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Recreation and Attractions

There’s so much to do and so much to see!

Carson City and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities and welcome visitors with close to 2,000 sleeping rooms at more than 30 hotels/motels, and more lodging facilities are being planned. Accommodations range from cozy budget properties to upscale historical bed and breakfast facilities, plus several recreational vehicle parks.
The Carson City Parks and Recreation Department developed a master plan to assure that current and future generations will have wonderful open spaces to enjoy. In 1996, the voters of Carson City looked to the future and passed Question 18 to add 1/8 of 1 percent to the sales tax to fund parks, the Aquatic Center, the Edmond Sports Complex and more. There is a concerted effort by the city to purchase land to remain as open spaces. Mills Park is home to many festivals and other outdoor activities and Fuji Park is a popular spot for dogs to roam with their masters. Future plans extend to offering white water rafting along certain portions of the Carson River.  The Parks Department maintains and oversees 40 parks and facilities for the enjoyment of our residents and guests.
 
Arts and Culture
Award-winning local theater and music groups perform at the Brewery Arts Center and the Bob Boldrick Theater at the community center. The all-volunteer Carson City Symphony has served the community since 1984 and performs five concerts annually. Currently, the Symphony is sponsoring the Strings in School Program, teaching young students to play string instruments.
In the summer, Legislative Park is home to a variety of musical talent performing on Sunday evenings. Nearby Minden is the home of the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra. The Mile High Jazz Band performs regularly at local venues and coordinates the annual summer Jazz Festival. The highly successful Friday’s on Third Street brings a variety of musicians to downtown during the summer. The Casinos offer excellent talent as well.
The Brewery Arts Center features an Artisan Store and an Art Gallery.  
 
Historical Attractions
The Nevada State Museum is by far the most interesting museum in the state offering a glimpse into our colorful history.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum houses steam locomotives and restored coaches from the Virginia & Truckee, America’s richest short-line railroad.
The Nevada State Capitol, completed in 1871, is an easily recognized landmark in the center of downtown with its silver-colored cupola dome. The second floor museum provides a glimpse into the “way it was.” On display in the rotunda is the statue of Sarah Winnemucca, Washoe Paiute activist and educator.
The Roberts House Museum, the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, and the state’s largest historical home district are all located in Carson City. 
 
Sports and Youth Programs
The Carson City Parks and Recreation Department is an important component of the quality of life in Carson City and accommodates kids, adults and even dogs in their effort to provide recreational and fitness activities.
The Olympic-size indoor pool the Aquatic Center is home to the Carson City Tigersharks swim team. In the south end of the city, Edmonds Park offers four girls softball fields, nine soccer fields, one multi-purpose football/soccer field, and a BMX track. Mills Park offers skateboarders a site to hone their skills. Many sports leagues are offered through the Parks and Recreation Department, including men’s and youth basketball, Little League/T-Ball, Babe Ruth, girl’s softball, Pop Warner Football, Flag Football, AYSO Soccer, High Desert Soccer, inline hockey, tennis, and more.  Since we are so close to the very best skiing, the Parks Department offers a junior ski/snowboard program at Diamond Peak and a junior golf program is offered at Empire Ranch Golf Course.
The Parks and Recreation Department also maintains great before and after school programs and summer camps for school age children. The Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada provides a home away from home in a new state-of-the-art building featuring computer labs, a gym and so much more.
Even the dogs are not left out when it comes to the parks department. Offered are obedience classes and parks that allow dogs to roam freely.
Carson City’s northern Nevada location offers easy access to year-round sporting and recreational opportunities. America’s greatest concentration of world-class ski resorts is located within an easy 30- to 90-minute drive and offers a variety of alpine and cross-country terrain.
For those who enjoy college sports, the University of Nevada is home to several great teams, and Western Nevada Community College has an excellent baseball team.
Every golfer will enjoy the challenging and affordable play offered at the “Divine Nine” courses in the area.
 
From May to October, there’s so much to do
Memorial Day is the kick-off for the many events that take place through the summer and fall, ending with the traditional Nevada Day parade the last Saturday in October. While there are many events right here in Carson City, the region offers great diverse events as well making for a full calendar. The highlights below don’t even begin to cover the many events taking place all year long.
Annual Highlights: