THINGS TO DO
GUIDED TOURS
Docent guided tours of the Pope and Baldwin Estates are available seasonally from May through October. Pope House tours begin during Memoral Day weekend and extend after Labor Day. All ticket proceeds support the continued preservation and operation of the estates for public enjoyment.
Step into history with a guided tour of the Pope House! This tour dives into the fascinating story behind the estate and its former owners. Visitors tour through the entirety of the house and detached kitchen, showcasing the elegant architecture and luxurious furnishings of the early 20th century.
Led by knowledgeable volunteer docents, this tour uncovers the history behind the opulence, the tales from Lake Tahoe’s early development, and the oral legends of the Tallac Historic Site. The tour is approximately 1 hour long, and is offered two times per day (THURS-SUN).
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and construction methods, the Pope House is truly one of a kind.
The Grand Estates Tour at the Tallac Historic Site is a journey through the past, delivering an appreciation for the enduring legacy of Lake Tahoe’s golden age. The tour takes visitors on an excursion amongst the lesser-known structures at the Baldwin & Pope Estates, offering a glimpse into what it was like to work and vacation in 1920s Lake Tahoe. Visitors gain access to the Pacheco & Honeymoon Cabins, as well as the Pope House and select servants’ cabins.
The tour also provides a “grand” view of the people, movements and events that led to the establishment of the Tallac Historic Site. Discover how the past has impacted the present here at Tallac! This tour is offered on Wednesdays only, and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
The Great Basin Institute also welcomes private groups, with special pricing discounts. Group tours typically explore both the Pope House and grounds, as well as the Tallac Museum, however they have the flexibility to be specially designed to the groups’ interest. Standard duration is 1.5hrs.
Pricing is per person and no additional discounts are offered (senior, military or student). To get started, please complete the inquiry form to the right.
Tallac After Dark is an interpretative night tour through the Tallac grounds and Pope House. What was the Spiritualism Movement? How to talk to the dead (or pretend to)?
Began in 2022, this tour is currently only offered in October. It is best suited for adults and children aged 13 and older. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and culminates with a living history event at the Pope House. The 2026 schedule will be announced in June, check back then for tour dates and tickets!
TALLAC MUSEUM & CABIN EXHIBITS
The Tallac Museum and cabin exhibits are free, self-guided interpretive opportunities for the public, offering glimpses into life as a servant or visitor to the estates at the turn of the century. The exhibits are open Memorial Day through September, though exact dates vary by season.
The Tallac Museum serves as the hub of the Tallac Historic Site (Pope & Baldwin Estates). Once the former home of Dextra Baldwin McGonagle, the estate was transferred to the Forest Service in 1969. Today the museum represents 1920s architecture and style and is open for self-exploration. Entry is free, however a $5 donation is encouraged to help preserve and maintain the facility.
The visitors can enjoy a short welcome video, gift shop, information desk, Washoe Room exhibit and more.
The museum is open Memorial Day through October, though exact dates vary by season.
In addition to the Tallac Museum, visitors can learn more about Tahoe’s past through the auxiliary cabins and work buildings sprinkled across the Baldwin and Pope Estates.
Former servants quarters showcase 1920s scenes, as if the occupant may return home at any time. Though these cabins are generally not accessible, the exhibits are viewable from the trail and observation door. Cabin exhibits are open concurrent with the Tallac Museum, and close no later than 4:00pm. Exhibits include a nanny’s and butler’s quarters, summer guest cottages and vintage clothing exhibit at the Twin Cabin.
In total, there are 14 exhibits to see–pick up a map from the museum to be sure not to miss any!
Hours:
10am – 4pm (approx.)
Wednesday – Sunday
BLACKSMITH SHOP
Conjoined with the Artist Cabin at the Pope Estate, the Blacksmith Shop has been a favorite stop among Tallac visitors over the years. In the past, the structure was used to repair a cornucopia of ironworks, including horseshoes for playing polo and leisure riding. After a brief closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Blacksmith Shop reopened in 2024 for public demonstrations. The Tallac Blacksmiths are highly trained and experienced volunteers, who bring their creativity and passion to the shop each season.
The Blacksmith Shop is open THURS – SUN, from 10am to 4pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Pope & Baldwin Estates also offer a number of family-friendly, and many ADA-accessible, outdoor recreation opportunities. With an incredible lakeshore location, picnicking, biking or walking the trails at the Tallac Historic Site is a great way to spend a day in Lake Tahoe. Dogs are welcome with their parents, but must remain on leash for their safety, the safety of others and wildlife.
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Spearheaded by South Lake Tahoe’s master gardeners, the community garden at the Tallac Historic Site is set to be completed in 2022. Fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, pumpkins, strawberries and tomatoes are grown each year for public and staff enjoyment. The garden is fully funded by grants, donations and volunteer labor. Visitors are welcome to harvest an item from the garden, so long as it is ready to be picked, and they are mindful of their amount of taking.
BALDWIN GARDEN
The quaint gardens connecting the Pope and Baldwin estates are maintained through the dedicated work of volunteers, with help from local organizations. The South Lake Tahoe Garden Club annually serves at the site, as the high-altitude gardens require regular maintenance. The Pope Estate arboretum is unique in that it houses a gazebo, pond and three Sequoia trees (non-native to the Tahoe Basin). Identification plates are available to help you along the way.
WASHOE TENDING & GATHERING GARDEN
Established through collaboration between the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the Washoe Tending & Gathering Garden is an educational site where visitors learn about the importance of native plants and their tribal uses. The garden consists of 15 species and interpretative pamphlets are available to guide visitors. This garden is planned to be renovated in 2022 through partnership with the Washoe Tribe, non-profit organizations, volunteers and the Forest Service.
LAKESHORE TRAIL
The Lakeshore Trail extends from Kiva Beach, through the Tallac Historic Site to Camp Richardson. The route is approximately 1 mile, one way, and is part of the former roads from the estate and resort days of the 1890s. There is no elevation gain.
BIKE PATH
A paved spur trail from the main bike path extends through all three estates of the Tallac Historic Site. To rejoin the main bike path along highway 89, visitors must either bike along the road at 1 Heritage Way, or bike along the unpaved Lakeshore Trail for a longer ride to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center.
Numerous short trails connect visitors to sites and buildings thorughout the Tallac gardens and exhibitis as well.
There are several picnicking opportunities at the Baldwin Estate. From the main parking area, the Kiva Picnic spot is located along a short, paved path to the lake. In addition, several other picnic tables are dispersed along the Lakeshore trail, which was once the grounds of the former Tallac Hotel and Resort.
BEACHES
Though not actually a beach, visitors often swim and relax along the lake shore in front of the estates, though limited space is available for beach-goers. For more traditional beach opportunities, visitors can head to nearby sites such as Kiva, Pope or Baldwin Beaches.
SWIMMING
No lifeguards are on duty at the Tallac Historic Site. Swimming is permitted throughout the site.
KAYAKING
With the close proximity to the lake, Tallac offers easy access for kayaking and paddleboarding. There is no watercraft cleaning station at the Tallac parking. Visitors bringing personal equipment with them must be mindful of Tahoe’s boating requirements and help eliminate environmental threats. There is no boat launch.