Exploring Tallac Historic Site in Lake Tahoe
This week we’re visiting Lake Tahoe and heading back in time to explore a historic retreat that was once the summer home to San Francisco's socially elite. Join me for a visit to Tallac Historic Site.
Baldwin Estate garden at Tallac Historic Site
Lake Tahoe south shore at Tallac Historic Site
Location & History
The Tallac Historic Site is situated just three miles northwest of the city of South Lake Tahoe. Located at 1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, the property sits on the lake side of Highway 89, and visitors can enter on Heritage Way across from Fallen Leaf Lake Road.
The local native Washoe people spent their summers here for many generations before the Comstock Lode brought the first European settlers into the Lake Tahoe Basin. In 1880 businessman and investor, Elias “Lucky” Baldwin, purchased this lakefront property after visiting the Lake Tahoe area and christened it the "Tallac House" after nearby Mount Tallac. Construction began on the Tallac Resort in the late 1800s and this resort soon attracted travelers from across the United States seeking luxury accommodations. In its days of glory, the resort included lush gardens, numerous annexes, outbuildings, two large hotels, and a casino. The current historic site now covers over 74 acres and is comprised of the Baldwin Estate, Pope Estate, and the Valhalla/Heller Estate.
Lagoon at Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe
Baldwin Estate and Tallac Museum in Lake Tahoe
The Baldwin Estate
When Baldwin died in 1909, he left his real estate holdings in the Tahoe Basin to his daughter, Anita Baldwin. A few years later, Anita gave her daughter Dextra McGonagle this six-acre lot on the shore of Lake Tahoe. In 1920 Dextra started construction of her summer house sparing no expense. An outstanding example of rustic architecture, the spacious 5,000 square foot home includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large living room area, butler’s pantry and hand-hewn walls with exposed rafters. Dextra spent her summers here until her death in 1967. Now this structure is home to the Tallac Museum, and it contains historical exhibits of the resort, as well as Tahoe's original residents, the Washoe people.
Pope Estate at Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe
The Pope Estate
The Pope Estate boasts the oldest and most comprehensive structures on the property. It was originally built in the 1880s by Lloyd Tevis (former president of Wells Fargo Bank), who used the home and grounds with the Pope families as a Summer vacation spot. The estate includes several guest and servant cabins along with the main dwelling constructed entirely of wood and shingle-clad sidings. A highlight is the beautiful outdoor garden complete with an arboretum and pond.
Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe
Know Before You Go
• Parking is free here and the grounds themselves are open year-round to enjoy the trails and paths winding through this scenic part of Lake Tahoe. Some exterior walkways consist of dirt, grass, loose gravel and pavement, but the paths are all level and accessible.
• Tallac Museum and Gift Shop is open from 10am-4pm Thursday to Sunday during the Summer. The Baldwin Museum is free, but for an additional cost you can tour the Pope House, take a Site Walk, and take a Servants Tour.
• Plan ahead and purchase tour tickets in advance as they are only available from Labor Day through September…and while the public is free to wander throughout the estates year-round, no services are available here during the Winter months.
• Only service dogs are allowed inside any of the properties and buildings.
• The Heller or Valhalla Estate is home to the Boathouse Theatre and Valhalla Grand Hall, which now serves as Valhalla’s community events center which hosts the annual Valhalla Festival of Arts and Music. This estate can also be enjoyed as part of private events or tours, though the exterior grounds are always open.
• You may experience the Washoe culture by visiting the Tallac Site's Washoe Garden or attending patio talks and special programs given at the Baldwin Museum and Visitor Center. The Wa She Shu It Deh Native American Festival is held in July and includes a basket weaving competition, native film festival, and traditional dance with native artists and performers.
• Though the buildings are closed during the Winter, the grounds remain open year-round, and the site serves as a popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination.
Top 10 Lake Tahoe Highlights
Tallac Historic Site on Lake Tahoe’s south shore
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Lake Tahoe. For a virtual visit of the Tallac Historic Site, make sure to see my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. If you’re planning a trip to the area, you can also download my FREE Lake Tahoe Top 12 Guide in my Travel Guides section. It includes detailed map and trail information, as well as links to Google and Apple Map pin locations of 12 of my favorite Tahoe destinations. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
Lagoon at Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe
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I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for the Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe on the California side. There are many things to do in Lake Tahoe, but this Northern California landmark offers a look into Lake Tahoe history. Explore old structures, including the Pope Estate and Baldwin Estate, which is now home to the Tallac Museum where you can learn about the native Washoe people.