Tahoe Maritime Museum in Lake Tahoe

Located on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, the Tahoe Maritime Museum is a nod to the town’s link to the water. With a mission aimed at stimulating “an interest in and an understanding of Lake Tahoe's rich maritime history through the highest standards of historic preservation, innovative interpretation and public education,” the museum provides a good look at days gone by. Tahoe Maritime Museum operates two facilities: a public museum in the town of Homewood and an annex/warehouse in Truckee.

A member of the American Association of Museums, the American Association for State and Local History, the California Association of Museums, and the Antique Outboard Motor Club, the museum is popular with visitors all year long. Founded in the late 1980s, the museum relies largely on donations from the general public including boats, artifacts, photos, and more. Growing in leaps and bounds since it was founded more than 20 years ago, the Tahoe Maritime Museum recently opened a new 5,800 square-foot facility that resembles an old boathouse. It has been a hit with visitors.

The museum’s collection is vast. The oldest memorabilia dates back to around the late nineteenth century and includes 25 historically-significant vessels. Many are still sea-worthy and some set sail each summer on beautiful Lake Tahoe. These vessels include steamers that were used to carry mail or to usher passengers across the lake; boats from the early days of gentlemen’s racing; more modern boats made by companies like Chris- Craft and Gar Wood; and a huge collection of outboard motors, the largest collection of the West Coast. Some notable boats on display include Shanghai, an 1890s launch; Miss Tahoe, a 28-foot, triple cockpit runabout on which visitors can take a ride during the summer months; Vent D’ete, a 1915-built Canadian sailing boat; and Lemme Go First, a 1929 Gar Wood runabout.

Aqua planes and water skis are also on display at this eclectic museum. There is also a sizeable fishing-related display at the Tahoe Maritime Museum. Fishing has always been a favorite pastime in the area and the museum gives it a nod, displaying a wealth of fishing boats, antique poles and other equipment, and a number of photographs from days gone by.

The Tahoe Maritime Museum is open year round, but hours from October through Memorial Day weekend are limited to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is also closed on Wednesdays in the summertime. Suggested admission for adults is $5 and kids under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge. Most people enjoy a self-guided tour but special tours are available for groups of any size. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. Groups may also tour the annex/warehouse with advance reservations.

The museum is also open for parties and special events. Up to 100 guests can be accommodated at the facility and catering is available for social or business occasions held at Tahoe Maritime Museum.

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