Skip to ContentRancho San Rafael Regional Park in northwest Reno has the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, free during park hours, and hosts the Great Reno Balloon Race, per Wikipedia.
Checked November 2, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 1595N. Sierra St
- Freearboretum admission, except special events
- 580acres (Wikipedia)
- 1982grand opening (Wikipedia)
The Park
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is at 1595 N. Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89503, Washoe County says. The Wilbur D. May Arboretum inside it is open year-round during regular park hours and is generally free; special events such as Dragon Lights may charge admission. The May Museum is part of the May Center. Wikipedia (secondary) says the park covers 580 acres, had its grand opening July 3, 1982, the arboretum opened in 1983 and the museum in 1985, and a small amusement park there, Great Basin Adventure, closed in 2008. Its current status is not confirmed.
The Balloon Race
The Great Reno Balloon Race is held here, per Wikipedia. The race’s own site lists 2027 for September 9 to 12.
- Getting thereAbout 10 minutes from downtown Reno (our estimate, no live traffic)
What We Could Not Confirm
These items were not read on an official page when we checked, so we do not state them as fact. Who can confirm each one is named.
- Park hours, museum hours and admission (Washoe County Parks, washoecounty.gov).
- Acres and opening dates: Wikipedia only.
- Great Basin Adventure site status (Washoe County).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Great Reno Balloon Race held?
At Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, per Wikipedia; the race site we read does not name the field.
Sources
- Washoe County: Wilbur D. May Arboretum (official)
- Wikipedia: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park (secondary)
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Rancho San Rafael Regional Park,” itsreno.com, checked November 2, 2026.