Skip to ContentTruckee is the Sierra railroad town west of Reno where Donner Lake, Donner Pass, seven ski and snow areas and the Donner Party story all sit within a short drive. This is the starting page for all of it.
Checked November 2, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 7ski and snow areas on Donner Summit and around Truckee
- 154campsites at Donner Memorial State Park (official)
- $10state park day use per vehicle (official)
- 35-45 minfrom Reno (our estimate)
Places in Truckee
Downtown Truckee
The depot, Commercial Row era buildings and the Old Jail Museum, from the historical society.
Town
Donner Lake
Public beaches, the boat ramp, the state park shore and the Rim Trail.
Lake
Donner Memorial State Park
Visitor center, Pioneer Monument and the Donner Lake beach.
State park
The Donner Party
The 1846-47 story from NPS, State Parks and the Truckee-Donner Historical Society.
History
Donner Pass
The summit road, rail line and first transcontinental routes.
Pass
Central Pacific on Donner Summit
China Wall, Rainbow Bridge, tunnels and snow sheds.
Rail history
Ski and Snow Near Truckee
Northstar California
Northstar California sits above the Martis Valley outside Truckee.
Truckee, CA
Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl is on Donner Summit off Interstate 80.
Norden, CA (Donner Summit)
Tahoe Donner
Truckee association downhill and cross-country, member tickets from $55.
Truckee, CA
Donner Ski Ranch
Family owned since 1937 on old Highway 40.
Norden, CA
Royal Gorge
Nordic skiing on Donner Summit.
Soda Springs, CA
Boreal and Soda Springs
Night skiing, Woodward Tahoe and Tube Town.
Soda Springs, CA
Getting Here From Reno
Truckee is about 35 to 45 minutes west of Reno on Interstate 80 (our estimate, no live traffic). Donner Lake is about 40 to 50 minutes and the summit about 50 to 60 minutes. Winter conditions can close or slow I-80; check Caltrans QuickMap before you leave.
Visitor Information
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce welcome center is at 10065 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, phone 530-587-2757. The Town of Truckee lists its Town Hall at 10183 Truckee Airport Road, 530-582-7700.
Recurring Events
Truckee Thursdays (Thursdays, 5 to 8:30 p.m., summer, downtown), Truckee Pro Rodeo at McIver Arena in August and the Truckee River Riding Railroad on select spring-to-fall weekends are listed by local organizers. 2026-27 dates for each are not confirmed; the Truckee Chamber events calendar is the place to check. An events calendar for itsreno.com is being built separately.
On The Map
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.
- Dates for Truckee Thursdays, the rodeo, the riding railroad and the Fourth of July parade for the coming year.
- Truckee historic district boundaries (Town of Truckee planning or the State Office of Historic Preservation).
- Organizer names for several downtown events.
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Truckee from Reno?
About 35 to 45 minutes by our estimate, with no live traffic. Check Caltrans before winter trips.
What is Truckee known for?
Donner Lake, the Donner Party story, the Central Pacific railroad and nearby skiing. Sources are on each page.
Sources
- Town of Truckee (official)
- Truckee Chamber of Commerce
- Truckee-Donner Historical Society
- California State Parks: Donner Memorial State Park (official)
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Truckee,” itsreno.com, checked November 2, 2026.
Events in The Next 45 Days
Open Mic at Cottonwood
Thu, Nov 5 · 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, 10142 Rue Hilltop · Truckee
Weekly open mic hosted by the Tahoe Truckee School of Music. Performers sign up on the night, and the bar runs happy hour specials. Price: Free
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Truckee Art Walk
Sat, Nov 7 · 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Historic Downtown Truckee · Truckee
Artists work live at downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. Pick up an Art Walk Map for a self-guided tour. The listing says it repeats the first Saturday of each month. Price: Free
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Truckee Ski and Snowboard Swap
Sat, Nov 7 · 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Steve Randall Community Recreation Center, 10981 Truckee Way · Truckee
Buy and sell new and used winter gear. Local ski shop and resort reps answer questions, and the parks district runs a silent auction with season passes and lift tickets. Price: Free for all ages
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Open Mic at Cottonwood
Thu, Nov 12 · 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, 10142 Rue Hilltop · Truckee
Weekly open mic hosted by the Tahoe Truckee School of Music. Performers sign up on the night, and the bar runs happy hour specials. Price: Free
Not confirmed: The listing shows only the November 5 date; later Thursdays follow its "each Thursday" wording.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Open Mic at Cottonwood
Thu, Nov 19 · 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, 10142 Rue Hilltop · Truckee
Weekly open mic hosted by the Tahoe Truckee School of Music. Performers sign up on the night, and the bar runs happy hour specials. Price: Free
Not confirmed: The listing shows only the November 5 date; later Thursdays follow its "each Thursday" wording.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Northstar Opening Day
Fri, Nov 20
Northstar California · Truckee
The resort's homepage announces Opening Day on Nov 20. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: The page prints no year (it mentions the 2026/27 winter). Opening depends on conditions.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Tahoe Donner Light Up the Night Tree Lighting
Sat, Nov 28 · 5:30 p.m.
The Lodge Pavilion, Tahoe Donner · Truckee
Kids' crafts, drinks, a raffle and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: Tahoe Donner is a member-based association, and the page does not say whether the public can attend. Price is not stated.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Winter Wonders at Northstar
Dec 18 - Jan 3
Northstar California Resort · Truckee
The resort's events page lists a Winter Wonders series with daily live music, festive activities and holiday events. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: The page does not print the year, so 2026-27 is not confirmed (December 18, 2026 is a Friday). Times, price and details are not stated.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
8 events listed here, read on 3 organizer and venue websites. Every row shows the day we checked it. Dates change: check the organizer’s page before you go, and tell us if something is wrong.