The Best College Town In Nevada
Known affectionately as “The Biggest Little City in the World” for its sense of community and abundance of world-class amenities, there’s much more to Reno than just gambling and its proximity to Lake Tahoe. It’s also the state’s premier college town, home to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), one of the country’s top research centers.
Founded in 1868, Reno emerged as a vital stop along the transcontinental railroad, connecting the fast-growing West to the rest of the nation. It soon became a key economic player in the state’s mining and agricultural sectors and later expanded into entertainment and technology. This transformation from a frontier town to a thriving urban hub didn’t go unnoticed, and the town soon came to the attention of influential individuals looking to establish the state as a center for higher education.
A Foundation of Excellence
That lofty goal became reality when the University of Nevada, originally established in 1874 in Elko, moved to Reno in 1885 to better serve the region’s population while ensuring access to other urban centers. Influential figures like Governor John Kinkead championed the relocation, recognizing the fact that the town's strategic location at the crossroads of commerce and culture would guarantee its success as the state’s first institution of higher learning.
Though the university began with a modest enrollment of just seven students, it has since grown in leaps and bounds and now serves over 21,000 students a year. Its strengths span multiple disciplines, including engineering, business, journalism, and agriculture. Notably, the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, established in 1908, offers one of the nation’s top mining programs.
UNR also boasts a long list of accomplished alumni, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Walter Van Tilburg Clark and former U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt.
The University’s Impact on Reno
UNR’s influence extends well beyond its campus. With a student body representing diverse regions of the world, the university has contributed significantly to Reno’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, ensuring ample opportunity for residents and students alike to get acquainted with a variety of cultures. The economic impact is also significant, with students, faculty, and staff contributing to local businesses and driving innovation through research and entrepreneurial ventures.
The research programs and innovation hubs have also made it a center for technological advancement. Initiatives like Nevada Autonomous showcase the university’s role in shaping the future of industries ranging from robotics to renewable energy, a forward-thinking approach that cements UNR’s place as a cornerstone of its high-tech identity.
Community-wide traditions like UNR’s annual Homecoming Parade, held each fall, is celebrated across Reno and brings the university and residents together to welcome new and returning students. Football games at Mackay Stadium also draw thousands of fans, while cultural offerings, from concerts at the Nightingale Concert Hall to public lectures by renowned scholars, also play a part in enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Must-See Attractions on Campus
The Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium. Editorial credit: Neil Lockhart / Shutterstock.com
The campus itself, just a short walk from downtown Reno, is a wonderful place to visit. Start exploring at the university’s historic Quadrangle, or “Quad.” Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s design for the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, this centerpiece of academic life has been listed as a National Historic Landmark and a "Jeffersonian Academic Village." Photo-worthy highlights include 36 giant elms planted in the early 1900s and Morrill Hall, the first building constructed on campus in 1886.
From here, head to the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum. Just a short stroll from the Quad, the Keck Museum is housed in the historic Mackay School of Mines building and features an impressive collection of minerals, fossils, and artifacts related to Nevada’s mining legacy. The arboretum is lovely for a stroll and features a large living collection of plants from around the world.
For sports enthusiasts, Mackay Stadium is home to the Nevada Wolf Pack, the university’s team, which regularly packs the venue during home games. Other attractions include the Lawlor Events Center, a popular concert venue, and the Fleischmann Planetarium, one of the nation’s oldest such facilities.
Fun Things To Do In Reno
The town offers a wealth of fun things to do that complement the university’s attractions. Downtown Reno’s Riverwalk District is a delight to wander with its shops and patios and be sure to cross the pedestrian bridges to Wingfield Park, a small island that makes for a great picnic spot. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can walk or bike the entirety of this 12-mile route along the scenic Truckee River.
Other notable attractions include The Nevada Museum of Art, just a short walk from the Riverwalk District. The only accredited art museum in the state, it features a diverse array of exhibits as well as educational and other programming. The Midtown District is another highlight and is especially popular with students and visitors.
Events like the Reno Jazz Festival in April and Artown, one of the state’s largest art festivals, both draw the crowds. The Great Reno Balloon Race in Rancho San Rafael Park, the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world, is held in September and offers a great excuse to visit this bustling college town.
For those who prefer the great outdoors, Reno makes for a great base from which to explore the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains with plentiful hiking and mountain biking experiences. Many winter enthusiasts are surprised to learn that the town is also close to some of the West’s best skiing, with ski resorts like Mt. Rose offering experiences for all levels and just a 30-minute drive away. Lake Tahoe, less than an hour away, is another big plus and provides world-class opportunities for water sports and relaxation.
Local Accommodations and Dining
Downtown Reno, Nevada, with the Renaissance Hotel on the right. Editorial credit: ZikG / Shutterstock.com
Two sectors of the economy that have benefitted greatly from the presence of the university, as well as the resulting influx of visitors, are lodging and restaurants. Some of the best places to stay in Reno are handily located close to UNR, with favorites including the Whitney Peak Hotel, offering modern amenities and easy access to the university and the downtown core. For a more boutique-style experience, the Jesse Hotel & Bar provides stylish lodgings, a curated selection of local fare… and an excellent bar
Dining options abound within walking distance of the campus. Students and locals alike frequent The Laughing Planet, which boasts two Reno locations and is known for healthy, globally inspired menus. Archie’s Giant Hamburgers & Breakfast, a longtime favorite, has been serving up hearty meals just steps from the university since 1995, while Liberty Food & Wine Exchange offers up-scale seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Final Word
Reno’s identity as Nevada’s best college town is inseparable from the presence of the University of Nevada. Its history, academic excellence, and community impact have shaped the city into a dynamic and welcoming destination for students, residents, and, of course, tourists. Whether you’re a prospective student, a resident, or a curious traveler, its unique blend of academic vitality and cultural richness will ensure it remains a cornerstone of Nevada’s heritage and one of America’s best college towns for decades to come.
