Museums in Lake Tahoe
Because Lake Tahoe is primarily an outdoor vacation venue, you won’t find a lot of large museums here as you might in bigger cities or more urban areas. However, there are a number of small museums in the Tahoe area that are certainly worth a visit, especially if you’re eager to spend some time away from the slopes or off the lake. In most cases, an hour or less is sufficient to visit these small but lovingly-tended museums and many of them provide a great look at the history of the area.
? Lake Tahoe Historic Society Museum – Situated in South Lake Tahoe, this facility provides artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that document the history of the Lake Tahoe region. Look for exhibits on and items from the native Washoe Indians, doll collections from other Native American tribes, a model of the S.S. Tahoe – the largest vessel ever to sail the lake, and even a 150-year-old pipe organ. Open Tuesday through Saturday, it costs a dollar or less to get in.
? Gatekeeper’s Cabin Museum – Located in Tahoe City, this museum is housed in a hand-carved log cabin, originally built in 1910, but replaced with a replica in the 80s after the original burned down. Visitors are treated to a magnificent display of more than 800 Native American baskets, an extensive Native American doll collection, myriad photographs, early skiing gear, antique logging and railroad equipment, rocks and fossils, and much more. It’s open mid-June through late October and is located within the bounds of William B. Layton Park. Picnic areas are available.
? Ehrman Mansion – Located in Tahoma in Sugar Pine Point State Park, the Ehrman Mansion was built near the turn of the century by a family who was part owner of Wells Fargo Bank. Its opulence is evident as soon as you walk in the door. Still furnished with turn-of-the-century pieces, it can be toured from July 1 through Labor Day. Six tours are offered each day, every hour on the hour from 11 am until 4 pm.
? Emigrant Trail Museum – Situated in the town of Truckee, the Emigrant Trail Museum pays homage to the famous Donner Party and those from the group who survived or perished crossing the Donner Pass. Start your visit by viewing the 25-minute video about the party, a group of American pioneers who set out for California by wagon train, only to face months of challenges and disasters, especially as they crossed the Sierra Nevada and became trapped by snow. Only slightly more than half the party made it to their destination after finally being rescued, and historians call their calamity one of the biggest tragedies in the history of western migration. The exhibits are quite fascinating and provide lots of insight on the perils of early migration to the West.
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Truckee-Donner Historical Society and Old
Jail – One of the few surviving 19th century jailhouses in the
West, the one in Truckee is fun to view and houses lots of local artifacts
and photographs. Guided tours are offered with a reservation or visitors can
explore on their own. Docents are on hand to answer questions. There’s also
a pretty memorial garden behind the jail where you can enjoy a picnic lunch.
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