TALLAC HISTORIC SITE
Pope & Baldwin Estates
Step-back in time and experience the grandeur of 1920s Tahoe. Explore interpretative trails, mosey by the lake, or attend a community event, the Tallac Historic Site is where cultural and environmental stewardship meet!
PRESERVING THE PAST
The Tallac Historic Site consists of three estates built between 1894 and 1923. Once the private summer homes of California’s wealthy families, the properties were bought by the USDA Forest Service between 1965-1972 to increase public access to Lake Tahoe. However, the estates themselves become the focal point, as historians championed their preservation. After a decade of restoration, the estates were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Today, each estate offers something different and exciting for visitors to do and see. The Pope and Baldwin Estates are co-manged by the Great Basin Institute and USDA Forest Service, while the Heller Estate is operated by Valhalla Tahoe. Start your journey at the Tallac Museum for information, maps and program schedules!
CONTACT
Tallac Museum
+1 530-541-5227
tallac@gbininstitute.org
Addresss
1 Heritage Way South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Stay in the loop!
HOURS OF OPERATION
Tallac Museum Fall Hours: Sept. 2 - Oct. 6
Open Labor Day!
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 10AM – 4:30PM
Friday: 10AM – 4:30PM
Saturday: 10AM – 4:30PM
Sunday: 10AM – 4:30PM
Cabin exhibits close approximately 30 minutes before the museum.
INTERPRETATIVE PROGRAMS
TOURS THROUGH TIME
Step into history with a guided tour of the grounds and buildings at the Pope and Baldwin Estates. Tours are led by seasoned volunteers who don period-appropriate attire, bringing history to life. All tour and program fees directly support the continued preservation of the estates.
Fall Tours: The Grand Estate Tour will be available through Wednesday, September 11th. Pope House Tours end on Sunday, September 15th. In October, the Tallac After Dark program returns to celebrate the spooky season at the estates! Check our calendar and event page for details and booking.
Tour the former private residence for some of San Francisco’s affluent. Noted as one of the oldest standing structures in the Tahoe Basin, the Pope has a rich past. Built in 1894, the Pope House is a whopping 130 years old!
Have you ever wondered what is was like to work and live at Lake Tahoe during the 1920’s? The Grand Estates Tour takes vistiors thorugh of life as a servant, as well as guest. This tour wonders through the Pope House, Pacheco & Honeymoon Cabins, and other structues that time permits.
Blacksmith Shop | Fri.- Sun. 10am - 4pm
July 1 - Sept. 22
Visit the historic Blacksmith Shop, Friday through Sunday for demonstrations! Our blacksmiths are very skilled volunteers, who create hand-forged artworks, available for purchase at the Tallac Museum.
Artist Cabin | Thurs.- Sun. 11am - 3pm
May to Labor Day (Sept. 2nd)
Art has been a part of the Tallac Historic Site from the start. The artist cabin was built in 1923 and has served as the lakefront studio for painters, potters, sculptors and more throughout the last century! See artist-in-residence Pam McKnight in action.
SUPPORT LAKE TAHOE HERITAGE
As guardians of our shared public lands, we invite you to join us in preserving the legacy of Tallac Historic Site.
Maintaining this historic gem requires dedication and resources. Your generous support plays a vital role in our efforts to conserve and protect Tallac for generations to come. With your help, we can continue to:
- 🏰 Preserve architectural treasures
- 🌿 Sustain environmental standards
- 🎨 Celebrate cultural heritage
- ✨ Create Lasting Legacies
