The National Automobile Museum in Reno is ranked as one of the top five automobile museums in the world and contains many of the 1,400 vehicles from the Bill Harrah collection. The museum also features the 1907 Thomas Flyer from the 1908 New York to Paris race and the Martin T car from the hot and steamy love scene in "Titanic."
Best and worst time to go to the National Automobile Museum
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday and the best times to visit are during the weekdays. The weekends attract more people, but the museum never gets crowded.
Must see/do at National Automobile Museum
Some of the most famous automobiles in the museum are Elvis's white 1973 Eldorado, the Mercury Series 9CM Coupe driven by James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause", a 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, several experimental steam powered cars and the original Batmobile. The jewel of the museum is the silver 1936 Mercedes-Benz. This is the only one available for viewing in the U.S.
Admission to National Automobile Museum
The museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for children 6 to 18 years. Children under the age of 5 are free. The Route 1 RTC public bus stops right at the museum.
Parking and public transportation to the National Automobile Museum
There is a parking lot with plenty of free parking behind the museum. The Route 1 RTC public bus stops right in front of the museum.
Food at the National Automobile Museum
There is no restaurant at the National Automobile Museum, but the museum is located downtown and about two blocks from the casinos and restaurants along the river. Visit Campo or Reef Sushi & Sake on the Truckee River for both lunch and dinner.
Insider tip for visitors to the National Automobile Museum
Vehicles are placed into their appropriate eras which makes you feel like you're walking through an old movie, from gangster films to a street from the 1950s. You can even dress up as Bonnie and Clyde and "drive" a getaway car.
Christina Nellemann is a writer and designer from Reno who has seriously fallen in love with that silver 1936 Mercedes-Benz.
There is a lot of history in Clark County, but with how rapidly Las Vegas continues to change, it's often difficult to get a taste of it. The Clark County Heritage Museum in southern Henderson houses much of Clark County's history, from long before civilized times to the era of the Rat Pack to today. This multi-faceted museum preserves historical artifacts, including complete replicas of homes throughout the ages and a small ghost town.
Best and worst time to go to the Clark County Heritage Museum
As a bulk of the heritage museum's exhibits are outside, it is best to avoid it during the span of June through September. If it is unavoidable, stick to an early morning visit and bring plenty of water.
Must see/do at the Clark County Heritage Museum
The museums collection of restored historic homes and buildings transport guests to a variety of eras, from the roaring 1920's to the 1950's. These buildings show how life was in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and Goldfield during these time periods. Visits to a classic chapel and an early 1900's newspaper print shop are possible.
The Anna Robert Parks Exhibit Hall is the best look at Clark County's ecosystem before man came in and took over. The Ice Age exhibit shows what fascinating creatures resided in these lands before being pushed out for the glitz and glam of today.
Explore the historical intrigue of a mining trail that leads up to historical buildings like the Tuscarora Jail and Troll Cabin of 1880 and a general store from the 1950's. The trail will lead you a little ways away from the museum, past the remnants of the ghost town, into a nature trail that remains genuine.
Admission to the Clark County Heritage Museum
The Clark County Heritage Museum offers self-guided tours that start at $1 per person. Group tours and museum memberships are available at special rates.
Parking and public transportation to the Clark County Heritage Museum
The Clark County Heritage Museum offers free on-site parking in a lot right next to the museum.
The HDX bus towards Henderson towards Boulder City makes a stop at Boulder Hwy and Museum Dr. From there, it's a .2 mile walk to the museum entrance.
Food at the Clark County Heritage Museum
The Clark County Heritage Museum doesn't currently serve food on-site.
Insider tip for visitors to the Clark County Heritage Museum
One detriment to most museums is the inability to bring history home with you, but the heritage museum's on-site gift shop provides a variety of unique items for sale. Most interesting is the collection of locally written books chronicling several aspects of Clark County's history.
Author's bio: Mark is a Vegas local and freelance writer with expertise in Las Vegas nightlife and entertainment. He's also the owner and contributor to the video game site, The Spirit of Gaming.
