Gardnerville is located on the west side of Nevada. Though it may be small, it offers a variety of outdoor activities that are sure to keep you occupied throughout your stay. It may not be Vegas, but it does also house a local casino that has great ratings.
Read on to find out about the top 8 things to do in Gardnerville, Nevada.
1. Play outside at Lampe Park
Lampe Park offers more than just your typical trails and picnic areas. If you’re in the mood for more activity, there’s a soccer field, three softball fields, two hardball fields and two volleyball courts. The park has been available since the 1970s, and provides the perfect space for a fun day outdoors. The park even houses the largest playground structure in Northern Nevada, so the kids will have their fill as well. In total, the park is 32 acres (13 hectares).
Lampe Park
Address: 1324 Waterloo Ln, Gardnerville, NV 89410
Website: Lampe Park
2. Learn about local history at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center
If you’re visiting Gardnerville, it can’t hurt to learn a thing or two about how the town was developed and how the residents used to live. Inside an old high school building, the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center provides an array of exhibits and items curated by the Carson Valley Historical Society. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and admission is 5 USD for adults, 2 USD for kids aged 7 to 17, and free for children 6 and under.
Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center
Address: 1477 Old US Hwy 395 S, Gardnerville, NV 89410
3. Trot along a trail at Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center
Whether you’re a seasoned horse rider or have never been on one before, the Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center offers an unforgettable opportunity. For 40 USD, you’ll receive a private two-hour trail ride on one of the center’s own horses, or you also have the option to split the two hours between a lesson and a trail ride. The center also offers pony parties and horse shows throughout the year, if you’d like to experience more. You can schedule a ride via phone or online.
Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center
Address: 551 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville, NV 89460
Website: Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center
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4. Soar through the sky with Lake Tahoe Balloons
Lake Tahoe Balloons offer a unique day-trip experience for anyone visiting Garnderville. A quick 45-minute drive away, the balloon trip is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss. The balloon tour will take you above and across Lake Tahoe for some spectacular early-morning views. The balloon tour takes about four hours, so it’s definitely prime for a day trip while you’re visiting Gardnerville. The flights are 299 USD per person and can be booked online.
Lake Tahoe Balloons
Address: 2435 Venice Dr. East, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Website: Lake Tahoe Balloons
5. Eat local produce at Heritage Park Gardens
Heritage Park Gardens is a community garden located in downtown Gardnerville, but it offers much more than your typical garden. Visitors and volunteers alike are able to stroll through the gardens at their leisure and attend different demonstrations and workshops. Gardening is a great way to exercise and relieve stress, so if you’re visiting why not volunteer at the garden for a couple hours. You’ll be able to head home with some delicious local produce!
Heritage Park Gardens
Address: 1461 Ezell St, Gardnerville, NV
Facebook: Heritage Park Gardens
6. Pick up a tasty treat at the Chocolate Shoppe by Sweet Images
The Gardnerville Chocolate Shoppe by Sweet Images is heaven for a chocolate lover. They offer a wide variety of chocolates, from sugar free and bark to nut clusters, peanut butter bars and turtles. They also offer toffee, brittle and truffles. If you’re visiting Gardnerville without someone special, this is the perfect spot to pick them up a tasty souvenir. The shop has received amazing reviews, and even won the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce business of the year award.
Chocolate Shoppe by Sweet Images
Address: 1363 US Hwy 395N, Sweet 7, Gardnerville, NV 89410
Website: Chocolate Shoppe by Sweet Images
7. Play a game at the Carson Valley Golf Course
Head to the Carson Valley Golf Course if you’re interested in a great game while visiting Gardnerville. The beautiful course includes 18 holes, with which you get to hit over water nine times. The course poses a fun challenge to golfers of all abilities and also offers lessons for beginners as well as junior golf for kids. Green fees range depending on the time you go and if you will be using a golf cart or renting any equipment.
Carson Valley Golf Course
Address: 1027 Riverview Dr., Gardnerville, NV 89460
Website: Carson Valley Golf Course
8. Test your luck at Sharkey’s Casino
Any trip to Nevada can’t really be complete without a trip to the casino. Even though Gardnerville isn’t Vegas, it still has Sharkey’s Casino to offer. Inside, restaurants and bars are available until midnight, and you can play slots and other games. The casino also hosts events at different times throughout the year, and the casino is part of Gardnerville’s Main Street Wine Walks. Prices at the casino range depending on what activity you’re participating in.
Sharkey's Casino
Address: 1440 U.S. Hwy 395 N, Gardnerville, NV 89410
Website: Sharkey’s Casino
Create an unforgettable Nevada vacation
A trip to Gardnerville will be unforgettable no matter what you choose to do. Just the sheer amount of activities available could have you busy for days, but there’s also plenty of things to do when you’re ready to unwind and relax.