Downtown Reno Historical Walking Tour: Riverwalk & Landmarks

Walk Reno's downtown landmarks and learn the stories that shaped the city

A 2-hour guided walking tour through downtown Reno that covers the city's pioneering past, from the 1930s divorce boom to its current art scene. The route passes the Reno Arch, historic landmarks including an art deco building and a one-of-a-kind bowling facility, and ends at the redesigned Truckee Riverwalk and Whitewater River Park. A live English-speaking guide leads the way. Children from age 12 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Reno's historical landmarks

• Learn about 1930's migratory divorce era
• Discover origins of "Biggest Little City"
• Visit "Taj-Mahal of Tenpins" tournament facility
• Explore birthplace of Reno
• Stroll Truckee Riverwalk and Whitewater Park
• Learn about original art deco landmark
• Discover Reno's public art and Burningman gateway
• Visit home of Reno Aces baseball team

The experience

The tour starts at the Reno Arch on N. Virginia Street and moves through downtown on foot, covering roughly two hours. A live guide walks you through the city's history, beginning with the 1930s when thousands came to Reno seeking quick divorces: a phenomenon that shaped the city's identity and economy. You'll learn how the "Biggest Little City" slogan came about and see the landmarks that defined each era of growth.

Along the route, you'll pass an art deco landmark and visit a historic bowling facility locals call the "Taj-Mahal of Tenpins," one of Reno's most distinctive buildings. The guide explains the stories behind these sites and how they fit into the city's larger narrative. The tour also covers Reno's transformation into a public art destination and its connection to Burning Man culture, which has influenced the city's identity in recent decades.

The walk ends at the Truckee Riverwalk District and Whitewater River Park, where you'll stroll the recently redesigned waterfront. You'll also see the home of the Reno Aces, the minor league baseball team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The route is wheelchair accessible, and all surfaces are level. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for anyone with difficulties walking long distances.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide leading the full 2-hour walk through downtown.
• historical and cultural information about Reno's pioneering past, the 1930s divorce era, and the city's landmarks.
• access to the Reno Arch, historic art deco building, the bowling facility, and the Truckee Riverwalk District.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Biggest Little Walking Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour on foot through downtown, so you move at the group's pace and hear stories from someone who knows the city's history. It suits anyone interested in how Reno developed and what its landmarks mean, and works well for families with children age 12 and up who can walk for two hours on level ground.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What was the 1930s divorce era and why was Reno famous for it?

During the 1930s, Reno became a destination for people seeking quick divorces when the process was difficult or impossible elsewhere. Thousands came to the city for this reason, which shaped Reno's economy and culture during that decade and left a lasting mark on its identity.

What is the "Taj-Mahal of Tenpins" and why is it important to Reno?

The "Taj-Mahal of Tenpins" is a one-of-a-kind historic bowling facility in downtown Reno. The guide explains its significance to the city's entertainment history and architecture during the tour.

Does the tour include the Reno Riverwalk District?

Yes, the tour ends at the Truckee Riverwalk District and Whitewater River Park, where you'll walk the recently redesigned waterfront and see the home of the Reno Aces baseball team.

Is this tour accessible for people who use wheelchairs?

The tour is fully wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces are level, and transportation options in the area are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.