wilbur d. may center

SaraJane110

We visited this museum because of the "Grossology" exhibit that was visiting. Parts of the exhibit didn't work quite right, but it was still fun. I could see younger children having a blast making farting noises and burps. Just don't smell the feet or armpits! I almost threw up!The normal exhibit was very interesting. Wilbur May certainly was quite the world traveler and hunter. His impressive kills are proudly displayed. I liked how his collections were separated by areas of the world. There's also a very large arboretum next to the Center. I'm sure it would be very pretty once things come into bloom. Great area for a picnic!

dodgersue

This is always on our list to share with people who come to visit us. We also love the special events that happen there and always buy something from the gift shop that has unusual and fun stuff.

TravelFamily2015

The Wilbur D. May Center in the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno is a very cool and interesting museum that is great for kids--there is a scavenger hunt for the kids and interesting artifacts from Wilbur's journeys around the world. Wilbur D. May traveled around the world 40 times, so the museum is filled with tons of cool artifacts and information, from his Double Diamond Ranch official sign to his pilot book, to his own written song, to figurines of different people from around the world. The staff is very nice and the gift shop is great as well--not too much stuff but a good selection. I would recommend this museum to anyone looking for a fun time in Reno (should take 1-2 hours) who wants to learn a little history and interesting information.

kelleyaynne

Small area inside of the larger Ranchos Park (there is an off-leash dog run at the 'top' of the park) with a beautiful garden for wandering during hot months or admiring the flowers during the blooming season. The visitors center has some questionable and phenomenal exhibits. If you happen upon an open exhibit pay the entrance fee and go for it: you never know what you'll learn.

rocor335

Very interesting museum. May was a Zelig-like character who was in many important chapters in American history. He was quite the colorful adventurer. There's a very large, meandering arboretum along side if you have the time. Highest recommendation

JanetT801

This museum was one of the nicest I have visited. The exhibits were well presented and the grounds were impeccable. A creative staff clearly thought out how Mr. May's collections could be shared with the public. They also host weddings and other events on this lovely property which also houses an indoor garden. A nice destination for travelers.

britnie57

There are really unique displays. We love the giant dinosaurs. There are also things for kids to touch and do.

Michcat17

This place has been around for a while and always holds neat exhibits. One side is based on Wilbur D. May and the other side has exhibits like..snakes, king tut, dinosaurs and more. Keep an eye out, very cool.

hagar2935

Good quality of exhibits and very informative. good for the whole family. Especially interesting displays about Nevada's history and wildlife.

BrendaG484

This museum is located within Rancho San Rafael Park. There is no fee to enter the park but there is a small fee to see the museum. Their natural history exhibits are a bit small but very detailed and thorough about the natural wildlife and history of Reno area, and extending into northern Nevada areas as well. The museum has a room with changing exhibits too-- check their website to see what is on display! When we were there, it was a display of over 40 paintings/pottery of Native American artwork. Absolutely beautiful paintings in that display. The museum has a gift shop and we bought several trinkets and gifts for friends at home (our dog-sitters!) The museum also has a room with several fish ponds of Koi, with brochures about renting their space for parties, weddings, etc. And in the back I noticed a few rooms for food service/dining. Outside the museum is a labyrinth I wished I could have spent more time at in meditation. The surrounding gardens are absolutely beautiful!

loverainsky

I'm sorry that you were disturbed by the hunting information! It's a controversial topic to try to present to a museum audience. All 200 specimens in our collection are at least 50 years old. Wilbur began big game hunting in the 1930s - the golden era for safaris and a time when conservation wasn't of much concern. Later big game hunters tried to defend the practice by making a connection between hunting, conservation, and helping tribal groups. Our signs do reflect that change, but we in no way promote big game hunting in the modern era, nor the hunting of endangered species. Perhaps our signs could better reflect that position.As an aside -- I do keep a close eye on the conservation status of the animals in our collection. We have three animals that are listed as critically endangered (Hunter's Hartebeest, Tora Hartebeest, and the Black Rhino) and three that are listed as endangered (Cape Hunting Dog, Bengal Tiger, and the Indian Water Buffalo). I hope you were able to enjoy other aspects of the museum collection and thank you for your visit!

648dennisj

Go here and enjoy 13 acres of beauty and awe. This is one of the nicest places in the Reno area to go and enjoy an hour or a day. Take lunch and go enjoy yourself for a few hours.

winnemuccanevada

The Wilbur D May Museum islike walking into someones home inKenya or somewhere fantastic he has been. His hunting trophys are all over the main museum and the story of his life the things he collected, the guns he used, all seem to be placed in the rooms with care and understanding of a project that he wanted to share with the world. THe other side of the museum usually has interesting and unique tings going on all the time. Keep the kids busy when the Dinosaur exhibit comes to the museum, of the live snake show or the wolf show. These are well thought out activities for kids to learn about their history, the lives of animals, and the history of the past. The Arboretium is fantastic int eh spring and summer. It is beautiful always but to walk through and see so many types of flowers, shrubs and trees is amazing lke you ar ein a rein forest. Don't forget to stop by the outside Dinosaur exhibit take a picture of the kids on their favorite Dinosaur. Let them play in the play ground. It is a great place to visit and share.

HarveyL209

The Wilbur D. May Center is always a required visit when the grandkids come to stay. There are great exhibits that change and experiences to try. The permanent exhibit donated from the May Family is incredible. Come, see, experience, enjoyl.

rzman

Wilbur May was a renown entrepreneur in Reno, NV. This museum incorporates items he collected and shot on his world adventures. The museum usually has a great kid's interactive science exhibit during the spring months.