This museum is a hidden gem. They're constantly bringing new and exciting exhibitions to our community, specifically those that are geared towards our elementary aged kiddos, which I sincerely appreciate. Most recently we visited Toytopia. This exhibit offers the chance to explore a hands-on history of toys from the past and into the future. My kids loved the oversized robotic claw, reminiscent of an amped up arcade machine. It was a blast trying to get the individually articulating fingers to close around the ball in order to lift it into the basket for the big reward. We also enjoyed the oversized battleship game. So fun to play and we spent 20-30 min there. Mr Potato Head was old school fun too. We made a competition out of it to see who could make the wackiest example. I think I won... or maybe my kids let me win. But the favorite had to be the mini arcade they had setup with some of the best old school cabinets. Donkey Kong, DK Jr., Dig Dug and so many more are all here as part of the exhibit and you could spend a long time here without realizing it! Oh and there's even a Zoltar fortune teller too! When you're done at toytopia you can go learn the history of Wilbur D May on the other side of the museum. I personally love exploring the artifacts and treasures he collected from his travels, especially the hunting and fishing trophies! All in all, a great little place to spend a read more

Wonderful experience for my family. Roaming around the gardens and taking a tour of the museum. Plenty of places for a picnic on the grounds. Just understand that May was a "big game" hunter when that was not frowned upon as it is now. Many of his "trophies" are found throughout the museum. read more

Wilbur D May Center - One of May's trophy rooms - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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If you haven't visited the wonderful Wilbur D May Museum in San Rafael Park lately, then I think you should check it out. I was invited as a guest to the Sierra Watercolor Society Art show and Christmas Party. As you walk through the doors a beautiful gift shop is on the right. Say hello to the Christmas Yetty. In the front of the gift shop is a beautiful gallery that the Sierra Watercolor Society Juried show was held. Julie A read more

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Delightful small museum about Wilber and the May Co. Family. Do not go there just for an event in either of the "rentable" rooms without visiting the exhibit if open. They also have a delightful gift shop, especially for kids art and science books and kits. Many lovely gifts and jewelry are available too. I love this gift shop for quality shopping. read more

We love the Wilbur May Center! They have a fun scavenger hunt you can do in the museum with lots of neat and unusual items like a shrunken head and taxidermy animals to look at even huge polar bear! Their gift shop is also a great place to buy unique gifts. I picked up a "shine a light" book from there and my kids love it. There's often an art show being displayed. Sierra Watercolor Society's show was just last month and full of local talented artists work. They also have great interactive kids events there like the Dino Exhibit and Dragon Lights. So check their calendar/fb page first details on events. The employees are kind and helpful too! read more

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but start to finish, my experience was wonderful! Plentiful parking, extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff, the collection was incredibly diverse and we absolutely loved the scavenger hunt! So much so, that once we finished the "easy" one, we opted for the "super challenging" one. We were there for just under 2 hours and the scavenger hunt really helped to give context and focus on the pieces. It wasn't very crowded so we were really able to enjoy it to its fullest. 10 out of 10! Strongly recommend! read more

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Always free the weekend of the great balloon race. I love the art work they put up during this time! There's clean restrooms and Wilbur's old time rooms are nice as well as the stuff animals for the kiddos :) read more

Love this little museum and the connecting arboretum. Fascinating history of Wilber May and his old ranch (the museum) and all of his accomplishments and collections from his travels. read more

Ace Ventura would probably have a panic attack if he came to this museum. Lots of dead animals! Still, a museum like only Reno can provide. It's not very large, but not expensive either. Staff are also friendly. I've never gone to Reno and visited a museum, but the wife wanted to, so we did it. Overall, it was pretty nice. read more

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We are lucky enough to live within walking distance of Rancho San Rafael Park and, hence, the Wilbur D May Center! We check in often about what exhibits are currently featured here, so my 5-year-old was stoked to learn that the current offering is about candy. Score! The exhibit itself was fun, informational, and very nostalgic. There were just a couple things that weren't working or maybe needed to be manned by a staff member... but either way, we really enjoyed the parts that we could interact with! It definitely kept our daughter entertained and us old farts were happy to discuss all the candies that we grew up with. While part of the building houses an ever-rotating exhibit (Adult Recess 5 years aho was amazing!), the other half of the center is a museum about the world and Wilbur D May himself. Though there is so much to look at and learn about here, my daughter was most interested in the scavenger hunt that is available at the front desk! She even got a tiny little prize at the end for completing it. Overall, this spot is small but a fun way to spend an hour or two while having a day at the park. Don't forget to stop at the gift shop to check out all the fun stuff and, if you go during their Sweets exhibit, tasty old school candy! read more

I love local small museums. Been to many in different towns. This one is one of the nicest I've been to. Went in knowing nothing about Wilbur May, and we came out after learning about his life and visions, throughly impressed. The building is beautiful, the exhibits are well curated and organized, and the staff are very nice. It's right by the beautiful Arboretum (which is worth going too!) in the Rancho San Rafael Park, the best park in Reno. There was a small art exhibit by the local art group going on, which we also enjoyed. The rental area of the building is worth taking a look too (ask staff if it's OK). Don't miss the humongous fiddle leaf ficus tree in the corner. Incredible. Re: COVID precautions: we went early in the morning and there were no one else in the museum, so we felt pretty safe. Not sure how they are managing the admissions though. read more

Wilbur D May Center - Hard to show the scale, but it's reaching the second level skylight. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Great museum! lots to look at and read about. Wilbur D May was a northern Nevadan who circled the globe 40 times as a traveler, hunter, scholar. He believed that if more people traveled to foreign places, people would see that they have more in common with foreigners than they think, and that the world would be a better place. There are two sections to the museum, the collection side, and also a section that can be rented out for events, that occasionally has temporary exhibits. Pricing for the museum is currently $6 adults, $4 kids/seniors. A fantastic price for a local museum. Expect to spend about 1.5 hrs in the museum. There are scavenger hunts of varying levels to kids/adults. I like this, because it engages the visitor to look deeper into the collection than just a quick walk by. read more

Wilbur D May Center - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

I haven't been to the museum in years! I used to come all the time as a kid with my school for field trips and got to experience a lot of different exhibits. It was so fun to be back today and to have the chance to take my daughter. Today's exhibit was dinosaurs and we had a great time! We had a large group of moms and kids and there wasn't a lot of organization getting us all checked in to get the group discount so there was some miscommunication between the staff and having to fix how they were charging us. But, they got us in quickly and gave us stamp books for the kiddos which was pretty cool. There was a lot for kids to do including coloring, buttons to push to activate the dinosaurs, "bone digging", and more! They had a great little station where kids could color a dinosaur and put it in a machine for it to "come to life" on a screen! The staff were great about keeping the areas clean/set up for others to enjoy as each group went through. I honestly forgot about the other half of the museum and wandered into it today and unfortunately I couldn't stay too long as my daughter was over it at that point, but I would love to come back again and learn more about Wilbur D May now that I am older and actually have interest haha! I also plan to come back for future exhibits to take my daughter to because she seemed to really enjoy it! Overall it's a great spot to take the family to learn and explore! read more

We finally decided to check out this museum. Prices to get in was very reasonable. The young man that worked the counter was very nice. This museum isn't very big but packed with stuff to see. We were there during the dinosaur exhibit which was fun. Watching the kids there with their parents experiencing it put a smile on my face. We really enjoyed the whole history about Wilbur May and experiencing a bit of his life. The video room detailing some of his life was great to watch before walking around. He was a big part of beginnings of the Reno area. As we were leaving we checked out the small gift shop. We asked the front desk gentlemen a question regarding something we saw in the museum, which he could not answer but said he would get someone who would. Wes was pleasant and very knowledgeable. He spent at least 15 minutes speaking to me and my family. He rocks! We highly recommend checking this museum out! read more

This place was magical as a child, so obviously while visiting my hometown I stopped by. My friends and I did the scavenger hunt and talked to a super cool employee about dungeons and dragons. After, we got some cute things at the gift shop and headed out to the gardens which were BEAUTIFUL. I took so many photos. There WAS this angry man in part of the garden who yelled at us for being in the same part of the garden as he was in a public place? We were just going to take a photo and leave, but he yelled about how I'm too cool to know I'm doing anything wrong, and I don't know how to wait my turn Nd he stormed off. So if you see a lone man with his shoes off, just go back to that spot once he's gone lol. Cant wait to visit again! read more

Wilbur D May Center - I think this is a leek - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Its a museum and gift shop. The museum show changes every 3 months or so. Right now they are featuring DRAGONS. Gift shop is filled with all kinds of stuffed dragons, toys and other gifts. Very friendly young ladies working at the front. Lots of parking. read more

Wilbur D May Center - Dragons!! - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

One of the employees yelled at my special needs son and made him cry. When I tried to discuss it with him he said he wasn't going to talk about it and walked away. He would not identify himself. Updated from 1 to 3 stars. The manager came and apologized for his behavior and gave me a free pass read more

They always have great exhibits for the little ones to enjoy and the museum that is open year round is also very cool. Wilbur D May Center is also located within the beautiful Rancho San Rafael park that offers many trails, play areas, and beautiful gardens. Great place to visit when in Reno! read more

Wilbur D May Center - Dinosaur exhibit - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

I have been here many times over the years. It often has wonderful and educational displays. We came here for a wedding recently and before heading inside Wilbur D. May Center we looked around outside. Nope, no wedding. So we went up to the Door of the Center. Yep, Wedding was inside. I was really surprised that the wedding was inside the Wilbur D. May Center. I didn't know you could rent it out for special events. Did you? They had the wedding in the main area. Then the catered food was like in the hallway area towards the back room area. It was a little confusing as everyone had to leave the wedding area while the chairs were moved and tables were brought in. I must say it did go quickly. It was a lovely wedding and nice reception complete with dancing. It really is a lovely spot to get married in. read more

Wilbur D May Center - Wedding decorations - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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We just held our wedding at Wilbur D May. The venue is beautiful and the staff is very accommodating. Even with minor roadbumps, everything went off without a hitch thanks to their help. I always felt confident with their quick responses and clear communication through the process of booking the space. read more

What a hidden gem this museum is! I found it on a Reno travel video on YouTube. I am so glad we went here on on our recent trip. The museum is located in Ranch San Rafael Park in the university area, just next to the arboretum. It was inexpensive, under 6.00 per person and has a colorful gift shop full of imports from around the world. The museum houses rancher and Nevadan, Wilbur May's incredible collection of cultural artifacts from his forty trips around the globe. May was a success in many different areas from ranching to aviation to art. Whatever field he pursued, he excelled in it. He also gave back to the local community throughout his life. I will come back to this museum in the future. There is a ton to see in a relatively small space. Check it out!! read more

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Toytopia was an exhibit at the Wilbur D May Center. It ended a few days ago and we barely made it in before the last days. It was three rooms - 1 large one and 2 smaller. The type of exhibits and variations amongst them were cool. There was everything from classic arcade games (and info about their contributions to gaming) to a giant dollhouse. My wife and I had a great trip down memory lane while she jumped on a giant piano keyboard and I got my fortune from Zoltar. When we finished with the Toytopia exhibits, we went to the other side of the museum and checked out the Wilbur May permanent exhibit. It was a stark contrast to the Toy exhibit side with mounted wildlife, fish and shrunken heads. We watched a video about his life and influence in the Northern Nevada area and then perused the exhibits. For $9 each for the entry fee it was a nice way to spend a few hours. read more

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We've visited Wilbur D May Center several times over the years, often on homeschool field trips (like today's visit). We always have a wonderful time. Today we experienced the Lost World of Dragons. The exhibit includes larger-than-life animatronic dragons, educational displays, stop-motion picture and other interactive stations. No matter what special exhibit they're having, you can always check out the permanent displays that were collected by Wilbur D May on his various adventures to several countries in the early to mid 1900's. These displays include exotic collectibles from different countries along with a big variety of weapons and taxidermy animals. You won't want to miss the koi ponds either. These are actually as you go in the special exhibit side. The museum is well-organized and well-run. Their gift shop always has a great variety, too. If you haven't been or it's been awhile, be sure to check it out. read more

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In addition to the gorgeous arboretum and gardens, the historic Ranch House venue for weddings & receptions, the Wilbur D May Center is a family favorite for events like the Pumpkin Walk in the Fall, hosts unique events like the entomophagy event and Grossology! and the reason for our most recent visit...Toys! I took the kiddos to check out Toytopia, a larger than life tribute to childhood dreams and kids + mom alike found our favorite playthings! The exhibit featured the history of toys from Teddy Roosevelt's bears to 80's video games to Lego blocks. For a small entrance fee, I gladly open my wallet to support Washoe County park services while playing indoors with my kids on a chilly winter day! The exhibits change seasonally, the grounds are like an indoor botanical garden and feature a lovely koi pond, and the volunteer docents are always helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Picnics and Frisbee in the warm months and fall color, pumpkins and indoor exploring in the cooler months make this mama happy and intrigued at the unique offerings at Wilbur D May Center! read more

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We took our grandchildren to the Dinosaur exhibit...definitely worth it. There was so much information and interactive activities for kids and adults alike. We finished with walking thru the Wilbur D. May museum... it had been years since I'd been in there and we all enjoyed it so much! read more

Gentry Privileged man MUSEUM of a time gone by: A really enjoyable experience--even though it has many things that I do not particularly care for nor like: big game hunting, huge elephant tusks and old guns-- It is an extremely well thought out exhibit of a thankfully long-gone era for gentry he-men travelers along the lines of Teddy Roosevelt. It also has many very good and interesting cultural items from South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe to balance out the killing and stuffing of animals for "sport". I found the museum to be very well-organized with great thought given, well set out and wanderably small, very informatively labeled--nicely categorized... Enjoyable for, at most, a 90-min. visit (that includes checking out the peaceful Arboretum that has a couple of fountains for song birds...with places to sit and think. The rose garden needs severe tending though. The Arboretum entry is located directly to the left of the museum with free-entry... ATTN: Arboretum IS NOT further to the left, through two metal cattle gates and down the dirt road--if you are walking on a downward incline-- you have gone the WRONG way (I did). It was a wander that wasted time I had the ability to waste--so no problem read more

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I came here on a field trip with my son's 4th grade class. I had a great time exploring the exhibits with my son and a few of his friends. I will have to come back when I'm not going to have to keep track of a group of kids and can take my time looking at everything a little more. read more

Wilbur D May Center - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Reno, Nevada

"The Wilbur D. May Museum is hosting an event where an anthropologist is serving insects eaten in Southeast Asia. Wanna do something unusual for Food Finds?" So said the email from my editor and far be it from me to not take up the challenge. My wife politely declined to join in on the bug eatin', but my elder son eagerly agreed to tag along. He's kind of odd that way. Seating for the "Bug Buffet" was sold out ($25 for the lecture and tasting) with ages ranging from young kids to retirees. Consumption of insects as a sustainable source of nutrition (entomophagy) has begun to creep into the consciousness of Western cultures. Indeed, 80% of world cultures include any of 2,000 edible insect species in their diet. UNR cultural anthropologist Dr. Michelle Roberts was our guide to the world of edible insects. During her travels to Southeast Asia and Africa she has encountered an amazing variety of insect-based foods with a range of culinary sophistication. We were warned insects may pose a risk to people with shellfish allergies, not a surprise since crustaceans and mollusks are just bugs with a better reputation. So many cultures include arthropods as part of their staple diet, there must be something more than protein, minerals, and amino acids to gain. Humans don't just eat to live, they love to eat things that taste good. Our menu included crickets, bamboo worm pupae, black ant eggs, silkworm and grasshopper kebabs, chocolate-covered superworms, white chocolate ant wafers, and grain moth larvae poop tea. The lecture generated visions of stir-fried mealworms, lake fly burgers, and ant eggs prepared like lentils with mint and cilantro. What we were served were completely desiccated creatures with very little flavor to speak of. So much for bracing myself to down ooey, gooey cooties. The small crickets and silkworms were slightly nutty with texture akin to snack foods found in a supermarket. If seasoned akin to the crackers and chips Americans love--though with much higher nutritional value--I'd definitely be tempted to buy a bag. The bamboo worms were about an inch long, reminiscent of plain puffed rice in both flavor and texture. The black ant eggs were served on butter crackers, with or without cream cheese. They looked like spent coffee grounds sprinkled on top, but all I tasted was cheese and cracker. Similarly, the only thing I could taste in the chocolate-covered items was ... chocolate. It's apparently true that anything can be made edible if coated in cocoa. The only items that gave me pause were the dried grasshopper and "grain moth poop tea". At first I thought the beverage tasted and smelled faintly of wood, that is until my son noted I was probably tasting the paper cup. On further sips I had to agree: the tea tasted like hot water and really nothing else. Why bother? More worrisome was staring down the big black eyes of a really large grasshopper. I braced myself to crunch it down and, yes, it took quite a while to chew it all up. I didn't want to risk getting a leg or other extremity stuck in my teeth, but my concern was unfounded. Ultimately, the flavor and texture was that of dried leaves, as if I'd scooped up a bunch of Autumn for a snack. Not revolting, but certainly nothing I want to do again. I enjoyed the lecture far more than the "buffet", especially the stats on how feeding livestock bug meal instead of corn/grain/bonemeal dramatically improves the meat's nutrition while reducing water usage and the other costs of growing feed. You don't have to directly eat the bugs to gain benefit from them. However, with visions of gustatory gusto in my head I guess I'll have to travel elsewhere if I'm going to taste some really well-prepared bugs. read more

This is a nice small museum that has both permanent exhibits as well as traveling exhibits. When we visited, King Tut exhibit was the traveling exhibit. The permanent exhibit chronicles May's life, who was of the May Department Store, and also gave to many charities in the Reno Area. He enjoyed traveling worldwide and there are exhibits in the museum from various parts of the world. The museum takes about 60 to 90 minutes to visit. There is also an interactive center for children's activities. There is a small admission charge. There is also a museum store. It is located in the Rancho San Miguel Park - just north of the downtown casino area and close by to the university. read more

I was surprised at how beautifully done this museum is! It incorporates rooms of the old ranch house with modern displays in such a cool way. The collection of weapons from nearly every continent and culture was impressive. There was so much to see, we'll definitely be going back! read more

What a gem! So glad we decided to stop by. We had a great time browsing the substantial collection of unique and rare artifacts from all over the world and spanning different centuries. The facility is well maintained and the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. Both of our boys (even the teen!) enjoyed locating the items on the scavenger hunt provided at the front desk. Plan to spend an hour or two and learn a few things about many different cultures from around the globe. read more

Gross! Disgusting! Fun? Good way to spend a snowy day Exploring Grossology! We learned a lot about zits, blisters, scabs and much more.

Very nice museum located at the best kept secret in Reno - the arboretum.

The permanent display is really cool! There is a ton of taxidermy and relics from different countries! The garden room is really cool. The gift shop is nice and big! And the kids area is fun! Some of the traveling exhibits are not that cool. But overall we love this place! A great way to spend an afternoon! With the gardens out back and the playground it's a great place to take the kids!!! read more

Thoroughly enjoyed this small, intimate Museum. Lots of cool things to ooh and awe over. Beautiful, old-style animal dioramas that are excellently maintained and a pleasure to see as well as imparting fun, educational facts. A really excellent little museum. read more