W. M. Keck Museum Mackay
Discover Nevada's rich mining heritage at the free W. M. Keck Museum, showcasing minerals, fossils, and historic relics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, more relaxed
W. M. Keck Museum Mackay
Best Time
Less crowded, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Nevada's rich mining heritage at the free W. M. Keck Museum, showcasing minerals, fossils, and historic relics.
"This place is seriously cool, tons of minerals from around the world, and the Mackay family’s silver collection is a total highlight."
🎯 Look for the Statue
The museum is behind the MacKay statue on campus. :world_map:
⏰ Allow 1-2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the detailed exhibits. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mackay Silver Collection
Mackay School of Mines
Marvel at the stunning silver collection belonging to the historic Mackay family.
3D West End Mine Model
Mackay School of Mines
See an impressive 3D model of the West End mine, offering a unique perspective on underground operations.
Giant Blister Copper Ingot
Mackay School of Mines
Experience the sheer scale of mining history with a massive, touchable blister copper ingot.
Nevada Topo Map
Mackay School of Mines
Explore a towering 10-foot topo map of Nevada, frozen in time with historical place names.
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Planning Your Visit
Finding the Museum
Time to Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Look for the Statue
The museum is behind the MacKay statue on campus. :world_map:
⏰ Allow 1-2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the detailed exhibits. :clock:
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this incredible collection without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
🤝 Touch the Artifacts
Many exhibits, like the copper ingot, are meant to be touched! :handpointingright:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for the Statue
The museum is behind the MacKay statue on campus. :world_map:
⏰ Allow 1-2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the detailed exhibits. :clock:
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this incredible collection without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
🤝 Touch the Artifacts
Many exhibits, like the copper ingot, are meant to be touched! :handpointingright:
📚 Explore Beyond Rocks
Discover mining history, maps, and fascinating relics. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the W. M. Keck Museum for its impressive collection of minerals, ores, and historical mining artifacts, especially the Mackay silver collection and interactive exhibits. Many highlight its free admission and educational value, though some note it can be tricky to find on the UNR campus.
"Amazing exhibit. I am not even that fascinated by rocks and found myself caught up in the informational displays. Make sure to to give yourself about 1 to 2 hours. It is found in the building behind the statue of John William MacKay. I say this because there's no indication of the exhibit from the outside it seems to be a library."
Heather Jones
"Phenomenal Museum to see extraordinary rocks, minerals, gold & silver ore, Comstock Load Rare Tiffany Silver, and more. We really loved it here and highly recommend!"
Greg Arbutine
"This place is seriously cool, tons of minerals from around the world, and the Mackay family’s silver collection is a total highlight. It's free to check out, which is always a win.
You'll find it right on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
Definitely worth a visit if you're into nature, history, or just cool stuff."
Harry Nelson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the Mackay School of Mines building. Look for the statue of John William MacKay at the end of the Quad; the museum is directly behind it. It's described as being 'hard to find' by some visitors, so keep an eye out for the building and its plaque.
Parking is available in various lots and garages on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Check the UNR parking services website for current rates and locations.
Yes, the RTC Washoe operates bus routes that serve the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Check the RTC Washoe website for routes and schedules.
The Mackay School of Mines building is generally accessible. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information regarding exhibits and facilities.
Using a campus map or a GPS app is helpful. The museum's location behind the MacKay statue is a key landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the W. M. Keck Museum is completely free! This makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for exploring natural history and mining heritage.
The museum is typically open on Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm. 
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can typically walk in during their operating hours.
The museum occasionally posts special announcements and highlights items from its collection on its social media channels.
Hours may be limited or the museum may be closed during university breaks and holidays. It's best to confirm their schedule before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find an impressive collection of minerals, ores, fossils, historic mining relics, and photographs. Highlights include the Mackay silver collection, a 3D mine model, and a giant blister copper ingot.
Yes, the museum offers engaging exhibits that can captivate visitors of all ages, including children. The hands-on elements like touching the copper ingot are particularly fun.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum's diverse displays.
Absolutely! You can touch a giant blister copper ingot and explore a detailed 3D model of the West End mine.
This refers to a special collection of silver artifacts from the historic Comstock Lode, some of which were crafted by Tiffany & Co., showcasing the region's rich mining history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use inside the museum.
The vibrant mineral displays, the Mackay silver collection, and the large-scale models like the 3D mine and the Nevada topo map offer great photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's common museum etiquette to avoid using flash photography, especially with delicate artifacts.
The museum has a mix of ambient and display lighting. Some areas might be dimmer, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for capturing detailed shots.
The main exhibit halls with the mineral collections and the large topographical map are excellent spots. The area around the Mackay silver collection also provides stunning visuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to introduce children to geology and mining in a fun, accessible way. The museum is located on the UNR campus, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the university grounds. Remember to allow about 1-2 hours for a thorough visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk around the beautiful University of Nevada, Reno campus for a full day of free activities. Pack your own snacks and water to keep costs down even further.
🤓 Geology & History Buffs
Don't miss the detailed information on Nevada's specific geology and the evolution of its mining industry. The museum's commitment to displaying physical artifacts makes it an exceptionally rewarding experience for those who appreciate tangible history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mackay Legacy and Silver Collection
Beyond the silver, the museum delves into the broader scope of earth science and mineral engineering. It houses an extensive array of minerals and ores from around the world, providing a fascinating glimpse into geological diversity. The inclusion of mining-related relics and historical photographs further enriches the narrative, painting a comprehensive picture of the industry that shaped Nevada.
One of the most frequently praised aspects is the museum's commitment to displaying physical artifacts rather than relying solely on text. This hands-on approach, exemplified by the touchable blister copper ingot and the detailed 3D mine model, makes the learning experience more immersive and memorable for visitors of all ages.
Exploring Nevada's Geology and Mining History
Visitors often highlight the educational value of the museum, noting how informative the displays are, even for those not initially fascinated by rocks. The museum effectively communicates complex geological concepts and the intricacies of mining through its well-curated exhibits.
From cinnabar mining, which is the primary ore for mercury, to the vast silver deposits of the Comstock Lode, the museum covers a wide spectrum of Nevada's mineral wealth. The inclusion of items like printing plates for mining maps from the 1940s offers a behind-the-scenes look at the logistical side of the industry.
This depth of information makes the Keck Museum a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of Nevada's economy and landscape. 
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