The Summit communities of Soda Springs and Serene Lakes are neighbors to Truckee. Donner Lake and Donner Memorial State Park are also in Truckee. Visitors to Truckee interested in emigrant trail history should visit the Emigrant Trail Museum at Donner Park. Outdoor exhibits feature Donner Party sites a short walk from the museum. Guided hikes are offered during the summer.
Museum hours vary with the season.
Visitors interested in western history and the history of the town should visit the Jail Museum on Jiboom Street in the downtown historic district of Truckee. The museum is open summer weekends. Truckee has always been considered an outpost that does not identify itself with the interests of the foothill county seat. In its early days it was portrayed, accurately enough, as a reckless, lawless town where vigilantes alone maintained order. A brief look at Truckee's lawmen may clarify this point.