Tahoe's Top 10 Attractions

by Elisabeth Korb

While Lake Tahoe itself is the Basin’s number one attraction, there is plenty else to see and do this
winter. Here are our top 10, starting on the North Shore in Incline Village and heading clockwise around the Lake,
then up to Truckee.

Mt. Rose Highway Overlook

For an easily accessible overview of the Tahoe Basin, pull off
on the Mt. Rose Highway overlook, just up Highway 431 from
Incline Village. Plaques here identify the major peaks that
surround e Lake. Don’t forget chains or four-wheel drive!

Stateline Casinos

Think Tahoe nightlife is an oxymoron? ink again. Just steps
from Heavenly’s gondola, six casinos off er fun that doesn’t stop
with gaming. ere are enough nightclubs, lounges, cantinas,
comedy acts, concerts and magic shows to keep you up through
the night. Read all about Tahoe’s casinos on page 48. 1-800-
AT-TAHOE or www.bluelaketahoe.com

Heavenly Gondola

In just 12 minutes, eight-passenger cabins whisk riders up to
9,123 feet and spectacular views of the entire length of Lake
Tahoe. At the top, Adventure Peak off ers a restaurant, kids’
tubing park, cross-country ski/snowshoe rentals and trails,
snowbike rentals and a 3,300-foot zip line ride, the longest in
the continental United States. 1-800-HEAVENLY or www.
skiheavenly.com

Tallac Historic Site

A lovely testament to a bygone era, South Shore’s Tallac
Historic Site includes three Old Tahoe estates. Come winter,
though the buildings are closed for tours, step back in time
with a cross-country ski or snowshoe trek around the grounds.
(530) 541-5227 or www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu

Emerald Bay

Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its
brilliant panorama of glacially carved granite, this bay provides
a remarkable juxtaposition of mountain and lake, along with
Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe’s only island. Drive, very carefully,
along the winding road here—when it’s not closed for weather
or avalanche control—to enjoy dramatic views down into the
bay. (530) 541-3030 or www.parks.ca.gov

Tahoe Maritime Museum

Immerse yourself in e Lake’s maritime past at this new 5,800
square foot facility in Homewood. Along with the historic
boats on display, see hydroplanes, antique fi shing poles and
early waterskis made of barn doors and ropes. (530) 525-
WAKE or www.tahoemaritimemuseum.org

Gatekeeper’s Museum/Marion Steinbach
Indian Basket Museum

A reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper’s Cabin—home
of the water master who controlled the fl ow of water out
of Lake Tahoe—this Tahoe City museum (open weekends
only in winter) is now a showcase for local history. Stroll the
grounds dotted with interpretive signs and, if water levels allow,
peek over the railing of Fanny Bridge to see monster rainbow
trout holding in the current below. (530) 583-1762 or www.
northtahoemuseums.org

Squaw Valley USA Cable Car

Even nonskiers can grab a bird’s-eye view of Squaw Valley and
Lake Tahoe on this ride that climbs 2,000 vertical feet. At the
top await High Camp’s restaurants, ice skating, snow tubing
and Olympic museum. (530) 583-6955 or www.squaw.com

Historic Downtown Truckee

Although this old logging and railway town’s saloons and
brothels have been replaced by upscale boutiques, galleries and
restaurants, its original pioneering charm remains throughout
Commercial Row’s restored buildings. e rail depot, which
doubles as a visitor’s center, also exhibits some memorabilia
about the Transcontinental Railroad. (530) 587-8808 or www.
truckee.com

Donner Memorial State Park

Near Donner Lake’s east shore, the Pioneer Monument and
Emigrant Trail Museum recount the story of the ill-fated
Donner Party. ough you’ll be there over a century and a half
later—with modern conveniences like heated cars and Gore-tex
garments—a visit to the site in winter will help you empathize
with the group’s ordeal. (530) 582-7892 or www.parks.ca.gov
Top 10