Idlewild Park, Reno

Idlewild Park is one of Reno’s most cherished green spaces, offering 49 acres of recreational and cultural amenities just west of downtown. Framed by duck ponds, a children’s playground, a community pool, and a popular skate park, the park draws locals and visitors alike year-round. It plays host to major city events including the annual Reno Earth Day celebration and the Reno Street Food truck series during the summer months. At its heart stands the California Building, a legacy of the 1927 Transcontinental Highway Exposition that once celebrated Reno’s emergence as a hub for automobile travel.

Originally built to mark the completion of the transcontinental highways that crossed through Reno-the Lincoln and Victory Highways-the California Building was gifted to the city in 1938 by the American Legion. Today, it serves as a picturesque venue for weddings, meetings, and cultural events. The surrounding grounds, with wide lawns and mature trees, provide a scenic backdrop for gatherings of all kinds.

Another highlight of Idlewild Park is the Fred Galloway Rose Garden, established in 1958 and named for Reno’s longtime horticulturist. This one-acre garden, certified by the American Rose Society, showcases over 200 varieties and 1,750 rose bushes in full bloom each season. It remains the only garden of its kind in Nevada with such a designation, making it a tranquil stop for flower lovers and photographers.

From historic architecture and floral beauty to modern recreation and citywide events, Idlewild Park blends past and present in a way that reflects Reno’s unique identity as both a travel crossroads and a community-driven city.