center
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Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Reno’s largest and most dynamic park. It’s home to the Wilbur D. May Museum, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, multi-purpose fields (including off-leash dog areas), hiking trails, Herman’s Fish Pond, reservable pavilions, and hosts special events like the Great Reno Balloon Races and the Dragon Lights Festival.
In the park, you can find Wilbur D. May Museum, a pretty neat part of Reno, with it's neat gift shop and permanent collection, and traveling exhibits. The museum preserves the life of Wilbur D. May, a world traveler who collected thousands of artifacts throughout the span of his life and brought them back to his home here in Reno. Though small, the museum is packed with so much to see. The Hall of Heroes, Dragons, and old-fashioned video game-themed traveling exhibits are only a few of the many you can find here, some recurring and some only passing through.
The Arboretum (right next to the museum) is tranquil and beautiful, with lots of labeled trees and plants. Paved trails and shade in the Arboretum area provide relief from the blazing hot summer sun, allowing for families to enjoy the outdoors for extended amounts of time. There are many beautiful gazebos in the arboretum area and a beautiful mini waterfall that contribute to it's tranquil atmosphere.
In the same area, you can travel back in time with the kids and play at the Dinosaur playground with huge dinosaur swings and a slide (next to the restroom area). Big trees shade the area and make this playground among the top playgrounds on my list. Also available is a wood playground close by next to the pond and one next to the large open grass field next to the second parking lot, further away from the park entrance on North Sierra Street.
The park's wide-open spaces and amenities make this park ideal for large and small gatherings, events, outdoor sports, and more.
Notes
-Stroller and wheelchair friendly
-Museum features wildlife displays, African primitive art, Ta'an Dynasty pottery, Egyptian artifacts, and European silver
-Indoor garden includes a centerpiece waterfall, a koi fish pond, and seasonal flower gardens
-Available for weddings and parties
-Call the park to reserve outdoor pavilions for events
-25-acre off-leash dog park (bring a towel on wet days for muddy paws)
-Rose garden located in the Arboretum
-Large grassy areas are perfect for kite flying
-Larger children's playground near the grassy field, another playground next to Herman's Pond, and a dinosaur playground by the museum parking lot
-Gazebo available for gatherings
-Exercise course around the grassy area
-Home to a variety of wildlife
-No dogs allowed in the Arboretum
-Shade is mostly found in the Arboretum area
-Ideal for photo shoots
-Great for picnicking, with tables and BBQs located next to the playground and the open grassy field.
Categorized under Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots
*Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.
Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.
