Enjoy Scenic Walks and Wildlife at Virginia Lake Park in Reno

1980 Lakeside Dr
Reno, NV 89509

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Rentable Shelter

Yelp

Virginia Lake Park is a beautifully landscaped 32-acre park featuring a serene man-made lake surrounded by charming houses and vibrant wildlife. Here, you can spot various birds, including pigeons, geese, crows, double-crested cormorants, snowy egrets, and California gulls. The park offers a relaxing atmosphere, reminiscent of a beach setting, with the soothing sounds of fountains and the gentle rustle of nature all around.

Park Features

-1-Mile Loop Trail:  A short, flat trail lined with parking and houses, perfect for walking year-round. There's also a concentric dirt trail that circles the lake.

-Play Areas: Enjoy grassy areas with two play structures, swings, and a small stage for performances.

-Pavilions: Rent a pavilion with BBQ facilities that can accommodate up to 100 people.

-Restrooms: Available year-round

-Exercise Area (Lymbery St.): Stay active with an exercise zone located right next to the park's parking lot

-Fishing Pier: Spend a relaxing day fishing from the pier. Fishing permit.

-Benches: Plenty of seating along the lake for bird watching and enjoying the scenery.

-Dog Park (south side of lake on Eastshore Dr.): Gated & off leash.  Muddy when wet.

-Picnic Areas: Plenty of shaded spots under trees for ideal for picnics.

Notes

*If you’re sensitive to bird droppings or have a dog that tends to eat them, you might want to consider visiting another park, as they can be common on the trail.

*An ice cream truck frequently parks in front of the playgrounds during the summer months. 

*An island in the center of the lake is home to a variety of birds.

*The park is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. 

*The trail around the lake is paved, making it accessible for everyone. Biking and horseback riding are not permitted on the paths. 

*Enjoy a smoke-free environment throughout the park. 

*Explore a charming stone-bench garden area near the pier and take in the diverse plant life that enhances the park's beauty. 

*Designated feeding areas for wild birds are located at both ends of the lake.

*Virginia Lake Park is within walking distance of the Peppermill casino.

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds," "Family Friendly Trails," "Picnic spots," "Event/Birthday Spots"

*Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Discover Damonte Ranch Park

1950 Steamboat Pkwy
Reno, NV 89521

When I first moved to Reno, I was on the hunt for the coolest playgrounds for my kids, and Damonte Ranch Park consistently topped Google’s recommendations. After visiting for the first time, it quickly became a family favorite over the past six years.  

Whether you’re a wildlife watcher, a wetland lover, a casual walker, biker, or skater, an eager jogger, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this park has something for everyone.

Notes
-Trail:3.1-mile loop trail with no elevation gain, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
-8-acre park with plenty of open space.
-The park is completely exposed, making early morning or sunset visits ideal during summer. Don’t forget sunscreen, as the higher elevation in Reno means stronger sun exposure. 
-There are no water fountains, so be sure to bring your own water.
-Play Structures: Two play areas—one for smaller kids and one for bigger kids.
-Popularity: This park can get busy on weekends, after school, and during holidays. However, you might find it more peaceful during colder, windier days.
-Picnic Area: 1 picnic shelter with 4 tables and a BBQ, conveniently located near year-round restrooms.
-Basketball Court: Features two half-courts 
-Hills: A couple of cute hills are perfect for running or rolling down. In winter, they’re great for sledding.
-Open Grass Areas: Ideal for flying kites or playing fetch with dogs, though it can get muddy when wet.
-Photography: The park offers stunning views of sunsets, snow-covered mountains, and local wildlife
-Parking: The parking lot can fill up during peak hours; street parking is available if needed.
- Biking: The wide trail is great for family biking or for those learning to ride.
-Neighborhood: The trail is lined with residential backyards
-Pet Waste Stations: Poop bags are available at a couple of locations for dog owners.
-Nearby Amenities: If you need to grab a bite or run errands, there’s a plaza down the street with McDonald's, Starbucks, Home Depot, Pizza, Subway, & Safeway

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots, Birthday/Event Venues

*Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Witness A Millionaire's Creation During the Comstock Load Mining Boom and Enjoy Beautiful Grounds at Bowers Mansion Regional Park

4005 Bowers Mansion Rd

New Washoe City, NV 89704

775-849-0201

Website

Pavilion Reservations

Pool Info.

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Upcoming Event: Bowers Bluegrass Festival (August 24-27, 2023)

Purchase Tickets

Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City. For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more. *Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees *Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature *Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions *Take in a piece of history through educational plaques and tours in the most elegant building of its time *Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, and climbing at the playground I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby—a place that has served and continues to be the perfect spot to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.

2020 hours of operation.  Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.

Bower's Mansion Tours

Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day. 

I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).

The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), a Civil War event, & more.

Notes

-49-acre park  

-No pets allowed due to historical significance, except for service animals  

-Plenty of day-use picnic tables with BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis

-Two pavilions, Comstock Picnic Pavilion and Washoe Picnic Pavilion, are located at each end of the park, ideal for special events like weddings. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are next to each pavilion

-Two partially shaded play structures are situated at each end of the park

-Plenty of grassy areas available 

-A trail behind the mansion leads to stunning views of Washoe Lake and the Bower family cemetery, accessible via a short dirt trail with stairs (less than 5 minutes)  

-The swimming pool keeps a lane open for lap swimmers, and there’s a new gated splash pad for toddlers with easy entry ladders and a hydraulic lift 

-The park features many trees that change color in the fall, making it an amazing spot for photos  

-Great shade during summer

-Davis Creek Regional Park is just a couple of minutes away, offering family-friendly trails (ranging from easy to difficult), camping grounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots when water levels permit 

-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory for ice cream sundaes and treats after a fun-filled day, only about 5 minutes down the street

-The park is surrounded by farmlands, making it easy to drive around Washoe Lake and spot various farm animals

-Flushable toilets available 

-Huge parking lots are located on each side of the park

My kids learned how to bike here.

Photography 

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots & Birthday/Event Venues"

Arrowcreek Park- A Small Great Park with Unique Play Structures, Great Views, and Access to Lower Thomas Creek Trail

2950 Arrowcreek Parkway

Reno, NV 89511

Park Ranger Office: (775) 849-2511

Washoe County Parks Facebook

A Complete Directory of all Parks in Reno

Arrowcreek Park is nestled at a slightly higher elevation, offering stunning mountain views that make it a hidden gem. While it may not be the largest park, it truly delivers with fantastic play structures, a short scenic loop, and a delightful park vibe.

Arrowcreek Park isn’t widely known, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a quieter spot. As one of the newer parks in the area, it features modern play equipment suitable for all ages, including both large and small play structures, bouncy seats, a climbing structure, a merry-go-round, and imaginative play features.

From the grassy area, you can soak in gorgeous views of aspens lining Lower Thomas Creek.  The hilly terrain adds a fun twist compared to the usual flat grassy spaces, making it perfect for keeping an eye on the kids as they play below.

Arrowcreek Park is beautifully maintained, making it a great spot to visit year-round. I recommend checking it out in the fall for breathtaking foliage, in spring when the wildflowers bloom, or in winter when the sun shines pleasantly on the snow-capped mountains.

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the area, my family often hikes a portion of the Lower Thomas Creek trail. We make our way to two large round containers (you can’t miss them) and then take a left on the flat dirt road back to the park. After about five minutes down, you’ll see the pavilion and can head back to the park.

The trail is soothing, with the sound of the creek running alongside it, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains in winter and vibrant fall leaves. It’s a short yet sweet trail that we love returning to time and again.

Click to Enlarge. The Lower Thomas Creek loop takes about 15-25 minutes. Start at Arrowcreek Park and follow the dotted line to the two white circles on the map, then turn left onto the dirt road back to the park.

Winter at Arrowcreek Park

If you're looking for a longer trek, Lower Thomas Creek Trail - 4.7-mile out-and-back trail best used from March until October (snow accumulation in the winter can make hiking difficult).

Lower Thomas Creek Out and Back Trail

Notes

-11 acres

-AccuWeather for hourly weather (temperature, wind, sun intensity, and precipitation) 

- In early spring, the trail can be covered in snow, leading to some slippery spots. In late spring, snowmelt can make the trail muddy.

-No restrooms available at the park

-BBQ & pavilion available on a first come, first served basis

-A few picnic tables and benches are spread throughout the park.

-Enjoy great views of the mountains.

-The park is great for photography, especially in the fall and spring (wildflowers).

-Download the AllTrails app to access more information, reviews, pictures, and directions for Lower Thomas Creek Trail. You can track yourself on their trail maps, reducing the risk of getting lost. Trail access is at the top of the grassy area of the park—look for the sign behind the bush.

-Horseback riding friendly.  Equestrian parking available.

-I like to bring my portable travel potty and liners everywhere I go, especially to parks without restrooms, so the kids can play without having to leave to find a toilet.

-Visit early in the morning or at sunset during hot summers.

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds" and "Family Friendly Hikes"

*Information subject to change. All opinion are my own.

Photography

© Katherine Fung

All rights reserved.