Fleischmann Planetarium
1650 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 784-4812
the telescope of the public observatory is available on clear Friday nights throughout the year from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.
Admission to the museum, gift shop and observatory is free. There is an admission charge at the Theater. The building is open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8 - 8 . call for listings and schedule.
Located on a knoll overlooking the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, Fleischmann Planetarium looks like a saucer-shaped spaceship that has just touched down. Its curious shape is actually a hyperbolic paraboloid canopy that covers the elliptical interior of the building.
Inside you can see all three meteorites found within Nevada, or find out what your real weight would be on the planet Venus, or see how a black hole acts in space. These and many other exhibits are on display in the Astronomical Museum. For many visitors, the real space experience takes place in the domed theater on the lower level where you can see spectacular films about nature and the universe. Lean back and relax in the reclining loge chairs while the show unfolds all around you on the Skydome 8/70 screen

National Automobile Museum
10 Lake St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 333-9300
Housing the most comprehensive public display of cars in the western hemisphere, the museum presents a singular history of the automobile and its role in American society. Four authentic street scenes representing each quarter of the 20th century take visitors back in time to experience American history. The real-life scenes are complete with the cars, architecture and memorabilia of the eras.
On Turn-of-the-Century Street you can see a realistic blacksmith's shop, illustrating the gradual change in transportation from horses to cars. On the 1930s Street you can watch Milton Berle and Ronald Reagan on a vintage television set.
Adjoining galleries contain the remainder of the more than 200 antique, vintage, classic and special interest cars in the collection. Of particular interest to many visitors are the cars previously owned by celebrities, such as Elvis Presley's 1973 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe, John Wayne's 1953 Corvette and James Dean's 1949 Mercury.

Nevada Historical Society
1650 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 688-1190
Monday - Friday from 10- 5 and the library is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4. Admission to the museum is charged for adults.
As Nevada's oldest museum, the Nevada Historical Society provides ongoing support and preservation for the state's fabulous heritage. In its newly renovated building near the Fleischmann Planetarium, you can take a walk on the historical side through fascinating displays of how such things as mining, gaming, ranching and various ethnic groups molded the state's unique society. Of special interest is the million-dollar exhibit of rare baskets made by famous Washoe basket maker, Dat-So-La-Lee. There is also a diarama of a typical general store, complete with all the goods stocking the shelves.

Reno Arch
N. Virginia St. and Commercial Row, Reno, Nev.
Blazing with 800 feet of neon tubing and 1,600 lights, it welcomes visitors in grand style to "The Biggest Little City in the World." The slogan was the result of a 1929 contest conducted by the mayor to publicize the city. The slogan stuck and the Arch has been the identifying landmark for Reno ever since. It has been redesigned and replaced several times; the present structure was erected in 1987. An older arch constructed mainly of steel and lit with neon is at 10 Lake Street next to the National Automobile Museum.

The Wilbur May Center
1502 Washington St., Reno, Nev.
(775) 785-5961
The Wilbur May Center in Rancho San Rafael Park has something for everyone. It's a museum, an arboretum and an adventure park. The son of David May, founder of the May Department Stores Company, Wilbur D. May lived in Reno from 1936 until his death in 1982. A philanthropist dedicated to the welfare of children, Wilbur D. May's legacy lives on through the foundation that built and maintains the center.
Designed as a comfortable ranch-style home, the Wilbur D. May Museum showcases May's eclectic collection of memorabilia gathered from his more than 40 trips around the world. An avid art and antique collector, May acquired such treasures as rare T'ang Dynasty pottery, primitive African artwork and Egyptian scarabs The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden contains pools, waterfalls and a xeriscape garden of plants indigenous to the high desert climate. Designed especially for children ages 2 through 12, the Wilbur D. May Great Basin Adventure has a petting zoo, pony rides and a log flume ride.
Admission to the museum is charged. Hours are 10 AM until 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday during the summer and Wednesday through Sunday during the winter. The adventure park is open from 10 AM until 5 PM daily, except Monday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission charged. There is no charge to view the botanical garden.

Sparks Museum
820 Victorian Ave., Sparks, Nev.
(775) 355-1144
11- 4 Tuesday - Friday and 1 - 4 Saturday and Sunday.
admission to the museum is free; donations are welcomed
In 1904 Sparks was the busiest railroad terminal between Ogden, Utah, and Sacramento, California. Its location near the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains was strategic for the large steam engines that pulled trains over the mountain passes to the valleys in California. Much of the city's early history is tied to the railroad, including its nickname, Rail City.
The Sparks Museum allows visitors to step back in time and experience those turn-of-the-century railroad days. Much of the memorabilia is railroad oriented, such as the model train collection that begins with the DeWitt Clinton and ends with the last of the steam-driven engines. Other displays include a barbershop with a collection of 200 razors and a full-sized Amish-type carriage, circa 1910. While the displays are not elaborate, history buffs will love the variety and attention to detail.