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Sparks is a city of about 110,000 people just east of Reno in northern Nevada, sharing the Truckee Meadows with its bigger neighbor. It was founded in 1904 as a railroad town when the Southern Pacific moved its yards here, and it was named for Nevada governor John Sparks. The Sierra Nevada rises to the west, and Lake Tahoe is less than an hour away.
Victorian Square is the heart of the city, with restaurants, bars, a movie theater and big events such as the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off, one of the largest barbecue festivals in the country. The Nugget Casino Resort anchors the square, and the Sparks Heritage Museum tells the city's railroad story in a former bank building.
Sparks Marina Park surrounds a large lake with beaches, a walking path and paddleboarding, and The Outlets at Legends and Scheels, with its indoor Ferris wheel, draw shoppers. Wild Island Family Adventure Park offers water slides and go-karts, and the Truckee River Trail runs west toward downtown Reno.
Central plaza in downtown Sparks with restaurants, bars, a movie theater and a big events area. It hosts major festivals like the Rib Cook-off, car shows and a farmers market in summer. Check the event schedule, as the square is liveliest during weekend festivals.
Park around a large man-made lake formed from a former gravel pit, with a swimming beach, a paved loop trail, fishing and picnic areas. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular in summer. Walk or bike the loop around the lake, and arrive early on hot days for beach parking.
Large sports park in the Wingfield Springs area with many turf fields for soccer, softball and baseball, plus a playground and walking paths with mountain views. It hosts big youth tournaments. Visit for a game or an easy walk, and bring sun protection, as shade is limited.
County park in the Spanish Springs area with a water play area, playgrounds, picnic shelters, trails and a community center. It is popular with families in the summer. Bring swimsuits for the kids, and pack a picnic to eat at the shaded tables.
Local history museum telling the story of Sparks, founded as a Southern Pacific railroad town in the early 1900s. Exhibits cover rail yards, early families and Nevada history, and historic rail cars sit outside. It is free or low cost and fits easily into a visit to Victorian Square.
Small historic schoolhouse from the 1860s, one of the oldest school buildings in Nevada, moved to central Sparks and preserved as part of the city's heritage. It shows what frontier classrooms looked like. Look for it near the heritage museum and check for open days.
Long-running casino resort on Victorian Square with hotel towers, a large casino, restaurants, a seasonal pool and an outdoor event center for summer concerts. It is the main resort in Sparks. Check the concert lineup if visiting in summer, and try one of its classic diners.
Huge barbecue festival held every year over the Labor Day weekend around Victorian Square, with rib cookers from across the country, live music and vendors. It draws large crowds over several days. Go early in the day for shorter lines, and bring cash and an appetite.
Giant sporting goods store at the Legends shopping area with outdoor gear, clothing and fun features such as an indoor Ferris wheel, an aquarium and wildlife displays. It is an attraction even for non-shoppers. Ride the Ferris wheel and look for the shooting arcade games.
Open-air outlet and shopping center near Sparks Marina with brand-name stores, restaurants and a movie theater. It pairs well with Scheels and a walk around the marina. Visit on a weekday for easier parking, and check the center for seasonal sales and events.
Family fun park with a summer water park, mini golf, go-karts, bowling, an arcade and a sports bar. It works for a full day with kids. The water park is seasonal, so check opening dates, and buy combo passes if you plan to try several attractions.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Vince Migliore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Lvtalon (talk)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
