Come And Explore The Rich History of The Tallac Historic Site
Tallac Historic Site, located near Lake Tahoe in California, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Here are some things you can do at the Tallac Historic Site:
Tallac Museum & Cabin Exhibits
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 strongly encouraged. The museum includes a short welcome video, gift shop and information desk.
In 2024, the museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, from 10am to 4:30pm and is closed Tuesday’s. Fall hours extend from September 7 to Oct. 6th and are Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4:30PM.
Cabin Exhibits: Open Memorial Day – Sunday, Sept. 15
In addition to the Tallac Museum, visitors get more glimpses of the 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 to the public, the exhibits are viewable from the trail. Cabin exhibits are open concurrent with the Tallac Museum, and close by 4:00pm. In total, there are 14 exhibits to see–grab a map from the museum to be sure not to miss any!
Tours
- Pope House
- Grand Estate
- Tallac After Dark
Tallac After Dark is an interpretative, “spooky” tour of the grounds and Pope House at night. Throughout the tour, visitors discover the significance of the spiritualism movement in America and its impacts during the 1920s. You’ll also hear tales of the Tallac Historic Site’s unexplained phenomenon… Join us as we travel back to Houdini’s time to discover what it means to be “dead quiet.” This tour is offered Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in October from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are $30 per adult.
Group Tours
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.
2024 Group Rates:
10 – 25 guests: $12/person
26 – 49 guests: $10/person
50+ guests: $8/person
To reserve, please call the museum at 530-541-5227 or email tallac@thegreatbasininstitute.org.
Programs
Artist-in Residence: 100 years of Nature-Inspired Art
Since 1923, the Artist Cabin at the Pope Estate has welcomed painters, sculptors, photographers and many more creatives. As art enthusiasts, the Pope family often invited accomplished artists to their summer retreat, to draw inspiration from the alpine landscape. Now, a century later, the custom continues.
The Great Basin Institute welcomes two returning artists to the cabin in 2024 to create unique, mixed media artworks, as well as provide workshops and classes to the public. Kristen Holden will serve as the site’s resident artist from Memorial Day through July 4th, while Pam McKnight returns for the July to Labor Day session. Recently, the Tallac Historic Site Artist-in-Residence program was awarded the Forest Service’s Golden Pinecone in recognition of outstanding achievement. Come see what all the fuss is about!
Click here to learn more about our artists and events,
Kitchen Kids
Blacksmith
Conjoined with the Artist Cabin, the Blacksmith Shop has been a favorite among Tallac visitors over the years. Historically, the structure was used to repair a cornucopia of ironworks, including horseshoes for playing polo and leisure riding. In 2024 the Blacksmith Shop will reopen for for demonstrations and handmade originals will be available for purchase at the Tallac Gift Shop.
Blacksmith Shop Hours of Operation:
