Title: Wilbur D. May Center in West University - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

[Wilbur D. May Center Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Wilbur-D-May-Center-Hotels.0-l6064351-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Wilbur D. May Center Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Wilbur-D-May-Center.d6064351.Car-Rental-Guide)[West University Vacations](https://expedia.ca/West-University.d553248635976473393.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Wilbur D. May Center Tours and Activities

![Wilbur D. May Center featuring dangerous animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6064351/7861e02f-773c-4345-94bc-2c934018e3fd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Wilbur D. May Center featuring dangerous animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6064351/7861e02f-773c-4345-94bc-2c934018e3fd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Wilbur D. May Center which includes land animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6064351/f9d89add-2441-4aac-a618-4ff33f8c7d57.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Wilbur D. May Center showing dangerous animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6064351/febc69ca-23fe-45bd-af37-133d7123331e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Wilbur D. May Center featuring interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6064351/099dfbef-1205-4672-8c7b-382abe024905.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Wilbur D. May Center

Activities

---

---

#### Take the whole family on a day of discovery at this museum and botanical garden, where curious artifacts from around the globe bring faraway cultures to life.

The Wilbur D. May Center consists of two parts: the Wilbur D. May Museum and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Together they honor the legacy of Wilbur D. May who, through his world travels and adventures, collected thousands of rare and exotic artifacts and brought them back to his home in Reno. Bring the whole family to have fun and learn at this center of intrigue and discovery.

Peruse the weird and wonderful displays in the museum and learn about different cultures from around the world. The unique ethnographic collection includes everything from Japanese swords to artifacts from Egyptian tombs. See African tribal masks, Polynesian carvings, Chinese pottery and European glasswork. Venture into the trophy room of exotic taxidermy, numbering well over 200 pieces.

Travel the world and follow the route the eccentric millionaire took as he traded with locals for art, crafts, weapons and curios. See giant elephant tusks, snuff bottles and even shrunken human heads.

From the museum, head into the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which stands as a 13-acre (5-hectare) living plant museum. Reno is located between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin Desert and has a very small amount of rainfall. These conditions mean it is difficult for most plants to thrive here. Wander the gardens and discover the hardiest of plants, the only ones that can withstand these extremes. About 4,000 native and non-native plants grow here. Visit the Rock Garden, the Songbird Garden or the Rose Garden or head to the Evans Creek Wetland Area.

The wetlands here are among the only ones in Reno. Stand quietly on the bridge over the creek and look for the 57 different species of birds fluttering through the black willows and cottonwoods.

The Wilbur D. May Center is located inside the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. Enter the regional park for free the museum has an admission fee. Both the museum and the botanical gardens are open during regular park hours. There is a lot next to the center where you can park for free.

## Plan a trip to see Wilbur D. May Center

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Nugget Casino Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/40400/40318/cfc7d96b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Nugget Casino Resort

CA $857

per person

Apr 30 - May 3

found 12 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Reno (RNO)

8/10 Very Good! (6,364 reviews)

Room needs modernising. Great views from Casino Tower. No free tea/coffe Good sized pool and gym.

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

![Circus Circus Reno – A Caesars Rewards Destination](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/28600/28594/1ec15008_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Circus Circus Reno – A Caesars Rewards Destination

Downtown Reno

CA $967

per person

Apr 30 - May 3

found 12 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Reno (RNO)

7.4/10 Good! (7,072 reviews)

Clean rooms at the best price

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

![NEW Mountain View Retreat w Swim Spa Mini Golf](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/118000000/117450000/117443500/117443498/w2998h1997x2y3-64bec3ed_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### NEW Mountain View Retreat w Swim Spa Mini Golf

CA $2,585

per person

Mar 13 - Mar 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Reno (RNO)

No reviews

### Popular places to visit

![Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center featuring autumn leaves and modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065105/c4a9a365-4eff-44e7-afba-9f197184ee14.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

Stargazers and science buffs will have all their questions answered in this landmark 1960s-designed planetarium.

[](https://expedia.ca/Fleischmann-Planetarium-And-Science-Center-West-University.d6065105.Vacation-Attraction)

![Nevada Historical Society showing a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065159/3a51eab1-f770-4be2-bdee-efc46ba1ec22.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Nevada Historical Society

From fossils to early slot machines, 10,000 years of Nevada history comes to life in this vast collection of artifacts, manuscripts, photographs and film.

[](https://expedia.ca/Nevada-Historical-Society-West-University.d6065159.Vacation-Attraction)

![Rancho San Rafael Park showing a park and autumn leaves](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065169/9fc495fc-a599-46b5-a525-c358c0e5b3ab.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Rancho San Rafael Park

Take a break in Reno’s favorite park where wide open fields, formal gardens and hiking trails await.

[](https://expedia.ca/Rancho-San-Rafael-Park-West-University.d6065169.Vacation-Attraction)

![About the Harold's Club Mural. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065175/8a0cd1c5-3bde-449e-9fd6-43e62a073b0e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Reno Livestock Events Center

Reno Livestock Events Center is just one of the places to see in Reno, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Livestock-Events-Center-Northeast-Reno.d6065175.Vacation-Attraction)

![Reno, Nevada's skyline is seen from above, featuring the silver dome of the National Bowling Stadium and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327167/9fa9a4bd-de63-4e01-8062-7715c7dfe412.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Reno Events Center

Reno Events Center is just one of the places to see in Reno, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Events-Center-Downtown-Reno.d6327167.Vacation-Attraction)

![National Bowling Stadium showing interior views and a sporting event](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065157/df0b8721-ea54-4c9f-829f-43d11659ef8f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Bowling Stadium

This one-of-a-kind landmark building is dedicated to Reno’s favorite pastime and a quintessential American sport.

[](https://expedia.ca/National-Bowling-Stadium-Downtown-Reno.d6065157.Vacation-Attraction)

---

## Best Lodging Options Near Wilbur D. May Center

## Check availability on hotels close to Wilbur D. May Center

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[Feb 9 - Feb 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)[Feb 10 - Feb 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 20 - Feb 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6064351&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)

![Circus Circus Reno – A Caesars Rewards Destination](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/28600/28594/1ec15008_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Circus Circus Reno – A Caesars Rewards Destination

500 N Sierra St Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-Circus-Circus-Hotel-Casino-Reno-At-THE-ROW.h28594.Hotel-Information)

![Silver Legacy Reno- A Caesars Rewards Destination](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/5000/4973/44dc1199_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Silver Legacy Reno- A Caesars Rewards Destination

407 N. Virginia Street Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-Silver-Legacy-Resort-Casino-At-THE-ROW.h4973.Hotel-Information)

![J Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/19000/18990/d47104da_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

J Resort

345 N Arlington Ave Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-J-Resort.h18990.Hotel-Information)

![Murphys House House !!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36690000/36689100/36689036/fdf38a4a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Murphys House House !!

 Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-Murphys-House-House.h36689036.Hotel-Information)

![Comfy home,HOT TUB near UNR, Rafael Park,Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78410000/78400100/78400098/cbed5c23_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Comfy home,HOT TUB near UNR, Rafael Park,Downtown

 Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-Comfy-Home.h78400098.Hotel-Information)

![Grand Sierra Resort and Casino](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16500/16487/46557450_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

2500 E 2nd St Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-Grand-Sierra-Resort-And-Casino.h16487.Hotel-Information)

![Spacious home w/ HOT TUB near UNR, San Rafael Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78350000/78346400/78346358/0c2028fc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Spacious home w/ HOT TUB near UNR, San Rafael Park

 Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-Spacious-Home-W-HOT-TUB-Near-UNR.h78346358.Hotel-Information)

![A Modern Minimalist's Dream- near DT, UNR & FWY](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78910000/78904900/78904889/42615091_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

A Modern Minimalist's Dream- near DT, UNR & FWY

 Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-A-Modern-Minimalists-Dream-Near-DT.h78904889.Hotel-Information)

![Peppermill Resort Spa Casino](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1920000/1915400/1915301/3b9bb6b8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

2707 S. Virginia Street Reno NV

[](https://expedia.ca/Reno-Hotels-Peppermill-Resort-Spa-Casino.h1915301.Hotel-Information)

[See all 874 properties in Wilbur D. May Center](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6064351)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.