Bowers Mansion
Bowers Mansion has reopened after extensive exterior restoration work!
Please see below for more information on COVID modifications to tours.
The Historic Bowers Mansion is located within Bowers Mansion Regional Park.
Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space is pleased to announce the opening of Bowers Mansion for weekend and holiday tours beginning on Saturday, August 29th, 2020. The mansion underwent extensive exterior restoration work in the preceding five months to improve the sustainability and beauty of this iconic, historic landmark in Washoe County.
Tour back in time to Nevada's heyday and see how Comstock millionaires Eilley and Sandy Bowers lived the posh life in Washoe Valley. Picnic, swim and play on the grounds as every generation of visitors has done since the Victorian era.
Tours
Bowers Mansion is open seasonally (weekends and holidays), usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day weekend. Tours are every hour, on the hour, from 11:00am-4:00pm*. Summer group tours are also available by appointment. Call the mansion for details at (775) 849-0201.
ADMISSION FEES
Adults (ages 18-61) - $9
Seniors (ages 62+) - $6
Children (ages 6-17) - $6
Children ages 5 and under are free.
Media
The mansion and its history has been featured in various videos & articles. Click the links below to view them:
'Knowing Nevada' video (News 4)
Legendary Nevadans: Eilley LegendBowers of Washoe Valley (Travel Nevada)
Biography of Alison (Eilley) Oram Bowers (Nevada Women's History Project)
'Mysteries at the Castle' (Season 3, Episode 3) This episode aired on January 22, 2016. (skip to 29:19 in the video)
Bonanza (Season 1, Episode 7) - Aired on October 24, 1959, the mansion is shown at the end of the show (48:30 in the video) as the home constructed by Annie O’Toole after striking it rich.
1955 Episode of 'Death Valley Days' about Eilley Bowers
Programs
Civil War Event
As a result of COVID-19, the Civil War event on Saturday, May 9th has been canceled. For future event dates, keep an eye on our calendar of events page.
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a Friday evening of live music and other performances from 7pm-8pm from the historic Bowers Mansion porch! This series is free, however donations are happily accepted for the performers. Keep an eye on our calendar of events page for next years schedule.
The Grounds
* Bowers Mansion Pool * Individual picnic sites (1st Come, 1st Serve) * Group picnic areas (call 775-823-6501 to reserve) * Children's playgrounds * Hiking trail to the Bowers family grave site
Pet Policy
Please note that due to the historical significance, pets are not allowed at Bowers Mansion Regional Park with the exception of service animals.
Contact Us
Bowers Mansion Curator, Tammy Buzick, at (775) 849-0201
Bowers Mansion Regional Park - Park Ranger Office at (775) 849-1825
Directions
From Reno:
- Take I-580 south towards Carson City and take Exit 16
- Turn right (south) onto Old US Highway 395 for 1.4 miles
From Carson City:
- Take I-580 north towards Reno and take Exit 10 (Eastlake Blvd.)
- Turn left onto Eastlake Blvd. and go under freeway. Then, turn right (north) onto Old US Highway 395 for 5.6 miles