Sunday, November 8, 2020

Become a Hero for a day at the Hall of Heroes- Wilbur D. May Museum, Reno.


Wilbur D. May Center
1595 N Sierra Street
Reno, NV 89503

Museum: (775) 785-5961
Arboretum: (775) 785-4153
Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512

Link to Wilbur D. May Museum website
Link to Volunteer Opportunities
Link to Facebook Page for latest updates
Link to Museum Event Space Rental Information
Link to Garden Wedding Rentals
Link to Pavilion Rental Information

Under normal circumstances, the Wilbur D. May Museum has plenty of themed exhibitions that change from time to time throughout the year.  The Hall of Heroes was only one of many that made its way to the museum, engaging Reno residents and testing their super-human abilities.

The exhibit had impressive figurines and activities that were interesting and fun.  The kids were amazed the whole time, being more and more eager for the next activity.  They were able to test their speed, get blown away by a super fan as if they were flying in the sky, test out their hanging capabilities and solve some puzzles that required some super-human thinking.  Just like all the other exhibits, you can expect lots of fun with these themed displays.  

The Wilbur D. May Museum is always thinking of ways to keep life interesting in Reno.  Me and my family always love supporting the museum, keeping it and the life of Wilbur D. May alive.  

This museum is the only museum in Nevada where you can find artifacts unique to the museum.  The artifacts are well preserved and displayed in a nice and organized manner, sorted out into different categories.  

Museums help spark interest, preserve history, help us learn how we came to be, and help us travel to places around the world that we may never otherwise have the chance to travel to.  Wilbur D. May is currently open to the public with lots of space to social distance and stay safe. It is rarely packed so no need to worry about big crowds.

The museum can be found in Rancho San Rafael Park, Reno's biggest and most dynamic park.  You can find more information about the park HERE in my other entry. 



 Categorized under "Museums"

Saturday, November 7, 2020

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



Park Ranger Office: (775) 849-2511


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.


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

Photography
© Katherine Fung
All rights reserved.