Why We Go: North Lake Tahoe Museums are located in Tahoe City and are some of the larger museums in Lake Tahoe. Visitors to this area will enjoy learning about the region’s rich culture and history for a very low price. Gatekeeper’s Museum is located near Lake Tahoe and Truckee River boasting gorgeous panoramic waterfront views. Below are Tahoe City’s three museums and what makes each of them unique and worth visiting.

• Gatekeeper’s Museum: The Gatekeeper’s Museum is one of the larger museums in North Lake Tahoe and houses hundreds of historical artifacts including Native American baskets, photographs, clothing, maps and newspapers. This exhibit is open 11am to 5pm Friday and Saturday. Admission to the Gatekeeper’s Museum is $5, members and anyone younger than 12-years-old enters free.
• Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum: This museum became an addition to the Gatekeeper’s Museum in 1992, after Marion Steinbach donated her collection to the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society. Throughout her lifetime, Marion collected Native clothing, woven baskets, jewelry and pottery. Admission into the Gatekeeper’s Museum includes admission into this museum.
• Watson Cabin: The Watson Cabin is a two-story log cabin that was built in 1909. The Watson Cabin is one of the oldest preserved buildings in Lake Tahoe and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Robert Montgomery Watson built this cabin as well as the Gatekeeper’s Cabin, which is now the Gatekeeper’s Museum. Admission into the Watson Cabin is $3.

Inside Knowledge: The Gatekeeper’s Museum and other North Lake Tahoe Museums are abundant with Washoe history. The Washoe is a Native American group that has held strong roots in the Lake Tahoe area for hundreds of years, long before settlers came to California. Today, members of this tribe still live in the Lake Tahoe region and work to preserve its history and culture by hosting various events and festivities throughout the year.