1. Stroll through Historic Downtown Truckee
The Historic Downtown Truckee district parallels Interstate 80 east of Donner Pass and Donner Lake. Its roots date back to the 1860s, when Truckee became a railroad and lumber town connecting Reno and Sacramento. And while parts of the town burned down in the early years, much of Truckee’s original charm remains.
Historic and Old West-inspired buildings line both sides of Donner Pass Road in downtown Truckee. These aesthetic buildings backdropped by mountains offer a scenic attraction and a fun place to stroll the day away.
Modern businesses inhibit these old storefronts, and the sidewalks bustle throughout the summer. Restaurants, clothing boutiques, and art galleries comprise much of the traffic in this part of town. Other specialty stores, like gear shops and espresso bars, are also prevalent.
2. Explore the Outdoors at Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Memorial State Park is the central outdoor tourist attraction in Truckee. It’s on the east side of Donner Pass and Donner Lake, easily accessible from Interstate 80. The park sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet and offers a crisp breath of pine-scented air alongside gorgeous surroundings. It’s also a site of significant historical and cultural value.
Emigrants in the 1840s frequented the area as they made their way to California in search of promised wealth and prosperity. The nearby Donner Pass was a significant checkpoint as a preferred route to cross the challenging Sierra Nevada Mountains. Perhaps the most famous account, the Donner Party, illustrates the challenges of crossing this high-alpine landscape.
The Washoe People resided in the region for thousands of years before covered wagons made their ruts through the countryside. Today, the state park details this long timeline at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center. On the grounds outside, an interpretive trail leads to a historic cabin site and the striking Pioneer Monument, dedicated to the hundreds of emigrants that passed through the area.
