Points Of Interest

Bijou Community Park

Bijou Community Park features a playground for the kids, a disc golf course and a cement and asphalt skate park. The skate park features two half bowls, a square bowl and a round bowl. You can pump in and through them for speed. The park is set up for street-style skating, so you can create your own fun lines, but there are a couple rails on which to jib. Save yourself an injury and a ticket— wear your helmet.

The popular 27-basket disc golf course on Al Tahoe Boulevard is free to play and is suitable for beginners to professionals. It features views of Freel Peak and offers easy walks through the woods.

Players may begin in three places-

Tees 1, 10 and 16.

Created and maintained by community volunteers, basket placements change every couple weeks. A tournament has been held in June each of the last eight years.

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Al Tahoe Boulevard, drive south a half-mile down Al Tahoe to the park entrance on your left.

Nevada State Beach

This beach has views that can't be beat. Nevada Beach is popular for locals and visitors alike with its public swimming and boat-in areas. The campground is bustling in the summer, offering restrooms, picnic facilities, firepits and barbecue grills.

There is also an interpretive trail, built by the U.S. Forest Service, highlighting the area's historical past, natural history and native plants. There is an admission fee and there are no dogs allowed.

For information, call (887) 444-6777

From Stateline: Travel 1.5 miles east along U.S. Highway 50 to Elks Point Road. Turn left on Elks Point Road. Nevada Beach is about half a mile down the road. Lining U.S. Highway 50 on the California/Nevada state line.

Stateline Casinos

Place your bets! Where else does your vacation pay for itself? Las Vegas may have glitz and glamour but our casinos have an unparalleled view. Stateline casinos offer all the gaming of Sin City, but are just steps away from mountain and lake activities.

With world-class performers headlining showrooms and payouts big enough to retire on, South Shore's gaming facilities can't be beat.

Enjoy fine dining, club dancing, fantastic lounge acts and cheap drinks.

Joining South Lake Tahoe's redevelopment just across the state line, the casinos have invested millions of dollars back into their establishments, rejuvenating everything from their food to lodging to the casino floor.

Taylor Creek Stream Profile Chamber

The Stream Profile Chamber lets visitors experience what it would be like to go below the surface of Taylor Creek. The floor-to-ceiling glass bay windows, waterfall, creek-bottom-like walking surface and sound effects allow visitors to experience the Taylor Creek environment without getting wet! Trout, crayfish, insects, frogs, and other inhabitants of Taylor Creek might be seen displaying some of their natural survival habits.

The viewing windows artistically fade into a huge mural that wraps around the walls of the Chamber. Visitors can view scenes of the Taylor Creek ecosystem throughout the four seasons, with a final scene looking down Taylor Creek where it empties into Lake Tahoe. The mural contains many plants and animals native to Taylor Creek. Children and adults will enjoy locating and identifying each species. There are also several animals hiding throughout the Chamber that will require a few more observations skills to find.

Visitors may also learn about the unique characteristics of the Taylor Creek ecosystem from the informative interpretive signs comparing the Taylor Creek ecosystem with other streams in the Tahoe Basin.

The food web of the Taylor Creek ecosystem is described in the underwater root system of a huge cottonwood tree "growing" in the middle of the Chamber! Other interpretive panels describe the story of survival and life in one of Lake Tahoe's most unique watersheds.

Viewing hours vary with the season, so call ahead. Admittance is free.

Taylor Creek Stream Profile Chamber

USDA Forest Service Visitor Center

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

870 Emerald Bay Road South Lake Tahoe SR 89, near Fallen Leaf Lake 530-573-2694

The South Lake Tahoe Historical Society and Museum

The South Lake Tahoe Historical Society operates the museum and is devoted to the study of the heritage of the Lake Tahoe Basin and dedicated to the collection, preservation and distribution of historical information.

The museum features displays which chronicle the development of the Lake Tahoe Basin from its earliest occupation by Native Americans through its 19th century development to the present time.



Located at the south end of the largest, deepest Alpine Lake in the U.S., the museum presents visual and educational exhibits that tell the story of its development while displaying outstanding artifacts collected from residents and visitors in its quarter century of operation.

Within the past 150 years the Lake Tahoe Basin was settled, expanded, drew new visitors and permanent settlers. The continuing saga includes U.S. discovery, westward moving wagon trains, gold and silver rush traffic through the basin, Pony Express stations, logging and railroad industries the development of tourism, skiing and more.

A Special Exhibit area features events of current importance and interest for the museum and the community. The museum shop sells books and other related material that concerns Lake Tahoe. Material in the museum and its archives is available for use by visitors, researchers and history buffs and includes large photographic and archival collections, oral histories and a small library.

Just behind the museum, visitors can see the old Log Cabin, built in 1931, and the oldest building still standing in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Osgood's Toll House, built in 1859. A few blocks west, Bijou Community Park houses the museum's Lake Valley Railroad narrow gauge and log carrier exhibit.

The museum is open daily in the summer between 11:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. and on weekends in the winter between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The South Lake Tahoe

Historical Society and Museum

3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd. / U.S. HWY 50,

South Lake Tahoe 530-541-5458

Tallac Historic Site

This 150-acre site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 for its historic and architectural significance. Take an easy walk through the Tallac Historic Site and relive the luxurious resort era and summer homes of the early 1900s. Three original 1920 era estates on beautiful grounds are part of this walk by the lake.

The Tallac Resort (1880-1920)

Look for the concrete foundation of the "Greatest Casino in America," originally part of Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin's resort that catered to the nouveau rich from San Francisco, Sacramento and Virginia City.

Baldwin Estate (1921)

This building, now a house museum, was built in 1921 by Dextra Baldwin, a granddaughter of "Lucky" Baldwin. The building currently houses the Tallac Museum, Baldwin Museum and the Washoe Exhibit. The nearby guest cabins offer art exhibits and workshops during the summer.

Baldwin Estate Washoe Exhibit

The Washoe Indian Cultural Foundation Exhibit is located in the Baldwin Museum. The Washoe display includes housing, artifacts, pictures and a slide presentation. Visit the area the Washoe called home in the summer months. The Baldwin Museum, Washoe Gardens and special programs offer an opportunity to learn about the Washoe culture.

For more information about the Washoes, write or call:

Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Archive & Cultural Center

861 Crescent Drive Carson City, NV 89701

775-888-0936

Pope Estate (1894)

The Pope house was built in 1894 by George Talant. In 1899, it was sold to Lloyd Tevis. His son, Will, expanded and remodeled it into the largest and most luxurious of the area. It was purchased by George Pope in 1923. This oldest estate is also the largest and most elaborate. As the interpretive center for the site, special programs and guided tours in the many buildings, gardens and grounds are available. The Pope Estate is home for The Great Gatsby Festival each year in August.

Valhalla Estate (1923)

Walter Heller built Valhalla in 1924 and entertained guests during the summer months for about twenty years. Eventually the estate was sold in 1965 to the South Tahoe Valhalla Corporation, whose attempt to turn it into a private club failed. With its large lawn, large hall and large stone fireplace, Valhalla is popular for public and private gatherings.

Call for information about tours, programs and special events. Tallac Historic Site USDA Forest Service Visitor Center Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 870 Emerald Bay Road South Lake Tahoe SR 89, near Fallen Leaf Lake 530-573-2694

Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Tahoe City at an elevation of 6,400 feet just south of Lake Tahoe in the Lake Tahoe basin management unit. Fallen Leaf has two campgrounds available with over 200 sites suitable for both tents and RV's (to 40 feet). All boating is permitted and rentals available at the lake. Gas and launching facilities are available as well as bait, tackle, groceries, and supplies. Fishing is limited to rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout but usually very rewarding.

For more information contact

US Forest Service (530)573-2600.

Camp Shelly (530)541-6985.

Camping Reservations (800)280-CAMP.

Lake Store (530)541-4671.

Lake Marina (530) 544-0787.

Sugar Pine Point

Owned by California State Parks, Sugar Pine Point State Park fronts Lake Tahoe for 1.75 miles and features General Creek Campground, the Ehrman Mansion, Sugar Pine Point Nature Center and more than 2,000 acres of coniferous forest. The park features picnicking, hiking, trails, fishing, sunbathing, and interpretive programs. The Sugar Pine Point Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day. Ehrman Mansion, one of the most beautiful historic homes on Lake Tahoe, is open for guided tours July through Labor Day (weekends only thru Sept 30) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours cost $2 per adult and $1 for children 6 to 12. Under 6 free.

For more information, call (530) 525-7982

From Gatekeeper’s Museum bridge over the Truckee River in Tahoe City, 9 miles south on State Route 89.

Ehrman Mansion

This is one of the most beautiful historic homes on Lake Tahoe. From the turn of the century until 1965, the lands of what is now Sugar Pine Point State Park were owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, who began buying property in 1913 and acquired nearly 2,000 acres.

Hellman's grand but informal summer home, called Pine Lodge, was completed in 1903 and was considered to be one of the finest in the high Sierra. His daughter, Florence Hellman Ehrman, inherited the estate and she and her husband Sydney spent many summers here entertaining friends.

In 1965 the house and 1,975 acres of the estate were acquired by the California State Park System. Today the house is maintained as a house museum and as an example of the opulent tradition in Tahoe summer homes. It provides an interesting view into the lifestyles of the wealthy.

Ehrman Mansion is open on weekends for guided tours, July through Labor Day. Call for hours. A nominal fee is charged.

Ehrman Mansion Sugar Pine Point State Park Tahoma SR 89, West Shore Lake Tahoe 530-525-7982

Vikingsholm Castle

Located at the west end of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island are popular attractions. Vikingsholm Castle is considered the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere and Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe.

Vikingsholm Castle In 1928, Mrs. Lora J. Knight of Santa Barbara and Chicago purchased an isolated site at the head of Emerald Bay. She instructed Lennart Palme, a Swedish-born architect who had married into her family, to design a home without disturbing a single one of the site's magnificent trees.

After a trip to Scandinavia, they decided to reproduce a Norse fortress of about 800 A.D. in full detail. The methods and materials used in the construction, including the boulders of the foundations and walls, are those used in ancient Scandinavia. Turrets, towers, intricate carvings, even hand-hewn timbers were used to recreate the fortress.

The sod roof with its living grass is like those sometimes used in Scandinavia to feed livestock during the winter. Many of the furnishings that Mrs. Knight wanted for Vikingsholm were so historically significant that their export was forbidden by the Norwegian and Swedish governments, so she had them copied in detail, down to measurements, colorations and aging of the wood.

The tour is packed with details of the construction of the castle and its furnishings that will amaze you!

The castle was completed in 1929. Mrs. Knight also had guest houses and the Tea House on Fannette Island built. Mrs. Knight spent her summers in the 48-room castle until her death in 1945.

Guided tours are available on weekends from Memorial Day to mid-June and daily from mid-June to Labor Day. Call for hours. A nominal fee is charged. If driving, it is best to arrive before 10:00 a.m. because the day-use parking is extremely limited (25 cars) and a fee is charged.

The castle is about a mile down, by trail, from the parking lot at the Emerald Bay Overlook.

Fannette Island

The only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island is a sparsely wooded, brush-covered upthrust of granite that rises 150 feet above the water. The stone structure on top of the island that looks like a miniature castle is the "Tea House" built in 1929 by Mrs. Knight, who built Vikingsholm Castle. She and her guests would travel by motorboat to be served tea in a 250 square foot room with a fireplace and a large oak table and four oak chairs. Today, only the stone shell remains.

Visitors may use the island during the day from mid-June to February. Camping is not permitted and dogs are not allowed. From February 1 through June 15 the island is closed to all visitors. During this time, Canadian geese nest on the land that is virtually free of predators. By late spring its common to see families of geese swimming along the shoreline near Vikingsholm Castle.

Vikingsholm Castle & Fannette Island Tahoma SR 89 West Shore Lake Tahoe

530-525-7277

D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks

Covering 1,830 acres in California's Sierra Nevada, D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks include six miles of magnificent Lake Tahoe shoreline. The grandeur of the parks and their setting is a product of successive upheavals of the mountain-building processes that raised the Sierra Nevada.

From promontories such as Rubicon Point in D.L. Bliss State Park, you can see over one hundred feet into the depths of Lake Tahoe. From the crest of Eagle Falls in Emerald Bay State Park, you can see a brilliant panorama of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe and the distant Nevada shore.

D.L. Bliss State Park is named for a pioneering lumberman, railroad owner and banker of the region. His family donated 744 acres to the State Park system in 1929. The nucleus of Emerald Bay State Park, including Vikingsholm, was given to the State by Placerville lumberman Harvey West in 1953.

D.L. Bliss & Emerald Bay State Parks

Tahoma SR 89 West Shore Lake Tahoe

530-525-7277

Eagle Falls

Sightseeing bonus! A short trail that leads from Vikingsholm Castle to beautifull Eagle Falls --a must hike!

Desolation Wilderness

This is the most heavily used wilderness area per acre in the United States. It contain 63,475 acres of sub-Alpine forests, granite peaks and glacial lakes and valleys. Portions of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail pass through this area. Travel is limited to hikers and pack animals. Mountain bikes are not allowed. All persons entering Desolation Wilderness must obtain a wilderness permit and pay camping fees. Day-hikers may self-register at the trail heads, but overnight users must obtain the permit and pay

Truckee River

Kayaking, tubing, fishing and river rafting are all popular activities on the Truckee River. Truckee River Rafting & Fanny Bridge Raft Rentals in Tahoe City, rent rafts for those who want to lazily float down the river and soak up some sun. For more information, call (530) 583-RAFT.

For anglers, once you are at least 1,000 feet downstream from the Tahoe Dam, it is legal to fish the Truckee River for trout.

At the "Y" formed by the intersection of State Route 89 and Highway 28, turn right on Highway 89.

Cave Rock & Cave Rock State Park

Cave Rock's history is as vast as the groups intrigued by it.

Formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, Cave Rock stands near the water's edge between Glenbrook and Zephyr Cove. When the lake's level was higher millennia ago, waves cut the caves into the rock for which it is now named.

Cave Rock State Park is a small day-use area that is tucked beneath the rugged volcanic face of Cave Rock. Facilities include a boat launch ramp and dock, comfort station, picnic sites, and a small sandy beach all operated by the Nevada Division of State Parks.

Two launch ramps lead to deep waters close to shore. The parking lot at Cave Rock is limited and can fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. Parking is also restricted along Highway 50 above the entrance.

A steep shoreline and rocky shoals make this area a good location for rainbow trout fishing.

Boat launching is $5 for launch and park, $2 for launch and leave, and entrance to beach and fishing access $5 for all-day use.

For more information, call the Nevada Division of State Parks at:

(775) 687-4384. Cave Rock State Park is located on Highway 50, three miles south of Glenbrook, just south of the Cave Rock tunnels.

Tahoe Rim Trail

Want to see some of the best views in Tahoe while getting some exercise. Take a bike ride or hike along the Tahoe Rim Trail, which encircles the entire lake.

Construction was completed on this engineering marvel last September, after 20 years of work and thousands of volunteer and U.S. Forest Service crew hours. But it was worth the word.

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop trail that runs along the ridges and mountain tops. It is open to hikers, equestrians, and in most areas, mountain bikers. Thousands of people use the trail each week during peak summer and fall months. Why don’t you join them?

From Cave Rock, continue along U.S. Highway 50, past State Route 28. The Spooner Summit Trailhead is .8 mile farther, on the left.