Animal Ark 1265 Deerlodge Rd., Reno take U.S. Highway 395 north to the Red Rock Road exit, turn north on Red Rock Road and drive 11.5 miles to Deerlodge, turn right and continue for 1 mile. (775) 969-3111 The Ark is open daily from 10 - 4:30 April 1 - October 31. Admission charged Animal Ark is a wildlife sanctuary and nature center that shelters animals that don't have the skills to survive on their own. Disabled and orphaned animals such as gray wolves, bobcats, bears, snow leopards and Arctic foxes live in natural surroundings at the Ark. Aside from the animals, the educational displays scattered around the grounds make it an especially appealing learning experience for children. Although most people can't own a wild animal as a pet, they can do the next thing by adopting one at the Ark. Through their adoption program, they can help pay for the care and feeding of such residents as Mignon, the kit fox, or Shere Khan, the tiger, or Whoopi, the peregrine falcon.

Circus Circus Midway Stage 500 N. Sierra St., Reno, Nev. (800) 648-5010 When Circus Circus Hotel/Casino opened in Reno in 1978, casino patrons were astonished to see trapeze artists and high-wire walkers performing right above their heads as they placed their table bets and pulled the handles of slot machines. The age of the total entertainment concept had been born, complete with an enormous clown as a logo and a pink-and-white-striped circus tent enveloping portions of the building. Although structural changes during the years have made the circus acts less visible from the casino floor, they can be optimally viewed from the Midway section of the casino. Young and old alike are drawn to the carnival-style arcade at the Midway where they can win stuffed toy animals and other prizes at the more than 30 games available. The circus acts are free and can be seen daily throughout the year from 11 AM to midnight.

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

Mining Machine at Silver Legacy Resort Casino 407 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev. (775) 329-4777, (800) 687-8733 Admission is free. Showcasing Nevada's silver mining heritage, the automated mining machine at Silver Legacy Resort Casino is a working model of how ore might have been processed in the 1800s. Towering 120 feet above the main casino floor, the machine is continuously in motion with pumping bellows, steam engines and running ore wagons. Designed so that human hands wouldn't touch the metal throughout the process, the finished product is coins spewing out near the Silver Baron's Bar and Lounge. Although the resort created a fictitious tale of a miner named Sam Fairchild to explain the development of the machine, it doesn't have to be historically accurate to be appreciated. From an engineering standpoint alone, it's fascinating to see all the parts working together. >From noon - 11 Ppm daily, the dome is the backdrop for the Legend of the Legacy Laser Show, a spectacular, but also whimsical production of how the West was won, Reno-style.

Mount Rose Highway Nev. Hwy. 431, from Reno to Incline Village, Nev. In Reno take U.S. 395 south to the junction of Nev. Highway 431 (Mount Rose Highway) and follow the signs to North Shore Lake Tahoe. Beginning at an elevation of 4,498 feet, the road gradually climbs for a few miles through the desert on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. But at about 6,000 feet in elevation, the terrain changes dramatically from high desert to alpine forest. Huge conifer and red fir trees dominate the landscape as the road begins to twist and turn toward the summit. As you climb higher, you are treated with magnificent views of Reno and Sparks to the north and Washoe Lake to the south. Near the summit is the Mount Rose-Ski Tahoe ski resort with a base elevation of 8,260 feet. You are rewarded with your first glimpse of Lake Tahoe several miles farther as you pass the sign that reads, "Mt. Rose Summit, Elevation 8,900, Highest Year-Round Sierra Pass." Surrounded by snowcapped peaks, the size and beauty of the lake can take your breath away. As the road descends to lake level at 6,225 feet you'll drive through the Tahoe Meadows, an alpine paradise for hikers, skiers and snowmobilers The road is narrow and dropoffs on the sides can be very steep. Since driving in the mountains in winter can be hazardous, it is always wise to call ahead for road conditions. For the most updated information on Nevada roads call (775) 793-1313.

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.

National Bowling Stadium 300 N. Center St., Reno, Nev. (775) 334-2695 Described by the American Bowling Congress as the "Taj Mahal of tenpins," the National Bowling Stadium is the world's largest bowling facility. Used primarily for ABC and other tournaments, this ultramodern stadium has 80 Brunswick lanes and state-of-the-art scoring equipment and acoustics.

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.

Pyramid Lake Take a drive out to Pyramid Lake, roughly 26 miles north of Reno on a fast road (no mountain roads with twists and turns to negotiate). It's a vestige of Lake Lahontan, an ancient lake that filled much of northern Nevada a very long time ago. It is spectacular, and a great contrast to Tahoe because it is a desert lake. It's a thrill to experience the vista into which the road curves just before it descends to the lakeshore.

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.

Reno Tahoe Gaming Academy 215 S. Wells Ave., Reno, Nev. (775) 329-5665 Visitors are welcome after 1 PM Monday -Thursday throughout the year, but are requested to call ahead for reservations. Do you want to play craps, 21, roulette or poker, but don't have a clue how to place a bet or what the rules of the games are? For a fee and two hours of your time, you can learn the basics behind the scenes where dealers are trained. At the Reno Tahoe Gaming Academy, student trainees practice newly acquired skills in game settings (putting just chips, not money, on the line). Under the supervision of the training director, visitors can learn to play in a comfortable, risk-free environment. Then, armed with the strategies of the games, you can hit the casino tables with more than just your pocketbook and a desire to win.

Sierra Safari Zoo 10200 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nev. (775) 677-1101 take the Red Rock Road Exit off U.S. 395 about 8 miles north of Reno. Turn left and go underneath the underpass to the second road and then turn left again. Daily April - October 10 - 5 Admission charged. Nestled at the base of Peavine Mountain, the zoo offers a rare "up-close and personal" opportunity to interact with more than 200 exotic animals, all in a natural setting. Free to roam behind security fences, most of the animals have been born and raised in captivity. Many are exceptionally gentle and tolerant to human touch. Visitors can view 40 different species from around the world, including muntjacks (deer from India), rheas (flightless birds from Argentina), audads (sheep from the Middle East) and servals (cats from the African savannas). Children especially enjoy the petting section of the zoo, where they can wander among the animals to pet and feed them. Dedicated to the propagation and preservation of animals, the zoo is nonprofit and staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Zoo workers have named all the animals, such as Elvira, the North American alligator who is affectionately known as "the lizard with an attitude."

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.

Truckee River Walk Arlington and Island aves., Reno, Nev. On its route from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River flows through Reno, bringing much-needed water to the desert environment. The river provides a fertile habitat for a wide variety of wildlife as well as a delightful place for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. One of the easiest ways to enjoy the river is to take the Truckee River Walk in either direction from Wingfield Park on Arlington and Island avenues. Heading west, the walk meanders past old Victorian homes shaded by huge elms and cottonwoods and then enters Idlewild Park with its rose garden, children's playland and ponds full of waterfowl. From here it continues on for several miles past Oxbow Park to Chrissie Caughlin Park on W. McCarran Boulevard. Going east through the business section of downtown, the path wanders through a variety of other small parks to finally end near Vista Boulevard east of Sparks. The distance from Chrissie Caughlin Park to Vista Boulevard is about 10 miles. As you walk along, look for the many birds that live here, such as flycatchers, mallards, belted kingfishers, hawks and Canada geese. And don't be surprised at the number of fishermen trying their luck, as the Truckee is considered a premium fishing stream. Bikes and RollerBlades are welcome on the path, but motorized vehicles are not. Dogs need to be leashed, and owners are expected to clean up after them.

Sparks

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.

Victorian Square Victorian Ave., Sparks, Nev. take Interstate 80 east and exit on Rock Boulevard. Turn left on Rock and then right on Victorian Avenue. When the citizens of Sparks decided to revitalize their downtown area some years ago, they selected a colorful turn of the century theme appropriate to the Rail City's history. The result was Victorian Square, a four-block area featuring a bandstand gazebo, Victorian-style storefronts and streetlights, park benches, a fountain and a 14-screen movie theater complex. Also in keeping with the historical theme is the Glendale School at the east end of the square. Constructed in 1864 on a nearby ranch, it is the oldest remaining school building in Nevada. It was relocated to the square in 1993. Victorian Square is the place to be for special events, such as the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off, Hot August Nights and the Hometowne Christmas. On Thursdays from June through September you can buy fresh produce and enjoy cooking demonstrations and musical events at the Hometowne Farmers Market 4 - 9 June through August and 4-8 in September.