Interactive Mural
Fly With Us
We encourage you to take a photo in front of our interactive mural and share it on social media. This mural embodies the experience of taking flight from the stunning Reno-Tahoe region. Amidst the vibrant display of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Truckee River, keep an eye out for our state symbols (can you find them all?) like our state bird, the esteemed mountain bluebird. As you stand in front of the mural, we hope you spread your wings and “take flight,” capturing the moment with a snapshot on social media.
Tag @RenoAirport on social media and use the hashtags #FlyRNO and #FlyWithUsRNO for an opportunity to be featured.
#FlyRNO and Mention @RenoAirport
About the Artist
Matthew McDowell is a talented muralist and sign painter from Reno, Nevada. His captivating murals and hand-painted signs adorn various surfaces, enriching urban landscapes and inspiring the local community. Drawing from Reno’s cultural heritage, Matthew combines historical elements with contemporary flair to create visually stunning works of art. He is known for his meticulous craftsmanship and expertise in typography and design.
Beyond his local contributions, Matthew has participated in art festivals and exhibitions, earning recognition as the Best Visual Artist of Northern Nevada in 2019. He believes in the transformative power of art and advocates for art education, which builds up young artists and leaves a lasting impact on Reno’s cultural fabric.
The Gateway To & From Reno-Tahoe
RNO is the region’s transportation hub serving as the gateway to and from the beautiful Reno-Tahoe. Serving 4.5 million passengers a year, RNO is always seeking more ways for you to #FlyRNO and #FlyWithUsRNO. You can find this mural pre-security in the main terminal just before you reach the security checkpoint. If you are arriving into RNO, look straight ahead when you come down the arrivals escalator!
Symbols of Nevada
Northern Nevada’s unique geography makes the airport a vital transportation hub. Driving to California requires a sometimes-harrowing trek over Donner Pass, a 7,056-foot-high mountain pass which is no stranger to closures during the winter months. Some of the closest large cities such as Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are a seven-hour drive through open road and desert. The remoteness of the region underscores the important role RNO plays in moving people, cargo and medical supplies while taking the area to new heights.
Despite its remoteness, northern Nevada is in the heart of an economic boom, with a wide range of industries calling the region home that extend beyond the traditional tourism and gaming the area is known for. Tech companies, boutique hotels, craft breweries, a thriving art scene and an outdoor lover’s paradise all contribute to the rich experience of the region.
Even better, the remoteness and open space in northern Nevada contribute to breathtaking beauty and a deep-rooted heritage in celebrating the outdoors.
-
Mountain Bluebird
Our state bird – the Mountain Bluebird: Common in the West’s wide-open spaces and sporting a beautiful sky-blue color (though it is more subtle on females), these birds were named the official state bird of Nevada in 1967. You might be surprised to learn that bluebirds don’t actually have blue feathers, but the color blue that we see on a bird is created by the way light waves interact with the feathers.
-
Vivid Dancer Damselfly
Our state insect – the Vivid Dancer Damselfly: These flying insects are generally smaller than dragonflies and their wings fold up when they’re resting as opposed to dragonfly wings, which stick out. The damselfly was named the state insect in 2009 after an elementary school competition in which schools submitted a one-page essay to nominate an insect found in Nevada to be a good symbol for our state.
-
Desert Tortoise
Our state reptile – the Desert Tortoise: This hard-domed creature is the largest reptile and the only wild land tortoise found in the southwestern United States. To survive the dry conditions, they have a special bladder that can store water they can then absorb. Nevada named the desert tortoise as the official state reptile in 1989.
-
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Our state fish – the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout: As the largest cutthroat trout species, this fish is capable of withstanding conditions that other trout cannot. They are highly tolerant of alkaline waters, high stream temperatures, and low dissolved oxygen. The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout became an o-fish-al symbol of Nevada in 1981.
-
Nevada Sagebrush
Our state flower – the Nevada Sagebrush: You can’t go many places in Nevada without seeing the state flower. The leaves are edible, but give off a bitter and pungent taste. Sagebrush can be found on the official Nevada state flag as well as on the commemorative Nevada quarter minted in 2006. It was named the Nevada state flower in 1917.
-
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Our state animal – the Desert Bighorn Sheep: This iconic large animal can get up to 250 pounds. However, they are quite agile which allows them to climb rocky and steep mountainous habitat to avoid predators. 1973 was the year that this mammal, with a nine-stage digestive cycle, became Nevada’s state animal.