Douglas County, Nevada, is truly a wonderful place. From the Lake Tahoe basin to the Carson Valley floor, we are graced with the majestic presence of the Sierra Nevada, the dramatic views of Job's Peak, the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the serene Pine Nut Mountains, and expansive agricultural lands.

Combined with a favorable climate, unlimited outdoor recreation, quality schools, and a healthy business environment, you have Douglas County! It's why people choose to move their businesses and families here - it's because of our quality of life.

Historical Highlights

The Carson Valley has a rich historical heritage dating back to the 1850s, when it became a favored trading post and way station for early frontier settlers and immigrants traveling in wagon trains and on horseback. Today, you can travel back in time by visiting any of the historic sites or taking part in local tours. For a self-guided tour map, contact the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority.

Lampe Park, Gardnerville, NV

Gardnerville

In 1879, the Gardnerville Hotel, a blacksmith shop and a saloon were built along e new road running north and south (today it is Highway 395). At the center of a hay and grain-producing community, Gardnerville was born. Named after  John M. Gardner, Gardnerville began as a homestead dating back to 1861.

Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center
1477 Hwy 395, Garnderville, NV

Built in 1915 as Douglas County's high school. Today it is a museum and cultural center with exhibits related to the history and heritage of Carson Valley. Gifts shop, art gallery, rest area with picnic tables, and public restrooms. Open daily. (N.R.H.P.)

 

Dake House Antique Emporium, Built in the 1870s, Genoa, NV

Douglas County  
Carson Valley Hospital
1466 Hwy 395 (Logan Building)

The elegant brick Victorian was built in 1914 as a hospital for by Dr. Hawkins. Later it became a boarding house and private residence. Today tenants report that a friendly ghost resides here.

Genoa, the oldest town in Nevada, was settled by John Reese in 1851.


Genoa Courthouse Museum
Main St. and Fifth St., Genoa

Built in 1865 and rebuilt in 1910. After the county seat was moved to Minden in 1916, it became a school house. Today it is a museum with many displays that reflect the history and heritage of the area.

Genoa Courthouse Museum The historic “Mormon Station”

Mormon Station State Park
Genoa Lane and Main St., Genoa

A replica of the original trading post and fort built on the site in 1851 by John Reese. Public access to picnic tables and restrooms.

Mormon Station State Park

Genoa Community Church
182 Nixon St, Genoa

The present structure was built to replace the church that was lost in the fire of 1910.

Statue of “Snowshoe” Thompson, Genoa, NV

Genoa Town Office, Visitors Center and Old Town Fire House
Town Hall/Raycraft Dance Hall) On Main St., between Carson St. & Mill St., Genoa 

Built by the Raycraft brothers in 1886 for a dance hall. Today it is a community center. 

Genoa Bar/Livi ngston's Exchange
Main St. and Mill Street, Genoa

Nevada's oldest “thirst parlor”, dating back to the 1850s. Built by J. A. Livingston was originally called Livingston's Exchange. You can still get a tall cool one at the bar today! 

Jacks Valley
In 1853, R.T. Hawkins filed the first land claim in this small valley just north of Genoa. A small community grew around the claim. In the 1860s it was a stop on the Pony Express Trail.


Minden

Minden Street Fair

H. F. Dangberg, founder of Dangberg Land and Livestock C ompany, established Minden in 1905 to provide terminal facilities for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Minden is named after a German town near Dangberg's birthplace.

Douglas County Courthouse

8th Street and Esmeralda St., Minden

The Nevada Legislature voted to move the county seat to Minden in 1916. The courthouse was designed by F. J. DeLongechamps and built on a lot deeded from Dangberg Land Company.

Minden Park Gazebo

Minden Inn
Esmeralda St. & 4th Street, Minden

Currently the Douglas County Offices, the  building was designed by F. J. DeLongechamps in 1917.

Minden Park
Esmeralda St. & 6th Street, Minden

Built in 1906, the park became the “town square” for the first residential section of Minden. Picnic tables and public restrooms.

Topaz Landing

Topaz
Located south of Gardnerville on the Nevada-California border, Topaz Lake was created to provide irrigation for farmers in the Wellington and Smith Valley area and has evolved into a recreation area for boating, fishing and water skiing.

Pony Express Trail & Emigrant Trail
When you are traveling down Jacks Valley and Foothill Roads, you are following the old Carson  Branch of the Emigrant Trail and the historic Pony Express Trail. Setters who made their homes in Carson County, Utah Territory, used this same route to enter the valley.

Stewart Indian School Museum
5366 Snyder Ave, southeast of Carson City.
(775) 882-6929

The Stewart Indian School was established as a vocational boarding school for the children of the Great Basin tribes. The school operated from 1890 to 1980. The campus is on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district .

Stewart Indian School

Carson Valley Walking/Driving Tour Map

Douglas County Links and Resources