Reno was founded at Lake’s Crossing, where Myron Lake’s bridge crossed the Truckee River. A new whitewater park on the river is a popular attraction with kayakers and thrill seekers; the park also includes an amphitheater, picnic facilities and river access for boaters. Many gambling casinos are to be found downtown on Virginia Street including Harrah’s, Nevada Club, the Eldorado, the Golden Phoenix, Circus Circus, Silver Legacy, Fitzgerald’s and the Sands Regency.
A River Walk follows the river east past the Hilton and through Sparks, and westwards past an amphitheater. The Sierra Nevada Museum of Art is located in two sites: the E L Weigand Museum, with a variety of traveling exhibitions and shows by local artists; and the neo-Georgian Hawkins House, which exhibits 19th- and 20th-century US art. The Stremmel Gallery is a thriving showcase for leading artists, as is the University of Nevada Reno campus. The Nevada Historical Society Museum is excellent for those wishing to learn about Nevada’s history. There is also a museum at the Fleischmann Planetarium, which features star shows and SkyDome films. The National Automobile Museum has exhibitions of classic cars throughout the year.