Snowshoe Thompson; Tahoe’s First Mailman
He is considered the father of California skiing. A true mountaineer in every sense of the word.
Snowshoe Thompson weathered blizzards on 25 lb. skis with an 80 pound pack on his back just to deliver the mail.
Dat-So-La-Lee, Washoe Basket Weaver and Premier Tahoe Artisan
Was Dat-so-la-lee the first Tahoe artisan?
Actually, she was Tahoe’s Greatest artisan.
Undeniably.
Olympic Hill at Granlibakken. Defining Tahoe Ski Culture since 1922.
Granlibakken Resort, on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, was once called Olympic Hill, and is known as Lake Tahoe’s oldest ski resort dating back to circa 1922.
Its story is one of historic luster and charm that defines Lake Tahoe’s enduring ski culture, told best by local historian and renowned journalist Robert Frohlich in “Skiing at Olympic Hill: The Story of “a hillside sheltered by fir trees” which follows. read more →
Blue Angels Ski Club at Heavenly
It was Heavenly’s first alpine ski racing club dating back to 1957.
Today, it’s been reincarnated as the Heavenly Ski & Snowboard Foundation. The Blue Angels Ski Club.
The Romancing of Tahoe by Paul Bailey
His charming depictions of outdoor activities and use of striking, bold colors will make you fall in love with his vintage Tahoe posters.
Meet Paul Bailey, watercolor painter and designer.
Fannies, Trout and History at the Tahoe City “Y”
You don’t have to travel far to learn about the natural history of Tahoe City.
Just head to the “Y” and follow these quick tours, provided by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.
Tahoe Maritime Museum
The Tahoe Maritime Museum invites you to share your passion for preserving our maritime history and Tahoe’s unique cultural heritage.
Besides maritime history and activities for kids like the inside boat simulator, you’ll find nautical and landlubber outings and unique items here, on the west shore of Lake Tahoe at Homewood.
Isolated Estate on West Shore: Ehrman Mansion
Hidden from view across from Sugar Pine Point State Park, Ehrman Mansion is an isolated architectural treasure. read more →
Nevada’s Last Surviving Fire Lookout at Zephyr Cove
It is the last surviving fire lookout in Nevada, and one of three in the Tahoe basin.
The Zephyr Cove Fire Lookout has been meticulously maintained and restored for the last dozen years by its current local landowner.
The Donner Party
The Donner Party was no party at all.
The History of the Stateline and Casino Corridor
Lake Tahoe’s casinos date back to the 1920’s when Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin built the “Greatest Casino in America”. But, Lucky’s casino was built on the California Side at the Tallac Resort in South Lake Tahoe which was a popular hangout for the nouveau rich from San Francisco, Sacramento and Virginia City.
You can still see the concrete foundation today.
Art of Indian Basket Weaving on Display at Gatekeeper’s Museum
It is home to more than 800 baskets, pottery, clothing, dolls and artifacts from over 85 tribes nationwide.
How appropriate for this Lake Tahoe landmark that sits on the site of a known Washoe Indian campsite. The Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum at the Gatekeeper’s Museum.
Western SkiSport Museum boasts California Skiing Legends
Located next to Boreal ski resort is a treasure trove of California ski history.
It’s the Western SkiSport Museum.
1960 Olympic Winter Games Museum
On Thursday, February 18, 1960, under storm-threatening skies, the greatest winter athletes in the world gathered in Squaw Valley.
It was the beginning of the VIII Olympic Winter Games and many notable events and achievements like Carol Heiss pictured here who won a Gold Medal in Women’s Figure Skating.
Truckee Railroad Museum
It’s been in the works for years although Truckee’s rich railroad history started making its indelible mark on the development of the mountain town in 1867.
SnowFest! Mini-Exhibit at Gatekeeper’s Museum
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of SnowFest! North Lake Tahoe’s annual winter festival, the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City is having a SnowFest! mini-exhibit, featuring memorabilia from SnowFest celebrations from the late 1980s and 1990s through March.
The exhibit features buttons, hats, scrapbooks and other artifacts that are sure to bring back wonderful memories for many attendees of SnowFest’s past.
Did you know…Tahoe has the Highest Lighthouse in North America?
Rubicon Point Lighthouse.
Elevation 6,580 ft.
It’s not easy to spot, especially since it has been out of commission for over 80 years, and it doesn’t look like a lighthouse.
Tallac Historic Site: A Cultural Treasure
Hidden by an old growth forest is South Shore’s cultural treasure.
Combined with the annual Valhalla Arts, Music, and Theatre Festival, the Tallac Historic Site has provided us a place to be, and to enjoy the arts and our cultural heritage in an unspoiled natural setting.
Angora Fire Lookout Elevation 7,256 ft.
Straddling Angora Ridge road above Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe sits the Angora Fire Lookout.
The original Angora Fire Lookout was built in 1924, and was later converted into a small residence. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the current lookout structure. The garage next to the road was built sometime during the 1940′s.
Lam Watah Washoe Heritage Site
Here, the Washoe fished and gathered berries.
The Lam Watah Washoe Heritage Site is a small archaeological site in South Lake Tahoe managed by the US Forest Service that is open to the public.
Did you know…Lake Tahoe has an Underwater State Park?
Why would anyone scuba dive in Lake Tahoe?
There’s nothing to see – right?
Wrong.
Glen Alpine Springs “makes great lemonade!”
“Curative” mineral spring water was discovered here in 1863.
Glen Alpine Springs, just a short easy jaunt from South Lake Tahoe.
Most people just stumble upon this historic site on their way into Desolation Wilderness via the Lily Lake entrance. But there’s more to it, located just off the beaten path.
Pony Express Re-Ride through South Lake Tahoe August 17 at 11:30am
The Re-Ride of the Pony Express Trail from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, will pass through South Lake Tahoe in front of Harrah’s at Friday’s Station to exchange the Mochila on Wednesday, August 17th at 11:30am.
Living History Day at Ehrman Mansion July 30
This only happens once a year. Ehrman Mansion will be open to the public for free on Saturday, July 30, from 10am to 4pm, during Living History Day.
Here’s your chance to step back in time at one of the most scenic spots along the west shore of Lake Tahoe, and one of our most famous houses.
Echo Lakes Magic
Echo Lakes are a glacially formed pair of lakes, cradled in a serene granite setting 10 miles southwest of Lake Tahoe virtually hidden at 7,252′. Upper and Lower Echo Lakes are connected by a narrow channel which is passable by boat only during high-water conditions which can cut down your hiking time into Desolation Wilderness along the joint Tahoe Rim Trail/Pacific Crest Trail.
Free Historic Walking Tours of Tahoe City
The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society will be conducting free Historic Walking Tours of Tahoe City every Saturday at 10am during the summer.
You’ll learn about historic landmarks like Watson Cabin that is celebrating its 101st year
Melissa Coray Peak named after Pioneer Trail Blazer
While many call it Emigrant Peak, it’s actually named after Melissa Coray, a Mormon pioneer woman who walked over 2,000 miles to the west.
Osgood Toll House at Historical Society Museum in South Lake Tahoe
The oldest standing structure at Lake Tahoe, the Osgood Toll House, is 151 years old.
Today, Nehemiah Osgood’s Toll House rests at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum in South Shore.
Did you know it played a significant role in the Comstock Lode?
Eccentric Millionaire Builds Enduring Tahoe Legacy
The Thunderbird Lodge.
Built in 1939, this magnificent estate was designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. And, that’s not all.
Don’t miss the Open House on May 16, 2009.
Where is Tahoe Paradise?
Is Tahoe Paradise a state of mind or an actual location?
Arborglyphs preserve Branch of History
You’ve heard of petroglyphs.
How about arborglyphs?
And, did you know we live in an area rich in this fascinating art form?
Especially on the east shore of Lake Tahoe.
North Lake Tahoe Heritage Week August 9-15
Join the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society for its 1st annual Heritage Week, a week-long celebration of Lake Tahoe’s history featuring demonstrations by members of the Washoe, archeology, and an old time picnic and movie in the park.
Relive Tahoe’s charming past with local historians and guides, August 9 through 15, 2010, in North Lake Tahoe.
To kick off the week, admission to the Gatekeeper’s Museum is free on Monday, August 9. read more →
Skunk Harbor History Day Tour June 8
To introduce Lake Tahoe’s cultural heritage, the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society is sponsoring a summer day tour at Skunk Harbor on the east shore on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 starting at 9:30 am.
Tour leader Paul Ackerman will guide volunteers down from HWY 28 above Skunk Harbor to Pray Meadows, then down to Skunk Harbor, where lunch will be enjoyed at one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Lake Tahoe.
The Edible History of Tahoe – NLTHS Historical Recipe Cookbook. Submissions due Sept 30.
The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society (NLTHS) is producing its first-ever historical recipe cookbook, and the anecdotes surrounding them.
Culinary contributors are needed for “The Edible History of Tahoe” by September 30, 2009.
Dating a Kings Beach Historical Landmark
The pirates and wishing well at this little shop located on the main drag of Kings Beach are just a hint of the curios and history contained within.
As You Wish is the original Lake Tahoe Photo Shop and Curio Shop built by North Shore photographer, Fritz A. Lentz (1884-1961).
Can you help verify the date of its construction?
Watson Cabin Centennial Celebration Tours
That lone cabin smack dab in the middle of Tahoe City overlooking Common’s Beach is turning 100 years old this year.
North Shore is holding a series of events to celebrate this Tahoe gem.
Unveiling Whiskey, a Garwood Classic at Tahoe Maritime Museum June 24
Learn more about our nautical history over breakfast at the Tahoe Maritime Museum on June 24th.
The Unveiling of Whiskey, a 1935 Gar Wood will be presented.
Tahoe’s Cultural Heritage in Ink @ Gatekeeper’s Museum Bookstore
This place is a treasure trove of Tahoe’s cultural heritage.
In addition to the largest collection of Washoe Indian baskets in the west, the Gatekeeper’s and Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum Store carries several historical books written by local authors.
The Queen of Tahoe turns 25. Why are there paddlewheelers on Tahoe?
Hard to believe, but it’s true.
The legendary Tahoe Queen has been cruising Lake Tahoe for over 25 years.
“Something Doing Every Minute”…Tahoe Village Casino circa 1950
Tahoe’s casinos date back to the 1920′s when Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin built the “Greatest Casino in America”.
Tahoe’s Boating Heritage Featured on Collector’s Stamps
Finally.
Tahoe’s stunning boating heritage will be captured on US Postal Service collector stamps.
