Rail City Casino and Historical District
If you’re looking to try your luck at the slots or blackjack tables, head to the Rail City Casino and Historical District. This one-stop entertainment destination features a bustling casino with all the latest games, a brewery, eateries, shops, live entertainment and more.
The casino’s historical theme celebrates Sparks’ railroad heritage. You’ll see replica trains running above the casino floor and historical artifacts on display. Take some time to wander the indoor streets lined with Old West-style facades before hitting the tables for an immersive gambling experience.
Insider Tip: You don’t have to gamble to enjoy Rail City. Stop by the Brew Brothers restaurant for burgers, brews and free live music on weekends. Or relax outdoors under the stars during a summer concert at the District’s new amphitheater venue.
Victorian Square
For charm, culture and creativity, make Victorian Square your next stop. This outdoor public space is surrounded by beautifully restored Victorian buildings filled with shops and restaurants.
Browse art galleries showcasing works by local artists, or watch local performers like magicians and musicians entertaining passersby. If you work up an appetite, choose from about a dozen restaurants offering everything from sushi to classic American fare.
Insider Tip: Visit Victorian Square on the third Saturday evening of each month for Wine Walk. For $20, you get a souvenir glass and can sample wines at participating businesses. It’s a wonderful way to mingle with locals while exploring Sparks’ artistic side.
Sparks Marina Park
If the great outdoors is calling your name, head to Sparks Marina Park. Set on a scenic stretch of the Truckee River, it offers biking and walking paths, a dog park, volleyball courts, a skate park, picnic areas and more across its 75 acres.
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and get out on the water for an up-close view of native birds and wildlife. Cast a line to try your hand at catching trout and bass. Or simply find a shady spot to spread out a blanket and relax riverside.
Insider Tip: Visit the marina on summer weekends for the Sparks Marina Farmers Market. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts from 8 am to 1 pm.
Scheels
You may not expect to find a European-style hunting and fishing store in Sparks, but Scheels offers an unexpected adventure. This massive, modern mega-store fills nearly 600,000 square feet with everything outdoorsy you could imagine.
Beyond gear for hunting, fishing, camping and other sports, you’ll find fun experiences like a ferris wheel, bowling alley, arcade and aquarium inside Scheels. Grab a famous potato tornado and browse elaborate displays like a recreated African savannah with massive elephants and giraffes.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss out on the free Scheels Experiences desk. You can sign up to try the indoor roller coaster, shoot basketballs on an indoor court or ride the optics simulator.
Wild Island Family Adventure Park
For family fun in the sun, head straight to Wild Island. This adventure park located just outside Sparks offers three areas – a massive water park, exciting rides, and a wildlife habitat area.
Make a splash on thrilling watersides like Rip Tide plunging five stories or relax drifting along the Wild Island River. Get your adrenaline pumping on roller coasters like The Tornado or classic spinning teacups. Then wander through wildlife exhibits to see lemurs, wallabies, macaws and more up close.
Insider Tip: Buy your Wild Island tickets online at least two days ahead of time to save up to 35%. Arrive when gates open to beat crowds on waterslides and rides. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
Great Basin Brewing Company
You can’t visit Sparks without stopping for a cold one at Great Basin Brewing Company. This award-winning craft brewery pours an ever-changing lineup of ales and lagers like their signature Ichthyosaur IPA.
Pair your pint with elevated pub grub like housemade pretzels, brick oven pizzas, burgers and more. Sip your drink al fresco on the large outdoor patio with cornhole, live music and food trucks. Or take a free brewery tour to see how the beer is made.
Insider Tip: Visit on a Monday for $2 discount pints all day or come for Brew Ha-Ha Comedy Night every third Wednesday for laughs plus drink specials.
Baldini’s Casino and Sports Bar
For around-the-clock entertainment, check out Baldini’s Casino and Sports Bar. Opened in 1977, this Sparks institution offers all your favorite slot machines, gaming tables, keno and bingo in a lively atmosphere.
Enjoy tasty American fare and cold drinks either in the bar and grill or at slot-side service. With wall-to-wall TVs and betting kiosks, it’s also a prime spot to catch a game. And with live music acts performing weekly, there’s always something going on at Baldini’s.
Insider Tip: Stop by on Tuesdays from 5 to 10 pm for tacos and margarita specials, then try your hand at taco bingo!
The Nugget Casino Resort
You can’t mention Sparks’ top casinos without including the massive Nugget Casino Resort. This 24-hour complex houses a large casino floor with all your favorite table games and slots.
Beyond gambling, you’ll find a nice selection of bars, casual and upscale dining options, a nightclub, a pool, and a newly renovated hotel tower. Catch free live entertainment like bands and comedy shows on weekends. And be sure to see the massive gold nugget out front – it weighs over 61 pounds!
Insider Tip: Even if you’re not staying overnight, stop in to see the resort’s 200,000 gallon shark aquarium. Located just past hotel check-in, this floor-to-ceiling tank houses different shark species and offers great photo opportunities.
How to Get Around Sparks
With its compact downtown and easy highway access, getting around Sparks is a breeze for both drivers and those using public transportation. Here are your main options when navigating the city:
Public Transportation
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC) operates public buses that serve the Reno and Sparks area. Routes mostly stick to main roads like Sparks Blvd, Prater Way and Pyramid Way.
Standard fare is $2 per ride for adults or $1 for seniors over 62 and riders with disabilities. Children under 5 ride free with an adult. Day passes can be purchased for $4 and are valid for unlimited rides for 24 hours from first use.
Most buses have bike racks and are wheelchair accessible. Real-time arrival info can be found via the Transit App. Printable route maps and schedules are also available on the RTC website.
Insider Tip: RTC also offers FlexRIDE, an on-demand, curb-to-curb shuttle service. You can catch a FlexRIDE shuttle 24/7 by booking via the app or calling 775-335-0035.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are readily available to hail or pre-book in Sparks. Fares start at $3.50 plus $2.30 per mile. Popular taxi companies include Sparks Cab Company, Whittlesea Blue Cab and Yellow Cab Reno Sparks.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area. Rates vary but expect to pay around a $2.50 base fare plus $1.19 per mile and $0.13 per minute. Prices are generally cheaper than standard taxi rates.
Insider Tip: Download the apps for taxi and rideshare companies in advance so you’re ready to book a car anytime while in Sparks. And don’t forget to bring cash for tipping cab drivers.
Charter Buses
For group transportation or private events in Sparks, consider booking a charter bus. Our team at Charter Bus Sparks offers modern buses in a range of sizes to meet your group’s needs.
Benefits of traveling by charter bus include door-to-door service, professional drivers, flexible schedules and plenty of room for luggage and gear. Luxury coaches come equipped with amenities like WiFi, TVs and bathrooms. Plus, no need to coordinate parking multiple cars!