Tallac Historic Site

A century ago, what is now the Tallac Historic Site held the title of "Grandest Resort in the World" and was the summer retreat for three of the San Francisco Bay Area's socially elite families. Today, the remains of the resort and the restored estates attract thousands of visitors annually to recapture this bygone and significant era in Tahoe's history. Adjacent to Lake Tahoe, Kiva Picnic Area and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, the Tallac Historic Site is operated in partnership with Great Basin Institute.

The Tallac Historic Site is located approximately three miles northwest of the City of South Lake Tahoe on the lake side of Highway 89. The entrance is on Heritage Way across from Fallen Leaf Lake Road. The site offers something for everyone, and many paths and most buildings are accessible. The Tallac site is open Memorial Day weekend through September. Though the buildings are closed during the winter, the grounds remain open year-round, and the site serves as a popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination. Please note: Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted.

The Great Basin Institute (GBI) is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and conservation throughout the West. Founded in 1998 at the University of Nevada, GBI’s mission is to advance applied research and ecological literacy through community engagement and agency partnerships to support national parks, national forests, open spaces and public lands. The Great Basin Institute has served as the interpretative association for Taylor Creek Visitor Center since 2018. In 2022, GBI will also serve the Tallac Historic Site, a close neighbor to the visitor center.

During the summer, you may join a Tallac Site interpreter for heritage programs, guided walks, building tours, demonstrations, behind the scenes peeks, and more. A changing schedule of activities with times, places, and a detailed description is available onsite at the Baldwin Museum. 

Volunteering at the Tallac Site

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at the Tallac Historic Site? There are many ways to help. Some volunteers take part in the continued preservation, restoration, and maintenance of structures, grounds, artifacts and machinery. Others prefer providing tours and assisting in a variety of museum related activities including staffing or behind the scenes projects. We have opportunities for local residents as well as those able to travel with their own RV. Volunteers can sign-up through the Great Basin Insitute. For more information about our volunteer program, please email GBI.

At a Glance