Old Jail

Lake Tahoe


Continuously in use until the 1960s, this 1875 redbrick building is filled with relics from the wild days of yore. George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly was reportedly once held here for shoplifting at a local variety store, and ‘Baby Face’ Nelson and ‘Ma’ Spinelli and her gang did time too.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lake Tahoe attractions

1. Donner Lake

4.19 MILES

West of Truckee, 3-mile-long Donner Lake is a busy recreational hub. The Donner Party camped nearby during the fateful winter of 1846. Donner Summit,…

2. North Tahoe Regional Park

8.26 MILES

North Tahoe Regional Park, at the northern end of National Ave, has hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails, a disc-golf course and nice…

3. Tahoe National Forest

8.55 MILES

This forest can be accessed from Truckee; it features some great hikes leading you around Donner Summit.

6. Granite Chief Wilderness

10.31 MILES

Wonderful trails loop into the wild granite landscape, including a section of the 2659-mile Pacific Crest route. The area is notable for its dramatic…

7. Olympic Museum

10.47 MILES

A fun retro exploration of the 1960 Olympics, featuring a film and much memorabilia. Located at High Camp.

8. Kings Beach State Recreation Area

10.72 MILES

In summer much of the action focuses on Kings Beach State Recreation Area, a 700ft-long beach that often gets deluged with sun-seekers and water rats. You…