Bowers Mansion

Located halfway between Carson City and Reno on old 395 the mansion sits on 47 acres of partially forested area. The history of the mansion is sorted dating back to when it was first built in 1865 by the Bowers. The Bowers had made it big mining, silver and gold, which was short-lived. Over the years the mansion has had several owners, and at one time it sat dormant for several years. Eventually Washoe county bought the property and commissioned it a county Park. In addition to the hot spring there’s a large public pool that is very popular in the summertime. This is the perfect location to hold large family gatherings or reunion. It is very spacious and wide-open facility with lots of parking available. Tour of the mansion are available from March to October. Seeing it in person makes you realize just how stately it is. It kind of takes you back into the 1800s. Wikipedia has pretty extensive description of the history of the mansion

Bowers Mansion is an amazing historic mansion with guided tour about it's history and owners. The landscaping is park like, plus added picnic table's, volley ball net, and small playground. A short walk away is a bigger playground and a swimming pool for summer time. We come here yearly to sit in the grass and breathe in the history, including a small hike up the back hill to the owners gravestones. Tours run every half an hour and tickets are $10 per adult, and $7 per child.

Wonderful historically preserved mansion. By all means stop and visit. Even if not open for tours, you can still wander the grounds which have historical info about the mansion, and it’s historical story.

This is fun place to bring your family. The tour of Bowers Mansion is fun (there is a cash fee). The guide is quirky and full of knowledge. Not only can you learn about history from the museum, you can absorb it by soaking up the sun, with a bbq on the park, or a swim in the pool (there is a pool fee). -Regina

This is a museum with a fascinating story of one of the 1st rags-to-riches stories from the Comstock Lode in Virginia City. The tour guide we had is fabulous. She described the story of the Bowers including the sad ending to their story. Many of the articles, including bedroom curtains from France, are original. The view of Washoe Valley from the family cemetery is awesome. The tour costs about $7 or $8 per adult and is well worth the cost. The mansion is located in a very nice, large park.

Great place to take kids for few hrs or even plan a day and bbq very fun and clean park

Wow! What a beautiful house and grounds. Take the tour if you can. Also enjoy the pool on the grounds.

This museum is one of many treasures of Nevada. Must see the site, facilities, and rich history.

We recently visited Bowers Mansion to take our annual family photos and had the most enjoyable experience! I have often visited this park for the playground and I believe I have been to the pool once or twice as a kid. My most recent visit was the first time I have ever walked the grounds of the mansion and I was so very impressed. I had no idea that there was another small playground near the mansion. I also did not know you could take a tour of the mansion. How cool! I love the historical signs all over the grounds and appreciate the county's effort in educating visitors and keeping the grounds so pristine. The pool, large playground, picnic areas, massive parking areas, historical significance, and wide open expanses are a few of the reasons you should totally go here! Enjoy the great outdoors!

The Bowers Mansion is behind the pool. They have a display about the history about the mansion...Very sad history. It's a very nice park to take a walk and relax.

Cool place with an amazing history. We went on a week day so there was no tour. We walked all around the peaceful gardens. The adjacent pool and park look wonderful. It would be a great place to bring the kids or grandkids to play and swim. Washoe County does a wonderful job of taking care of the property.

Most underrated park in Reno Carson area? I'm going to say it's definitely one of them and I'm not sure why! There's a really big and open grassy lawn offering plenty of space to run and play and a perfect place for picnics, large and small. Parking is close by and the area has a lot of natural shade from the tall and strong old growth treeline. You can enjoy the great views of Washoe Valley as you bbq with friends and there's even a nice little playground for the kids and some picnic tables too. The best feature of Bower's Mansion must be the public pool though. IDK what I was thinking not coming here sooner, but this is a beautiful facility that more should know enjoy. This pool is 100% accessible, with a long ramp that gradually enters. This is obviously meant for wheelchair and mobility impaired access, but it also doubles as a nice area where those little ones with floaties can feel super comfortable. Better yet, the pool has a large area that's only 2.5ft deep, which is so nice for parents like me who have kids learning to swim. My kids felt so comfortable trying everything they've been learning here knowing they could get their feet right on the floor and I loved watching them! There are deeper areas too and everything is well marked, easily identified and separated too. The lifeguards keep a close watch too, and the facility provides lounge chairs, some pool toys, and they also have life vests for kids who need them. They even have a splash pad for anyone who wants to enjoy the water but not the pool, and they also offer swim lessons! The pool also has some fun history, starting life as a naturally fed hot spring, but the new pool is clean, cool and comfortable. It costs a few bucks to go, but it's well worth it and I'm so glad this is right here!

Really cute park with a fun historic mansion to tour. I like the big open grassy spaces and the pool looked fun too.

My husband, adult daughter and I made a quick detour to enjoy this property. We had the lovely experience of being the only visitors at the time of our tour. The building is lovely and has a unique story. Being unfamiliar to the area, it was fun to hear some local history. The tour took less than an hour and it was plenty of time to see the property and walk the grounds.

Was visiting Tahoe area and had never been to Carson City when this popped up as something to see. So I drive over. It wasn't open to the public but you could still visit the ground

Lovely grounds making for a great afternoon picnic while kids play on the park. A $15 admission fee will allow you to tour the house or for those not willing to pay, you can find a very informative historical video on You Tube.

I got lucky and planned my visit on a "Living History" day but you will enjoy your visit to this gem of a spot no matter. A nominal fee is charged, a brief history is given and you are free to roam the rooms of the mansion and enjoy the beautiful grounds. There are lots of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers to answer questions. I learned that in the past, the grounds were a beloved picnik spot for the larger community. I really recommend you do the same. With a view of Washoe Lake and a tree filled grassy lawn, it seems a lovely way to spend the day. Lots of fun Nevada history and colorful characters and a Victirian setting to explore.

Beautiful park. Lots of room to play on the expansive lawns. Pool is large and clean and they have cabanas if you want to rent the space for a party or event. The entire area always seems very clean and well maintained.

What do you do when the temperature is through the roof? Go swimming!!! Since we had our granddaughters last weekend they're always asking to go to the "Community Pool". So as an overindulgent grandparent I pretty much take them anywhere they want to go.No twisting my arm to go to the pool. The Parks Department had funding to resurface the pool this year so no cracks and just a beautiful pool. Only disappointment is the wading pool has been filled in. We typically go during the week when it's not crowded but since we had the girls over the weekend we went on Saturday. The weekends are busy but there is still room to swim. After our swimming, we moved over to the picnic area and broke out our picnic lunch. Lots of families having celebrations in this area. After lunch, the girls walked over to the playground which has a climbing structure. Such a great place to spend the afternoon. So blessed to have this in my backyard. The pool sells snacks and sodas. Admission is $6 for Adults, $4 for seniors and kids. https://www.washoecounty.gov/parks/parks_and_trails/park_directory/mt_rose_district/bowers_mansion_regional_park.php

Nestled at the base of the Sierras just south of Reno as the landscape turns from high desert to forest, we came here on a Saturday for a large group picnic. Our group had rented out the pavilion which includes tables, two charcoal grills and access to water at a spigot at one corner of the pavilion. The park has a pool that is open seasonally and flush toilets but the bathrooms had no soap. My wife and I decided to take the mansion tour to find out more about the history. I won't share the details and spoil it, but it was a very good story and our tour guide was very animated and a good storyteller. The mansion is decorated in period and is a sight to see in itself. Overall this was a great experience.

The staff wore old time clothes. Everything inside was from Victorian days guide was excellent. Had lots of energy

Bowers Mansion Regional Park can be found 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City and is nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Visitors have been visiting for years and years to see Bowers Mansion and the beautiful grounds that surround it. The park's history, tall mature shaded trees, huge swimming pool, play structures, picnic areas and expansive lawns are the reasons that people love this park, and that's definitely including me and my family. If you would like to take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers, that can easily be achieved with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day. I have yet to take it but from what I've researched, everyone has been loving the tour, led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner. The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), the Civil War event & more during normal circumstances. Notes -49 Acre Park -There are plenty of picnic tables with BBQ grills that are spread throughout the park on a first come first served basis -There are two pavilions on each end of the park that are big enough for special events like weddings. Comstock Picnic Pavilion & Washoe Picnic Pavilion. Horseshoe and volleyball next to pavilions. -There are two play (partially shaded) structures on each end of the park -Plenty of grass for all activities -There's a trail behind the mansion leading to great views of Washoe Lake and the Bowers family cemetery. Up some stairs and less than 5 minutes up -The swimming pool always keeps a lane open for lap swimmers. There's a shallow toddler pool for wading. Spring board, easy entry ladders and hydraulic lift available. Open seasonally. -The trees are beautiful during fall -Great place for family photos -Great shade in the summer -Davis Creek Regional Park is only a couple of minutes away and is family friendly, with trails ranging from easy to difficult, camping grounds, picnic areas, and a place to fish when water is abundant. -I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory after a long day of fun and exercise just down the street, about 3-5 min. away -Due to Historical significance, there are no pets allowed in the park with exceptions to service animals. -The park is surrounded by farmlands. You can easily drive around and find lots of farm animals to look at. -flushable toilets available -Huge parking lots

Music on the Porch at Bowers Mansion last night! I have to say this, it was my first time even checking out this venue and it was an absolute great time! First of all, having a place for live music you can bring the family to is awesome! My daughter loves live music, so I'm always happy when I can take her... plus we got to see one of our favorites play - Dom & Friends! Check them out if you can! The best Ukelele player in town! Kudos to Bowers Mansion for having the Friday nights Porch program! Great fun for all! Bring a picnic and enjoy some great entertainment outdoors!

Located at 4005 US Hwy 395N in Carson City. Built in 1864 by Sandy Bowers and his wife Eiley Oram who became wealthy in the Silver Mining of Virginia City. The picnic grounds, pool and park are open to the public daily ... I believe they open at noon. And the mansion itself has tours on the weekends from noon to 4 PM. The mansion has an interesting history and was almost destroyed until a group of women came up with $1 each to save this historic mansion. Once their fund raising drive was able to restore much of the building, many local people donated period furniture pieces to bring this place back to life. Google the history ... after the tour you are welcomed to climb the five flights of stairs to the top of the "hill" where the Bowers are buried.

We had such a fun swim here! There is a toddler/infant pool that is really warm and shallow. It's perfect for the little kids to let them play and get used to the water without life jackets on. In the main pool there is a lane to do laps, a diving board, a basketball hoop, and a large area for free swimming. The pool was nice and cool, very refreshing. It didn't feel like swimming in Luke warm bath water. There are a few lounging chairs around the pool, and one large shade structure to sit under. The price is very fair. No food or drink besides water allowed at the pool, but there is beautiful park, and picnic area just outside the gate to eat at. Just get your hand stamped on the way in and out of the pool. There were several life guards on duty the entire time, constantly changing position. Seemed nice and clean. No chlorine sting in the eyes after all day swimming. Definitely recommend!

On our drive from Lake Tahoe to Reno, we passed by Carson City. Now we know what the capital of Nevada is all about! :) My husband yelped a place to visit in Carson City and the Bowers Mansion showed up as a site-seeing location. We decided to stop by and take a look. Plentiful parking, there were only 2 cars there (1 of which was ours). The grounds were nicely groomed and a park was right next door to the mansion for people to picnic or hang out. The mansion itself was not open yet, as the dates are from May 17 to Sept 26, 2014. They open on the weekends during those dates, at $8 for adults and $5 for children/seniors. Since it wasn't May yet (mansion not open), we just walked around the premises, looked at the mansion from the outside, and saw some of the items that were on display outside. There was a small hut in the back that had tools on display, which you could view at no cost. I also saw stairs leading up to the Bower's Cemetery, but we didn't get to visit. A pleasant stop along the way to Reno from Lake Tahoe...especially on a nice sunny day.

What a wonderful piece of local history. I highly recommend this tour. Great tales of mining, fortune telling and the old west. The Washoe valley is breathtaking. This park is beautiful.

Nice pool to hang out at that's not too crowded like others in Reno/Sparks. Pricing is good and there are nice picnic areas outside the pool in the park it's located in. Good parking and nice scenery as well. Nice place for a family outing.

This park is great. We didn't have time to check out everything that they have here, but there are 2 playgrounds(1 small older one and 1 large new one), a nice pool with a smaller shallow pool for the young kids, a large grass field, 2 covered picnic areas(1 next to each playground), a volleyball court/net, and I believe they may have a hiking trail. They do tours of the mansion on weekends, which would probably be cool. We will definitely be back to this park!

This place has been here a long, long time and I've visited over a wider array of years than I care to remember. There is tons of grass, plenty trees and ample shade. The pool is large and well maintained. A volleyball pit, several bbqs and two play equipment clusters add to the amenities. Even the parking is ample. It can get windy, being in Washoe Valley and all but not as bad as other locations nearby. Then there is the mansion itself if you are looking for a taste of history. Well, not a literal taste. I mean, don't lick the walls or anything. Seriously, were you born in a barn? Cmon! That's just gross.

Beautiful park, with lots to see and do. Barbecue Areas Hiking Horseshoe Pits Picnic Areas Playgrounds Picnic Area(s) Swimming Pools Trail Heads Walking Trails I'm just upset that I didn't get pics to share... My cell was died ;( No worries next time and there will be many next time for this park....

Haven't been here in over 15 years and out for a family picnic. Pool was awesome not heavily chlorinated or overly crowded. Pleanty of space between picnic areas so have enough space for everyone.

We had a terrific time at our Not Back To School Picnic and Pool Party on the day that many of the area schools went back to school. We had easily over 250 area homeschooling families at this all day event. We pretty much had the whole park for our event as well as the whole pool for a couple of hours. The pool is the largest regular swimming pool I have ever seen in person. My teen son absolutely enjoyed himself with his friends (new and old). There were even shady areas for us parents who chose not to swim. The park is just beautiful and quite a bit larger than I expected. The main part is up on a bit of a hill, so there was a nice breeze most of the day. The park has a lot of open space as well as plenty of shade by many mature trees.

Nice swimming pool, away from town so not very busy, easy parking, and great picnic destination.

It's places like this that make it nice to live in Northern Nevada. What a gorgeous property! Nestled up against the tree-covered Sierra foothills is a beautiful historic mansion that you can tour, and what were once the sprawling lawns of this estate are now various picnic spots, a public swimming pool, and a great playground! We visited today to go swimming, and this pool is well-maintained with lots of lifeguards to keep the little swimmers safe. The pool is quite large with a separate diving area and also a smaller kids' pool, although this was closed today, I would highly recommend this park for swimming or just for hanging out. Beautiful grassy, shady picnic spots abound; it's an all-around comfortable, lovely place.

Tammy is so enthusiastic and a great tour guide. We had a private tour with her yesterday and loved to learn about the history of the Bower's. This was a great start to our Tahoe vacation. Thank you Tammy!!!

This is a large beautiful pool in a beatiful park. The downside, it's ran by rude oboxous screaming kids with no adult in site. What could be a great experience is truly upset by the power hungry teenage staff here.

Extremely disappointed in this park. Pulled in after a wonderful time camping in Bridgeport. Needed a picnic place to have lunch. Have a travel trailer and 2 small dogs. Kept the dogs in the RV as the sign said dogs not allowed in the park. Walked out of the RV with dogs. Making sure that I stayed in the paved parking lot. Was immediately confronted by a park ranger and told my dos could not even be in the parking lot. Hideous place rude people would definitely not recommend it to anyone. Don't waste your time. Too many other plays to explore.

Fascinating tours of old mansion and the story of Mrs. Bowers. Love the way they decorated the mansion with the piano in almost every room. My favorite was the child's room.

Went swimming here for the first time. It is a big public pool, surrounded by the beautiful regional park. It is nice that there is a diving board and a lap lane too, pool goes up to 11 feet deep. It was crowded when we went, not too many lounge chairs to accommodate unfortunately.

A beautiful building surrounded by clean gardens and play areas for kids. A great place to have a picnic with family and friends!

This place is so beautiful in the summer time. My mother's company used to have their annual Employee BBQ here and I loved going. It was grassy, shady and nice and cool, since it is at the foot of the mountain. Very lovely place for a get together on a hot July day.

Great Pool! Not heated. Very clean.

What a great park. The history of this place goes deep and it's awesome that it has been maintained for public use. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained, and it's offers everything you would want in a park. A fantastic place for group picnics or just a relaxing afternoon

Bower's Mansion is now open for tours. Very interesting. The Rangers that give the tours are great and very enthusiastic. Tours last about 45 minutes and then you can walk around the grounds and up the hill to the cemetery. This is a beautiful spot and a fun way to learn about some Nevada history. A very fun way to spend a few hours in this gorgeous countryside.