Copyright © Gardnerville
Image Courtesy of Representative for Filming Location Listing

When you mention Nevada to anyone (especially those who do not live in the state), the first city that comes to mind is typically Las Vegas, which is usually followed by Reno. Sure, we are known for nightlife and casinos and 24/7 fun, but Nevada is so much more than that.

We have so many small town locations far away from all the glitz and glamour that can easily resemble Anytown, USA. Gardnerville is a picture perfect example of that. Gardnerville is a small rural town adjacent to Minden in Douglas County, NV with a population of 5,751.

With its beautiful mountain and valley views, green open spaces, clean air, moderate climate, and traffic-free roads, the idyllic town makes for an excellent filming location for a wide variety of productions and photography.

The Town of Gardnerville also includes four well maintained parks: Arbor Gardens Park, Heritage Park, Martin Slough Natural Trail and Park, and Gardner Park.

The town hosts a variety of community events as well as many fun and recreational activities, such as the Main Street Gardnerville Fall Fest, Movies in the Park, Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk, and Carson Valley Christmas Kickoff.

Other activities and attractions that can be included in your production:

• Antique hunting
• Art galleries
• Dining
• Fishing
• Golfing
• Hunting
• Internationally renowned gliding along the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Sailing
• Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Swimming
• Theater

Brief History

“In 1879, Lawrence Gilman purchased the Kent House, which was located just south of Genoa which was supposedly haunted by a stagecoach-robbing ghost. After acquiring a seven-acre tract of land from homesteader John M. Gardner, Gilman moved the house to the new site.

“The Kent House became the Gardnerville Hotel – and the town of Gardnerville, named for Gardner, was born. Although the old hotel is no longer standing, the spirit lives on; we don’t know about the ghost” (source).

Quick Facts

• 30 minutes from Carson City, Nevada’s capital – museum, the Mint
• 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe – beaches, ski resorts, hiking and biking trails
• 1 hour from Reno – shopping, the arts, international airport
• 2 hours from Sacramento

Filmography

Although Gardnerville is a small town, it is no stranger to the big screen. The local J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room can be spotted in the 2012 film Motel Life, starring Emile Hirsch, Stephen Dorff, Dakota Fanning, and Kris Kristofferson.

Parts of the classic 1989 film The Wizard, starring Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, Christian Slater, Jenny Lewis, and Beau Bridges, were also filmed in Gardnerville.

Gardnerville At A Glance

“Main Street Marketing Video” by MainStGardnerville

Also located in Gardnerville, Corley Ranch is a film-friendly working ranch that raises cattle and performance horses in addition to farming hay and pumpkins. Each weekend in October, they have a 3-acre corn maze and variety of other activities.

If you are looking for an authentic small town atmosphere to use as a film location for your next production, be sure to check out Gardnerville, Nevada! You can view the full Gardnerville, Nevada filming location details here and don’t forget to register your project!

To find more film-friendly locations, be sure to visit our Nevada Filming Locations Database or contact us if you need further assistance with your production!

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