Looking for something to do in Lake Tahoe? Consider visiting a museum to learn more about Lake Tahoe’s ecology, history, and so much more!
Tahoe City
North Lake Tahoe has a rich maritime history. The Tahoe Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving that history with educational exhibits exploring marine watercraft and artifacts significant to Lake Tahoe.
530-583-9283 | tahoemaritimemuseum.com
Lupine fields at the Gatekeeper’s Museum
The Gatekeeper’s Museum is located at Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City. Historically, this land was an old Washoe campsite. This museum hosts an eclectic mix of Lake Tahoe artifacts, from hand-woven baskets to photographs and oral histories.
530-583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org
UC Davis Eriksson Education Center
This museum was originally a fish hatchery, but is now a hub for UC Davis’s TERC program in North Lake Tahoe. The TERC program studies the environment and ecosystem of Lake Tahoe. Check out their research equipment, and then enjoy a stroll through their garden, which is a host to a variety of native species.
775-881-7560 | terc.ucdavis.edu
West Shore
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, Sugar Pine Point State Park
This mansion hearkens back to a time when Tahoe was an exclusive retreat for the rich and famous. Tour the elegant dining and living rooms, and then explore the nearly 2,000 acres of adjoining Sugar Pine Point State Park, right on Lake Tahoe.
530-583-9911 | parks.ca.gov
Vikingsholm Castle
This mansion at the mouth of Emerald Bay complements the magnificence of its surroundings. Emerald Bay reminded the builder of Vikingsholm, Lora Josephine Knight, of the fjords of Scandinavia that she often visited. Inspired by the landscape, she commissioned Swedish architect Lennart Palme to build the home. Tour this stately mansion and then rent a kayak to paddle to Fannette Island in the center of Emerald Bay.
530-583-9911 | vikingsholm.com
This museum boasts exhibits and artifacts from a range of eras in Tahoe, from the first settlers to the roaring 20s.
530-544-7383 | tahoeheritage.org
Squaw Valley/Truckee
Museum of Sierra Ski History and the 1960 Olympics
This museum explores the vast history of skiing in the Sierras, including Squaw Valley’s winning bid to host the 1960 Winter Olympics. With memorabilia from the Olympics and educational displays, learn all about the history of snow sports in the Sierras.
702-497-4048 | tahoemuseum.org
This museum’s mission is to inspire learning through creative play and discovery. Featuring a number of activities for kids and a family-friendly atmosphere, this Lake Tahoe museum is a fun way to spend a day for kids ages 2-8.
530-587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org