Ask a UNR student what’s downtown and you’ll hear about casinos. Ask a local and you’ll hear about the river. The Truckee runs right through the center of Reno, with parks and paths along it, and October is when it looks its best. If you live in Reno apartments near campus, here’s a fall afternoon worth taking, from The Republic.
What’s near Reno apartments besides campus?
A river district that most first-year students don’t find until spring. The Truckee comes down from Lake Tahoe and crosses downtown, a short trip south of the University of Nevada, Reno. Cottonwoods line the banks and turn gold in October.
You need about three hours and almost no money. Here’s the route.
Stop one: Wingfield Park
Start here. Wingfield Park is a small island in the middle of the river, connected by footbridges. There’s grass, an amphitheater and the sound of water on both sides.
The Truckee River Whitewater Park wraps around it. It’s a set of built rapids and pools where kayakers practice. In fall, the water is lower and calmer, and people sit on the rocks at the edge.
Bring a sandwich. Sit for a while. It’s hard to believe you’re two blocks from downtown.
Stop two: walk the Riverwalk
From the park, follow the path along the water. The Riverwalk District has coffee shops, restaurants and public art on both banks. Walk east toward downtown or west toward the neighborhoods.
West is my pick. The path runs under big trees toward Idlewild Park, which has a rose garden, ponds and wide lawns. It’s a flat, easy walk, and in late October the leaves are everywhere.
Turn around whenever you like. The river is your guide back.
Stop three: where do you warm up?
A coffee shop on the river. There are several along the Riverwalk with window seats. Reno afternoons are warm in the sun and chilly the moment you’re in shade, so a hot drink at four o’clock makes sense.
Bring a reading. A river-view table is a good place to get through a chapter.
If you’d rather be indoors longer, the Nevada Museum of Art is a short walk south of the river. Check its hours and student admission.
Stop four: dinner in Midtown
If you have the evening, keep going south to Midtown. It’s a stretch of local restaurants, thrift stores and murals. Food there is varied and reasonably priced by student standards.
Split a few plates with friends. Then head home before it gets late.
How do you get there?
From the campus area, it’s a short bus ride, bike ride or drive. Check bus routes that run between UNR and downtown. If you drive, look at street parking rules and time limits near the river.
A bike is the nicest way. The river path is paved and connects for miles in both directions.
Is it a safe walk?
Use normal city sense. Go in daylight, especially the first time. Walk with a friend. Stay on the main path. As with any downtown, keep aware of what’s around you and keep your phone in your pocket when you’re moving.
When should you go?
Soon. The cottonwoods peak around mid to late October. Pick a clear weekday afternoon after class.
Nevada Day is observed on Friday, October 30 this year, with Halloween on Saturday the 31st. That long weekend is a natural time for it. Downtown will be busier than usual, so go early in the day.
The clocks fall back on Sunday, November 1. After that, it’s dark by five and the afternoon walk becomes a lunch walk. Winter on the river has its own look, with snow on the banks and ice at the edges. But fall is the easy season.
Why bother?
Because knowing your city makes it feel like home. Students who only see campus tend to feel like visitors. Find a bench on the Truckee that’s yours, and Reno becomes somewhere you live.
It’s also a good thing to show family. When your parents visit, walk them along the river and take them to dinner in Midtown. They’ll go home with a better picture of where you are.
If you’re thinking about next year, the floor plans page shows what’s available at The Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reno Riverwalk?
It’s the district along the Truckee River in downtown Reno, with paths, parks, restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is Wingfield Park?
Wingfield Park is on an island in the Truckee River in downtown Reno, reached by footbridges.
When do the leaves change in Reno?
It varies by year, but trees along the river usually turn in mid to late October.
Key Takeaways
- Students in Reno apartments have a river district a short trip from campus.
- Start at Wingfield Park and walk the Riverwalk toward Idlewild Park.
- Warm up at a riverside coffee shop and eat in Midtown.
- Go in daylight before the clocks change on November 1.