Population
Douglas County is the sixth most populated county in Nevada with approximately 48,000 residents and seasonal populations that can exceed 65,000 due to its proximity to Reno, Carson City (state capital) and northern California. Douglas County is governed by a five-member elected Board of Commissioners. The County is comprised of ten functional areas – General Government, Judicial, Public Safety, Public Works, Sanitation, Health, Welfare, Cultural and Recreation, Community Support, and Utilities.
Climate
Douglas County covers an approximate area of 751 square miles and has elevations ranging from a low of 4,625 feet on the valley floor to a high of 9,500 feet at East Peak. The county's proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains creates one of the most comfortable daily temperature ranges in the continental United States. Generally, the climate is arid, with warm summers, moderate winters, and cool evening temperatures year-round.
Business
Major Douglas County employers are leaders in the fields of technology, advanced manufacturing, and research. Several dozen technology entrepreneurs and advanced manufacturers are located in the Carson Valley including Baker Hughes, a GE company, North Sails (makers of the America's Cup sails) and Starbucks Roasting Plant and Distribution Center . With the proximity to Lake Tahoe, tourism plays a major role in employment. Thirty percent of the workforce is employed in the tourism and leisure industry. Larger resorts at Stateline include Harrah's and Harvey's Casinos,Edgewood, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, MontBleu and Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Distinctive Downtowns
Genoa
Genoa is the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada and is nestled perfectly into the spectacular Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mormon Station, the original name of the settlement, was established as a trading post in 1851. Mormon Station was Nevada's first town and its first boomtown, not because of mining, but because of agriculture. Special events are popular in Genoa especially the annual Candy Dance which originated in 1919 to raise funds for town streetlights. Today, the two-day event features concerts, dances, dinners, and of course candy. The largely volunteer-staffed event is a big portion of the town's annual budget.
No visit to Genoa is complete without the exploration of the area's trail system with something for everyone. Serious adventurists can take the Genoa Loop trails that rise in the hills above the town for a serious altitude rush, complete with canyons and waterfalls. Those who want to stroll amid the scenic landscape can choose a trail along the Carson River, or walk out to the historic 1862 David Walley's Hot Springs Resort and Spa on the Walley's Vista Trail. The mineral baths at Walley's are legendary for their healing properties.
Despite its small size, there are delightful dining options such as the newly opened Pink House—originally built in 1855—or the Genoa Station Bar & Grill. The Genoa Lakes Golf Course offers golfers two championship courses to choose from, and if after a day of hikes, history, hot springs, and haute cuisine you need some rest you can cozy up at the White House Bed and Breakfast.
For more information about the town of Genoa visit, www.genoanevada.org.
Minden
Minden is located north of Gardnerville and its historic downtown district features a host of events such as a weekly farmers market, car shows, and in 2018 Bently Heritage Estate Distillery opens to the public. Minden hosts live performances from bands and musicians in Minden Park during the summer months. The town also features popular fairs, arts and crafts, and other community events in its historic downtown district several times a year. The Minden Farmers Market is every Tuesday evening during the summer and draws musicians, artisans and fresh produce. During the winter holidays the town lights up their Gazebo and provides a fun festive family event.
For more information on the Town of Minden visit www.townofminden.com
Gardnerville
Gardnerville, Minden's elder sibling, was founded to serve the agricultural population of Carson Valley. The area, otherwise known as, "Nevada's Garden Spot," is one of the earliest-settled, richest and most productive of the state's agricultural regions. Take a stroll through Main Street Gardnerville and read the plaques posted on various buildings throughout the district for a sense of the historical flavor of the district. (Check out the Visit Carson Valley Historic Walking/Driving Map online http://visitcarsonvalley.org/directory/business/what-to-do/leisure-arts/points-of-interest/ or pick on up at the Visitors Center.) Visit our shops – antiques, gifts, and clothing. Enjoy a great meal – from a full-course Basque dining experience to a gourmet sandwich. You'll find it all on Main Street Gardnerville.
Main Street Gardnerville hosts a variety of events during the year including a wine walk every third Thursday of the month, coffin races, Fall Harvest Scarecrow Festival and more. The town of Gardnerville also hosts Movies in the Park where families and people of all ages can watch some of their favorite flicks in Heritage Park. The town also hosts a holiday celebration with their Christmas Kickoff which includes fireworks.
Whether fishing the waters of Lake Topaz, enjoying the summer wine walks, driving our country roads, enjoying the view of Jobs Peak and century-old barns, or hiking the Pine Nut Mountains in search of wild horses, you'll find plentyof things to enjoy within 30 minutes of Main Street Gardnerville.
For more information on the Town of Gardnerville visit https://www.townofgardnerville.com/.
Both towns participate in the Carson Valley Days Parade (2030 Club) in June and the Parade of Lights (Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce) in December.
Community Centers
The Douglas County Community and Senior Center, in Gardnerville is 83,225 square feet and houses a senior center with a dining room for 300 people. The center also includes a senior day care, health nurse office, preschool, community activity rooms, fitness and workout areas, and gymnasiums. Kahle Park and Community Center is a 19-acre facility located just above the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Kingsbury Grade. The park features a full-service Community Park and indoor Recreation Center with meeting rooms, basketball courts and fitness facility.
Education
Douglas County schools are dedicated to ensuring that all students achieve excellence in education, character and citizenship, in partnership with parents and community. Our schools provide over 6,000 students with a nurturing and rigorous learning environment. Additionally, the K-12 Education Innovation program has been adopted as a priority project by the Douglas County Economic Vitality Team. Douglas County students are successful because employees, parents, and the community work together to provide a quality education.
Public Library
The Douglas County Public Library first opened in 1967 and has grown exponentially in its first 50 years of serving the community. The Library's mission is to provide a wide range of library materials, services, and programs to meet the informational, recreational, and cultural needs of the citizens of Douglas County. The Library's commitment to excellence in library services and its development of available technology in the last decade has placed the organization at the forefront of rural Nevada libraries. There are two libraries (one at Lake Tahoe and one in Minden), and four book returns throughout the county. The Library serves more than 125,000 residents and visitors every year. In addition to 120,000 physical resources and 336,000 downloadable items, some other Library highlights include unique programs, author talks, dedicated volunteers, and a skilled professional staff. With your free library card, you can check out a book, DVD, iPad, magazine, or book bag, and download free music, video, and eBooks.