Historical Houses Tour (Self Guided), Reno

Throughout its nearly 150-year-long history, Reno has reinvented itself several times. In the 19th century, cattle barons, mine speculators, and bank presidents favored this once arid little town as a place of residence. Building their mansions with extensive gardens on the high bluff above the Truckee River, they eventually transformed it into what author Walter Van Tilburg Clark later described as “The City of Trembling Leaves.”

Today one can still find in Reno a few notable houses that showcase the region's architectural styles and cultural significance. The historical architecture of Reno is diverse, ranging from the elegant Victorian and Queen Anne styles to the more modest Craftsman (aka Arts and Crafts) homes and Prairie bungalows.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Victorian style was prominent in Reno, much like the Italianate architecture which gained popularity during the mid-19th century. The Lake Mansion, one of the oldest homes in the city, built in 1877, is a notable example of a fusion between the two.

William J. Graham House, constructed in the late 1920s, showcases elements of Tudor Revival design, whereas Hawkins House, from the early 1900s, is a fine piece of Colonial Revival.

The Joseph H. Gray House, built in 1911, is a beautiful Queen Anne-style home. As for the Nortonia Boarding House, the style of this building reflects a mix of Queen Anne and Colonial Revival influences.

Every historical house is a window into the past, a tangible piece of history that tells a story of its time, its people, and the architectural heritage of a city. In the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno's historical houses stand as a testament to the city's growth, cultural identity, and the preservation of its architectural legacy. If you wish to immerse yourself in the artistry and craftsmanship of yesteryears, we invite you to this self-guided walking tour.