2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, NV 89509

Idlewild Park

Park Description:

Idlewild Park is a 49-acre Reno park with year-round restrooms. The park is home to a number of facilities, including the California Building, the Sensory Garden at Idlewild Park, the Rose Garden at Idlewild Park, and the 53rd Whispering Giant sculpture carved by Peter Wolf Toth. Located along the Truckee River, the park offers access to the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail.

Park Amenities:

Playground, skate park, volleyball court, baseball/softball fields, swimming pool, exercise area, water play feature, rentable shelters, pathways, bike path, picnic shelters, barbecue area, and tables/benches.

Park Contact Information:

City of Reno - Parks & Facilities (775) 334-2417

Park Highlights

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Park History

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General History

Idlewild park is a 49-acre park that was once just a few ranches owned by Bennett, Murray, and Ferris. In 1907, the property that is now Idlewild park was purchased by James Newlands (nephew of former US Senator Francis Newlands). In 1921, the City of Reno purchased this property from Newlands for $23,500.

There used to be a fish hatchery in Idlewild Park where the current day Snowflake Pavilion is now located. There also used to be carnival rides (now the Lion’s Den children's playground), an ice skating pond, a zoo (currently the Rose Garden), and (reportedly) Mark Twain's cabin (a cabin was transported in 1924 to Idlewild park from Aurora, Nevada that was reportedly Mark Twain’s. This cabin stood where there is now only an island of trees near the upper pond).

The California Building

The California Building was constructed for the 1927 Transcontinental Highway Exposition. This exposition was in celebration for the completion of the Lincoln (current U.S. 50) and Victory (current 4th street) highway crossing.

During the exhibition, the California Building hosted exhibits showcasing several areas of California. The Los Angeles exhibit featured the budding Hollywood movie industry while the San Francisco exhibit featured the ports and their tourist attractions. The Reno Arch was featured at Idlewild park for the 1927 exposition after which it was moved to its current location by the National Automobile museum. The California building is now owned by the City of Reno and is available as a rental location for events.

More information on renting the California Building can be found in the resource section below.

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Donate:

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Volunteer:

Support our parks by volunteering with the Parks Foundation! Attend a volunteer event or choose an ongoing role. Click here to explore opportunities.

iNaturalist:

Out in our parks or open spaces? Try cataloguing the biodiversity around you with iNaturalist! All it takes is downloading the iNaturalist app onto your phone to get started.

Curious what's been seen in this park? Click the link below to see what species other have spotted!

Idlewild Park on iNaturalist

Contact:

Have a question about our parks or the Parks Project? Email us at parksproject@tmparksfoundation.org!

Want To Learn More?

References & Further Info:

City of Reno Parks & Facilities Directory - Idlewild Park
Information on renting the California Building can be found here.
National Parks Service, California Building History: https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/nevada/cal.htm
Reno Historical, Photos and History of the California Building: http://renohistorical.org/items/show/105
Reno Historical: “California Building” by Mella Harmon and Alicia Barber. http://renohistorical.org/items/show/105.
“A Brief History of Idlewild Park” by Rod Haulenbeek
“Twain’s cabin was in Idlewild Park for 20 years” By Patty Cafferata
“The Little Engine That Could (in Idlewild Park!)” by Ol’ Reno Guy, Karl Breckenridge
Video clip of Idlewild Park from 1946: https://youtu.be/6m9pqKrClZ8
Food Truck Fridays: https://www.facebook.com/RenoStreetFood/

Contributor(s):

Haley McGuire (history, ammenities, etc.)

Alex Shahbazi

Last Updated:

August 26, 2022 at 6:32:53 PM

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