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Gatekeeper's Museum: A Portal to Tahoe's Past

Discover Lake Tahoe's heritage at the Gatekeeper's Museum, a window into the region's captivating past and Native American culture.

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The Gatekeeper's Museum in Tahoe City is a reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper's Cabin, housing a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Lake Tahoe's history, from its Native American roots to the logging era and the rise of tourism.

A brief summary to Gatekeeper's Museum

  • Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the museum's grounds, which connect to a large park area with beautiful Lake Tahoe shoreline.
  • Don't miss the Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum, home to an impressive collection of Native American baskets.
  • Check out the nearby Tahoe Dam and bridge for a scenic view and a glimpse into the area's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Tahoe City Transit Center, walk south along CA-89/W Lake Blvd. The museum will be on your left, a short walk across the Fanny Bridge. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit) buses serve Tahoe City and the Gatekeeper's Museum. Check the TART schedule for the most up-to-date routes and times. A single ride fare is typically around $2-$4.

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Discover more about Gatekeeper's Museum

Step back in time at the Gatekeeper's Museum, a charming repository of Lake Tahoe's rich history. Rebuilt on the site of the original Gatekeeper's Cabin, which was tragically lost to arson in the early 1980s, the museum offers a glimpse into the life of the Watermaster who once controlled the flow of water from Lake Tahoe. The museum's exhibits showcase a diverse collection of artifacts, including Native American baskets, resort memorabilia, historical photographs, clothing, and documents. Highlights include the 1916 Lake Tahoe Photographic Shore Line Survey Exhibit, displays on Lake Tahoe Resorts & Clothing, and exhibits detailing Washoe history. The museum also features the Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum, added in 1992, which houses a world-class collection of over 800 baskets from 85 tribes. Visitors can explore the reconstructed Gatekeeper's Cabin, meticulously recreated to mirror the original, and learn about the families who lived there until 1968. The museum also delves into the logging and mining eras, the establishment of tourism, and the story of the 1960 Winter Olympics held at Squaw Valley.

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