Travel Nevada Breaks Ground on Nevada Adventure Center in Carson City, Expanding Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure
CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) broke ground today on the Nevada Adventure Center in Carson City, marking the next milestone in a first-of-its-kind initiative that combines federal, state, and community resources to expand Nevada’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. Expected to open in early fall 2026, the Nevada Adventure Center in Carson City will serve as a hub for visitors and residents to connect with northern Nevada’s diverse outdoor offerings.
Designed as a base camp for tour operators and outfitters, the Nevada Adventure Center in Carson City will provide trip-planning resources, safety and conservation information, and direct connections to guided tours, gear, and adventure services. The facility will also be supported by statewide marketing designed to drive year-round traffic.
In September, Travel Nevada broke ground on another Nevada Adventure Center in Boulder City, adjacent to the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and just a short trip to Lake Mead. Together, the projects represent more than $7 million in investment on existing state-owned land.
“Today’s groundbreaking is an exciting step toward bringing the Nevada Adventure Center to life,” said Rafael Villanueva, CEO of Travel Nevada. “This facility will offer visitors a gateway to northern Nevada’s unmatched outdoor recreation while creating new opportunities for local businesses. It reflects our vision to build lasting infrastructure that strengthens communities and inspires people to explore more of our state”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from state and local leaders, including Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, who also chairs the Nevada Commission on Tourism, Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, Assembly Member P.K. O’Neill, and Executive Director of Visit Carson City David Peterson.
“The Adventure Center is a strategic investment in Nevada’s tourism future,” said Brenda Scolari, Director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “ It’s set to be the hub that makes planning, exploring, and experiencing the state easier and more rewarding for everyone.”
Both Adventure Centers will create leasing opportunities for businesses and tour operators to connect directly with adventure travelers. Tenants will have the opportunity to showcase their services through interactive displays, demo areas, and co-branded marketing campaigns, bringing local expertise and experiences to visitors from across the world.
Outdoor recreation continues to be a driving force in Nevada’s tourism economy. In 2024, outdoor recreation spending increased by about $100 million, reaching $1.8 billion. Visitation to Nevada State Parks, Great Basin National Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area totaled 10.5 million in 2024, an increase of about 2.9% from 2023.
For more information about the Nevada Adventure Centers, visit adventure.travelnevada.biz.
EDITORS: for high-resolution images and video assets from the groundbreaking ceremony, visit here (best viewed on desktop).
Travel Nevada (the Nevada Division of Tourism) is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It is responsible for promoting and marketing Nevada as a travel destination. Operating within a performance-based budget structure, Travel Nevada is funded solely by a percentage of lodging tax paid by overnight guests throughout the state. For more, visit TravelNevada.biz.