Sparks Museum & Cultural Center

Conveniently located off Interstate-80 in Nevada’s Reno-Tahoe Territory, the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center inspires dynamic connections to northern Nevada’s unique heritage through creative programs, exhibits and publications.

Sparks’ proud railroad heritage is apparent in its historic downtown where the museum is located. A vintage steam locomotive, cupola caboose and Pullman executive car are displayed along with a depot replica, the restored one room Glendale Schoolhouse and a monument to the Chinese rail workers. Inside the museum visitors explore 4000 square feet of engaging exhibits. Using artifacts to tell the story, exhibits communicate the rapid changes the region has undergone from ranching and mining to the introduction of the railroad and into modern times, including the significant role the region has played in the Space program.

The Sparks Museum and Cultural Center’s changing gallery features unique displays focusing on the arts, sciences, history and the rich diversity of the region and its people. A variety of educational programs for adults and families are offered throughout the year.

Tours of the train and museum are available to the public on Saturdays between 1 and 4 p.m. and are included in the price of admission.

Price:
$5 for Adults
Members and Children 12 and younger are free

Hours:
Museum & Train: 1 to 4 pm – Saturday
Museum Only: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Tuesday to Friday

Download Sparks Historic Tours

When you stop by the museum, your smartphone is your guide. Use the Sparks Historic Tours downloadable app for a guided tour of the museum,  followed by a walking tour of historic downtown Sparks. Experience the past with historic photos, facts, and stories. Get the app in the App Store, Google Play, or scan the QR code to the right.

The Sparks Museum is operated by volunteers and relies on memberships and donations to operate.  In 2014 the museum was received funding to support educational programs which include but are not limited to free school tours, a free downloadable app walking tour of downtown Sparks, a free coloring book to all children, the NV150 Sesquecentennial Events Series – Celebrating 150 years of Nevada History and Heritage culminating with the Western Heritage Festival.

These programs have been funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, Nevada Humanities, Union Pacific Railroad and the City of Sparks. A special thank you to the following for their support.