Sparks Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City • Area

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful state of Nevada, Sparks is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a rich cultural heritage. Known as the "Railroad City" due to its history as a major hub for the Southern Pacific Railroad, Sparks has evolved into a modern destination that caters to all types of travelers.

One of the highlights of Sparks is its stunning natural surroundings. With the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains as its backdrop, the city boasts breathtaking views and a wide range of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking trails to fishing and boating on the nearby Truckee River, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with nature.

For those seeking a taste of the local culture, a visit to the Sparks Heritage Museum is a must. Housed in a historic train depot, the museum showcases the city's railroad history and offers fascinating exhibits that delve into the lives of early settlers. Visitors can also take a stroll through Victorian Square, the heart of downtown Sparks, which features charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Sports fans will find plenty to cheer about in Sparks. The city is home to the Reno Aces, a Triple-A baseball team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Catching a game at the Greater Nevada Field is a thrilling experience that brings together locals and visitors alike.

If you're looking for a little excitement, Sparks is also home to several world-class casinos. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or just looking for some entertainment, the casinos offer a wide range of gaming options, live entertainment, and fine dining experiences.

Sparks is also a gateway to the stunning Lake Tahoe, a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Just a short drive away, Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscapes provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Alternative names: Founded: 1904 (120 years ago)Population: 96.1 thous.Area: 36.34 mi²Elevation: 4403 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°32'24"N, 119°44'24"W

Location

NevadaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Sparks Top Attractions

Sparks Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sparks offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wild Island, Rail City Casino, Nugget Casino Resort, Bank of Sparks. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Theme park • Water park • Amusement park
Wild Island
Wild Island is a water park located off I-80 in the city of Sparks, Nevada. The park is the only one in the vicinity of the double city. Wild Island opened in June 1989 and has grown and expanded throughout its history. The park originally opened with only five attractions and...
Gambling • Nightlife • Casino
Rail City Casino
Rail City Casino is a casino in Sparks, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Affinity Gaming. It contains 23,854 square feet of gaming space, with 896 slot machines, 7 table games, a keno parlor, and a William Hill race and sports book. Dining amenities include the Rail City Ale House and The Buffet & Cafe at Rail City.
Gambling • Nightlife • Hotel casino
Nugget Casino Resort
Nugget Casino Resort is a hotel and casino located in Sparks, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Marnell Gaming. The main portion of the casino consists of two 29-story towers nestled between Interstate 80 and the Union Pacific rail yard. There are additional attached buildings underneath and across I-80 from the towers.

Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Bank of Sparks
The Bank of Sparks is a bank in Sparks, Nevada. It was built in 1905 in the Romanesque Revival style. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Gambling • Nightlife • Hotel casino
Bourbon Square Casino
Bourbon Square Casino was a casino and former hotel in Downtown Sparks, Nevada. The property operated until January 11, 2009 as Silver Club. The property reopened as Bourbon Square on August 1, 2013 and operated until February 5, 2015. It was demolished in 2018.
Hotel • Gambling • Nightlife
Western Village Inn & Casino
Western Village is a hotel and casino located in Sparks, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Peppermill Casinos, Inc.
39°32'4"N • 119°45'17"W
Glendale School
The Glendale School of Sparks, Nevada, is the oldest remaining schoolhouse in the state and is also reported to be the longest operating school in the state. It was built in 1864 and served as a school until 1958. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
39°32'3"N • 119°45'29"W
Star Spangled Sparks
Park • Downtown Sparks
Church • Downtown Sparks
Immaculate Conception Church
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, is currently located at 2900 McCarran Way in Sparks, Nevada, United States. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno.
Library • Downtown Sparks
Washoe County Library-Sparks Branch
The Washoe County Library-Sparks Branch, at a prominent corner location at 814 Victorian St. in Sparks, Nevada, is a historic building that was designed by Nevada architect Frederick J. DeLongchamps and was built in 1931. Also known as Sparks Justice Court, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
39°32'14"N • 119°45'36"W
Robison House
The Robison House in Sparks, Nevada, at 409 13th St. is a historic mansion-like house with Colonial Revival elements built c. 1904. The property includes small rental cottages used in Reno, Nevada's "divorce trade". It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house, within George W.
Colonial revival architecture • Downtown Sparks
Mary Lee Nichols School
The Mary Lee Nichols School, located at 400-406 Pyramid Way in Sparks, Nevada, was built in 1917 and expanded in 1920 and 1927.

Things to See and Do in Sparks by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Sparks.

Entertainment

Wild Island
Sparks
Theme parkWater parkAmusement parkSparks Marina
Nugget Casino Resort
Sparks
GamblingNightlifeHotel casinoDowntown Sparks
Bourbon Square Casino
Sparks
GamblingNightlifeHotel casinoDowntown Sparks

Other categories

Nightlife Gambling

Day trips

Sparks – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sparks, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (Reno), Nevada State Capitol (Carson City), Vikingsholm (South Lake Tahoe).

3.9 miW
Museum, Science museum
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Reno
The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, nestled in the heart of Reno, United States, is a vibrant hub of learning and creativity designed for children and families. This interactive museum, opened in September 2011, spans over 67,000 square feet and offers an...
26 milesS
Historic government offices
Nevada State Capitol, Carson City
The Nevada State Capitol is the capitol building of the U.S. state of Nevada located in the state capital of Carson City at 101 North Carson Street. The building was constructed in the Neoclassical Italianate style between 1869 and 1871. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
45 milesSW
Museum, Forts and castles, Historical place
Vikingsholm, South Lake Tahoe
Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, in El Dorado County, California, U.S. and on the National Register of Historic Places.
17 milesS
Museum
Comstock Lode, Virginia City
The Comstock Lode is a lode of silver ore located under the eastern slope of Mount Davidson, a peak in the Virginia Range in Virginia City, Nevada, which was the first major discovery of silver ore in the United States and named after American miner Henry Comstock.
33 milesSW
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
Watson Log Cabin, Tahoe City
Watson Log Cabin in Tahoe City, California, was built in 1908 by Robert Montgomery Watson. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It is the only historic log cabin in the Tahoe City area. The cabin is now owned by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society and is open to the public seasonally.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Sparks

Learn when is the best time to travel to Sparks weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in January and February.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Sparks?

The top attractions to visit in Sparks are:

What is the best time to visit Sparks?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.