27 Fascinating Reno Facts: Visit This Small City In Nevada

Akinwalere Olaleye
Oct 11, 2023 By Akinwalere Olaleye
Originally Published on Mar 23, 2022
27 fascinating Reno facts will make you want to visit this charming city, from its wild west roots to the thriving arts scene.
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Age: 3-18
Read time: 9.5 Min

Do you love learning new things? If so, then you'll love this article; we're going to discuss 27 fascinating Reno facts.

Reno is a small town in Nevada state of the United States of America, located in Northern Nevada, which is approximately 22 mi (35 km) from Lake Tahoe. Although the city is full of interesting history and culture, from its Wild West roots to its arts scene, this small city is often overlooked.

Reno goes by the nickname 'The Biggest Little City in the World,' as it holds the status of a smaller city with big-city amenities. However, Reno has a lot to offer visitors. Here are 27 fascinating facts about Reno that will make you want to visit this unique city.

Climate Of Reno

Reno has an interesting vacation climate and is proven to have a number of interesting facts and vacations spots in the local Reno area, Sierra Street, Nevada rangeland, mountains, whitewater park, and art museums to learn and enjoy. Learn with us interesting climate facts and Reno features.

Reno is located in the North-Western part of the Mojave Desert in Nevada, with a population of over 250,000 people. The city is elevated at 4,505 ft (1,373 m), 111.58 square mi (288.98 square km) with a land surface of 108.74 square mi (281.65 square km), and water bodies surrounding 2.83 square mi (7.34 square km).

Reno, Nevada, is set to have a semiarid climate, also known as desert climate, perfect for vacations. This city is named one of the 10 sunniest cities in the world.

The town sits at an elevation of above 4,500, with an average sunshine climate for 300 days. Most of the Reno rainy season falls in Winter and Spring touching 7.48 in (18.9992 cm) of rainfall annually.

The city experiences snowy winter months but still warms up to more than 90 F (32.22 C) between June through September. In fact, Reno's record high temperature was 114.8 F (46C), while its lowest recorded temperature ever dropped down as low as -29.2 F (-34 C).

There are multiple earthquakes recorded in Western Reno and Southwest Reno, but it was not that large of an earthquake; it couldn't even be felt.

You can find famous Mustang houses in Reno, Nevada, Truckee Meadows, and the Reno Tahoe International Airport southwest. These Mustang are the notable and iconic image of the Nevada range land and Reno.

Every summer, you can find all the Reno locals near three major water bodies, Lake Tahoe, Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake. Truckee lake is the source of Lake Tahoes, which flows from west to east to the center of downtown Reno, and Pyramid Lake to the north.

The river is a major part of Artown, held in Wingfield Park. Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports in Reno.

The city was founded on May 9, 1868, by Myron Lake. During this year, Myron Lake bought the banks of Truckee River from Charles William Fuller.

The latter spent years to capitalize the transport of supply wagons through Truckee Lake, from Sierra Nevada mountains to Virginia. Even before the city was highlighted, in 1859, Charles W. Fuller built a log toll bridge across Truckee River (source from Lake Tahoe) to provide the necessary connection between Virginia City and the California Trails.

However, he failed, but Myron Lake succeeded.

After Myron Lake bought the land, he gave his entire fortune to build a town site on his property and leveraged the land to access it for Central Pacific Railroad. It led to the birth of Reno city and made Myron as the founder.

Even today, the Truckee River from the sources of Lake Tahoe acts as a primary source of drinking water in Northern Nevada. It supplies Reno with 40 million US gallons (181 million L) and 80 million US gallons (363 million L) of water a day during summer.

The first European settlers came to what would become known as Reno in 1859 when it began life under its original name, 'Lake City.' The town grew rapidly after being incorporated in 1874 and soon became popular for its casinos and gambling. Reno was even dubbed the 'Gambling Capital of the World' in early 1900.

Tourist Attractions In Reno

Did you know? May 9 is celebrated as the birthday of town Reno.

On May 9, 2018, the city celebrated its 150 anniversary. So, if you're planning one day trip, mark this date to participate in the celebration of Reno day, along with the visits to three famous tourist attractions in Reno from Reno Tahoe and Washoe Lake to the California trail, which are mentioned below.

Compared to other ski towns in North America, the downtown Reno Tahoe area has the highest resorts for skiing located in Washoe county. The place also has a sightseeing lake, known as Lake Tahoe, with a clear freshwater lake covering 191 square mi (494.688 square km).

It is located in the Northern Sierra Nevada, and the specialty of the lake is its depth; it could stand the Empire State Building in it.

Built-in 1905, the most famous landmark of Reno is 'Virginia Street Bridge,' which is commonly known as 19 story tower. The bridge is even featured in the 1973 film High Plains Drifter, directed by Clint Eastwood.

Another must seen destination is National Automobile Museum in Reno. It is known as one of the five best automobile museums globally. This automobile museum displays nearly 200 vehicles, accompanying the authentic sounds of a fascinating experience.

Yet another gameplay for vacation is Reno Aces Baseball Stadium. This minor league baseball stadium is the most visited in the city. Unfortunately, the venue is very busy during games, so its best to check out the schedule available online to catch one of the games found on the backs of Truckee River.

Finally, the most visited play at Reno is what it is known for, the fabulous casino resorts. The resort includes accommodation, dining facilities, and nightlife with total relaxation and SPA.

Every year in downtown Rone, locals conduct the largest cookoff under the name Sparks in the Lake Tahoe Basin (urban runoff controls in Reno). It is one of the favorite summer events even today, with more than 100,000 people attending every year.

From the Sierra Nevada range to Lake Tahoe, the town of Reno is a year-round vacation center if you plan a summer vacation.

Economy Of Reno

Reno city in Nevada is famous for its tourism; hence, their economy is also majorly based on tourism and leisure. Every year the city has more than one million visitors, and for the first time, Reno marked the five million visitors in 2007.

The city also has major corporations like Amazon and Walmart. Read our Reno economy facts to learn the economic status of the town of Reno.

Reno's primary occupations are based on the trade and service sector, where nearly 65% of the workforce is based on these occupations.

Today Reno's job market has seen an increase of 4.6%, and the future job market is predicted to be 51.1% for the next 10 years. It is expected to be higher than the scope of the job market in the US, which is 33.5%.

The average income of Reno residents is approximately $26,000 annually, and the median household income of Reno residents is over $46,000 annually.

Population And Culture Of Reno

Reno is home to a wonderful mix of art and culture, with a rich variety of history, museums, galleries, and you'll love these important facts about Reno and its tourist spots. It is diverse with varied traditional cultures.

Some of the tourist-favorite attractions in Reno are National Automobile Museum and the Reno Aces baseball team. The city is also home to several casinos like Circus Circus, Harrah's, and Eldorado Resort Casino.

Downtown Reno city has a population of more than 500,000 people and a population density of 2,186 people per square mi (844 people per square km). Though its less than the population of Las Vegas, the city has world-renowned museums, theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.

The city is known for its metropolitan area or Truckee Meadows and is famous for its art culture and shining neon lighting at party places and casinos.

Reno city is popularly known as a leader of art and culture with a community of rich historic buildings, performing arts, and galleries, which holds special events and art exhibitions. The city is embraced with a history of cultural diversity and economic development.

The town zoos have raised Washoe, a chimpanzee who was the first non-human to communicate through sign language. Washoe knows 350 different signs.

Reno city's Nevada Highway 50 bears the name Loneliest Highway in America. Life Magazine named it in 1986.

Since 1998, the city has celebrated special Veterans Day parade every year. They displayed 62 artworks from City Hall collections and 45 public art pieces (outdoor) during the parade.

This city is named in honor of Union Major General of Civil War, Jess L.Reno. He has killed during the fight again Americal Civil War.

In 1965, a song was composed in the name of Reno, Nevada, which was released on a debt album 'For A Grey Day.' The song was composed by American songwriter Richard Farina.

FAQs

Question: How was Reno created?

Answer: Reno was created in 1859 when Charles Fuller built a sawmill on the Truckee River. The city grew rapidly after completing the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 and soon became known as 'The Biggest Little City In The World.'

Question: How did Reno develop?

Answer: Reno developed into a major city in the early 20th century after discovering silver in the area. The city's economy flourished as a result, and it became known for its casinos, hotels, and nightlife.

Question: What type of city is Reno?

Answer: Reno is a small city that has a population of approximately 250,000 people. The city is home to several universities, including the University of Nevada, Reno, and Truckee Meadows Community College.

Question: Why is it called Reno?

Answer: Reno is named after Union General Jesse Lee Reno, who died at the Battle of South Mountain during the Civil War. The city was originally called 'Lake's Crossing,' but this name changed when it became incorporated in 1868 as part of Washoe County, Nevada.

Question: How old is Reno?

Answer: Reno is the second-oldest city in Nevada and was incorporated on March 19, 1868. Reno has grown from a small town of about 300 people to one with over 230,000 residents today.

Question: What is the nickname for Reno?

Answer: Reno's nickname is 'The Biggest Little City In The World.'

Question: What is interesting about Reno?

Answer: There are many interesting things about Reno, Nevada; for starters, the city has a rich history full of colorful characters and exciting stories. In addition, Reno is home to a thriving arts scene with world-class museums, theaters, and galleries.

The city also boasts some of the best skiing in the country and is home to several major corporations, including Walmart and Amazon.

Question: Why is Reno Nevada famous?

Answer: Reno, Nevada, is famous for its casinos. It's also home to the University of Nevada at Reno.

Question: What is the population of Reno 2021?

Answer: The estimated population of Reno is 268,509

Question: How large is Reno, Nevada?

Answer: Reno, Nevada, has an area of 111.584 square miles (289 square km).

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Sources

https://www.reno.gov/government/departments/development-services/historic-preservation/history-of-reno

https://nevadamagazine.com/issue/may-june-2018/5411/

https://www.attractionsofamerica.com/attractions/top-10-tourist-attractions-in-reno-nevada.php

https://kids.kiddle.co/Reno_Nevada

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Written by Akinwalere Olaleye

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Akinwalere Olaleye picture

Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State. 

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