Plan Your Visit to Topaz Lake

Spanning approximately 90 acres on the northeast shore of Topaz Lake, this park provides boating, year-round trout fishing with a five-fish daily limit, and new kayak rentals via a self‑serve kiosk. Picnic spots, docks, and a boat ramp make it an excellent day-use area. The park also serves as a launching point for ventures into nearby Toiyabe and Eldorado National Forests.

Nestled near Coleville, just over the border in California, West Fork Walker River Park is a tranquil riverside retreat famous for its shady picnic areas, riverbank greenery, and fishing access at sites like Hoye Canyon and Wilson Canyon. The park offers easy access for float trips, wildlife observation, and scenic hiking along the river corridor.

A scenic reservoir stretching 3.5 miles long and up to 92 feet deep, Topaz Lake straddles the Nevada–California border and is renowned for its trophy trout, including rainbow, brown, and bass. Anglers regularly land five-pound rainbows. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, camping, and wildlife viewing across its 25 miles of shoreline.

Founded in 1965, Carson Valley Golf Course is Gardnerville’s historic, relaxed golf spot nestled along the Carson River and shaded by large cottonwoods. This affordable 18-hole course welcomes players of all skill levels, offering a laid-back atmosphere where upbeat attire, music, and a friendly attitude are all encouraged.

A local Gardnerville landmark since the late 1890s, Sharkey’s Casino—also known as “Sharkey’s Nugget”—offers a genuine old‑west casino atmosphere. It features over 300 slot and video poker machines, a full-service sports book, and a restaurant known for hearty prime rib and country-style meals. Housed in the original saloon, the casino also showcases western memorabilia, reflecting its rich community heritage.

Located in nearby Gardnerville, this museum showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of Carson Valley. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, farming implements, and local pioneer memorabilia. The center hosts rotating displays, educational programs, and community events, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s development—from indigenous cultures to modern settlement.

A locally owned casino featuring gaming machines, table games, and a casual dining café. It blends a relaxed, community-focused environment with amenities like slot machines, live gaming, and occasional entertainment events. A convenient, lower-key alternative to larger casinos, it offers a welcoming vibe for visitors seeking laid-back gaming and refreshments.

Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park preserves a piece of Carson Valley’s pioneering heritage, featuring eight intact structures from 1857–1917. The site offers guided tours through the family’s original ranch house and interpretive signage across the grounds. Visitors can explore barns, a cellar, and period artifacts that illuminate the Dangberg family’s role in founding Minden and supporting Nevada’s agricultural boom. A highlight is the restored two‑story home where legend says Nevada’s first Levi’s were worn.

Nestled about four miles west of Markleeville at nearly 6,000 feet, Grover Hot Springs blends geothermal pools with a mountain meadow setting in the Sierra Nevada. The park offers a mineral hot pool (~103°F) and a cooler swimming pool, along with a 76-site campground, picnic areas, and loop trails leading to scenic waterfalls. Its green-hued pools are family-friendly and open most of the year, with shoestring admission and campground fees.

This park commemorates Nevada’s oldest permanent non-native settlement, first established in 1851 along the Carson Route. The site features a reconstructed trading post, a museum stocked with pioneer-era artifacts, and well-kept lawns and picnic plazas. It hosts annual community events like the Genoa Candy Dance and Americana celebrations, offering a blend of historical immersion and family-friendly outdoor charm in the quaint town of Genoa.

Housed in Nevada’s oldest standing courthouse (built 1865), this seasonal museum provides a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life. Exhibits include a fully restored courtroom, original jail, Pony Express artifacts, Washoe baskets by artist Dat So La Lee, and a recreated Victorian parlor and children’s room. Admission is modest, and it’s open April to October—an excellent stop for history enthusiasts seeking regional stories.

Perched around 4,500 feet elevation, Genoa Ranches Golf Course is an 18-hole championship track carved into the eastern Sierra landscape. Golfers praise its meticulous greens and stunning valley views. With a well-maintained layout and an elevated position overlooking Carson Valley, it offers a tranquil yet challenging round in a serene mountain setting.

Topaz Marina, tucked along Highway 395, offers a charming lakeside stroll and pleasant view of boats moored on Topaz Lake. It’s a great spot for guests to take a break, snap photos, or prepare for fishing or boating adventures. The marina includes a public pier and easy access to the adjacent Topaz Lake Park, making it an ideal starting point for lakeside recreation.

Genoa Lakes is a scenic golf resort in historic Genoa, offering two distinct 18‑hole championship courses just two miles apart. The Lakes Course, designed by Peter Jacobsen and John Harbottle III, winds through wetlands and alongside the Carson River set against Sierra Nevada backdrops. The Ranch Course, crafted for long drives and elevation challenges, features over 300 feet of terrain change and desert-style vistas—drawn-to-play courses loved by both casual golfers and champions.

A beloved family-run gem in Gardnerville, The Grill Next Door serves up hearty grilled fare—burgers, omelets, salads—and a full bar in a casual, friendly atmosphere. With glowing 4½-star reviews praising their fluffy omelets, signature burgers like the “Burning Man,” and fun arcade area, it’s a popular local hangout perfect for families or groups after exploring the lake.

Located in Minden, Cocos N Moes delivers generous portions of homemade breakfast and BBQ with a twist. From Belgian waffles and cinnamon‑roll French toast to hearty hash scrambles and “Moe’s Mixup,” their breakfast menu delights every weekend. Yelp reviewers love the fresh ingredients and creative dishes, while locals appreciate the friendly vibe and mouth‑watering BBQ specials Thursdays through Sundays.

This charming café in Minden serves breakfast and lunch in a rustic, Western‑themed space. Patrons rave about huge portions—like the breakfast burger, cowboy Benedict, chicken‑fried steak with crispy hash browns—and friendly, attentive staff. The cozy décor, complete with cowboy wall hangings, adds to the warm atmosphere that keeps both locals and travelers coming back for a hearty, home‑style meal.

The Topaz Lodge, located on US‑395 at the Nevada–California border, combines a cozy lakeside resort with a 24‑hour casino, general store, RV park, and The Steak House. Its casual-fine dining steakhouse is known for high-quality Angus steaks and game dishes like elk chops, while guests enjoy lake views and live table games—including an acclaimed Keno selection. It's a warm, all‑around stop for food, gambling, and lodging.