What began as a small community built to serve westward travelers in the mid-1800s has become a bustling city that acts as the gateway to outdoor adventure in Nevada, aptly known as “America’s Adventure Place.”

Within an hour's drive, there are 15 ski resorts, Lake Tahoe, the state capital Carson City, thousands of mountain biking and hiking trails, several lakes that are perfect for fishing and boating, and the entire length of the Truckee River, which runs right through the center of Reno's downtown. Couple those activities with Reno's hotels and gaming, plus a growing nightlife, and you have the perfect place to put up for a few days and enjoy some recreation.

The heart of the Reno downtown renaissance is the Riverwalk District, the lifeline of the popular, once-a-month wine walk. Kayakers can enjoy the Truckee River Whitewater Park (the centerpiece of the annual Reno River Festival), conveniently located downtown next to an eclectic mix of shops and eateries. Car enthusiasts should visit the National Automobile Museum if they can’t make it to Hot August Nights, Reno’s famous classic-car event. Plans are in the works for a downtown Triple-A baseball stadium, and outdoor superstore Cabela’s recently opened west of downtown in Verdi.

Reno began as Lake’s Crossing, a town set up in the meadows surrounding the Truckee River to service settlers making their way toward California. There isn't much Biggest Little City in the World is missing, so visiting here gives any vacationer the opportunity to have a little fun and try something new.