Carson Valley
Carson Valley
Encompassing the towns of Gardnerville, Minden, Genoa and Topaz Lake, the Carson Valley area gives a multitude of reasons as to why people live here.
There is much to see and do year ‘round if being outdoors is your style. Fishing, ballooning, flying and soaring, skydiving, snow sports, horseback riding, watersports, golf, tennis, batting cages, shooting and hunting, hiking, camping, mountain biking, ATV/OHV tours and trails, motocross, and wildlife viewing. All of this has breath taking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, along with its flora and fauna.
Genoa is the first recorded settlement in Nevada, originally established in 1851. It was originally named Mormon Station, and then renamed to Genoa in 1855 after the birthplace of famed explorer Christopher Columbus. We invite you to explore the town’s past by visiting Mormon Station State Historic Park, the Courthouse Museum of Genoa, and the Oldest Bar in Nevada (still a popular watering hole to this day). Within easy walking distance from these historic sites, there are boutique stores and shops, a general store, a winery and many restaurants, as well as an art gallery. All of this is within the quaint artsy town that is Genoa.
Gardnerville, known for its Basque dining, sports parks, visitor friendly farms and community center, is a destination all in its own. In 1879, Lawrence Gilman purchased the Kent House and then had it moved from its original location, just south of Genoa, to a seven-acre parcel of land near the site of what today is the J.T. Basque Bar and Dining Room. The building was converted to a hotel and a blacksmith shop, and later a saloon was added. After that, the town of Gardnerville grew from there.
Minden was established near Gardnerville by H.F. Dangberg Jr. in 1905. Dangberg’s vision was to have a European-style community built around a town square, known as Minden Park. He named it after Minden, Germany, near the birthplace of his father, H.F. Dangberg, Sr. From 1906-1940, the Minden Inn was frequented by Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. The recently opened Bently Heritage Distillery, art centers, casino gaming and shopping are just a few of the activities to enjoy in this charming town.
Topaz Lake is the destination for water sport enthusiasts. South of Gardnerville, this man-made reservoir was once a remnant of a prehistoric sea. It is known for its fishing, water skiing, wake boarding and camping. A stunning oasis with amazing views, Topaz Lake is a great escape from city life.
