You don’t have to travel far to learn about the natural history of Tahoe City.

Just head to the “Y” and follow these quick tours, provided by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.

Don’t forget to get a taste of our local culture at The Bridgetender. Get the cross-cut fries.

The Statue of Three Mackinaw Trout
At the “Y” in Tahoe City

A small footpath winds around the statue of three Mackinaw trout allowing you to view this amazing sculpture from all angles. The sculpture was created by John Betts (now an America’s Cup yacht builder) and depicts the healthy and vibrant life in Tahoe City.

Tahoe City Dam and Fanny Bridge

Local legend has it that the bridge received its name from all of the fannies that can be seen from the road as visitors and local alike stare over the edge into the cool waters spilling through the dam on Lake Tahoe filled with wild Mackinaw, German Browns, and Rainbow trout cruising for fish food dropped by their human friends. Located over the only outlet of Lake Tahoe, Fanny Bridge is a must-see historical spot. And just for fun, count the fannies as you walk across the bridge.

James Edward Church Historical Marker

Across the street from the Tahoe City Dam and Fanny Bridge, you will find a historical marker commemorating James Edward Church. In 1909 he was the first to demonstrate techniques at this very spot for measuring water content in snow in order to predict the water flow after the snow melts. Look to the right and you will see the headwaters of the famous Truckee River that runs from the dam at Tahoe City to Pyramid Lake in Nevada.

Gatekeepers Cabin & Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum

Located next to Fanny Bridge, the Gatekeeper’s Museum is a reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper’s Cabin – home of the water master who controlled the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe. It now showcases Tahoe history, from its Native inhabitants, the Washoe, through the logging era and the establishment of the tourism industry at Lake Tahoe. Exhibits include Native American baskets, resort memorabilia, historical photographs, clothing, oral histories, maps, archival documents, newspapers and artifacts.

Open weekends year-round, and daily throughout the summer
West Lake Blvd at Fanny Bridge, Tahoe City
(530) 583-1762

Featured image: Fanny Bridge by Lainie Vreeland, North Tahoe Artist