carson city ghost tour

• OCTOBER GHOST WALK
• GHOST WALKING TOURS
• GHOST WALKING TOUR 2015 - Travel Nevada

A MARK TWAIN DAYS SPECIAL EVENT WITH CARSON CITY’S GHOST WALK   MAY 11 & 12, 2024

SATURDAY & SUNDAY    10:30 AM - NOON 

One Tour Each Day

Though a spirit led walking tour of Carson City’s historical and haunted West side, this special event as part of Carson City’s Mark Twain Days takes a walking tour to the spots Mark Twain could have traversed in Carson City, 1863.

TICKETS $25 PER PERSON $30 AT THE EVENT

THIS IS A WALKING TOUR

Join the Carson City Ghost Walk for the second annual Mark Twain Days with tours Saturday and Sunday mornings. These 90-minute tours, led by Madame Curry and her Spirit Wranglers, leave from Bob McFadden Plaza at 10:00 a.m. The party lets off at The Brewery Arts Center where you can enjoy more Mark Twain Days festivities. Participants will wind along the 1.5-mile walk, discovering mysteries while hearing legendary stories from Victorian Era Carson City. Learn about the lives of saucy writers, brazen entertainers, and cheeky neighbors who shaped a young rough territory in the time of mining, mayhem, and Mark Twain. On the route you will meet a few of these unruly scribes like Sam Davis & Nellie Verrill Miguels Davis who were behind some of the hoaxes, offenses, and exquisite squabbles that defined the Wild West.

Our 90-minute Tour features characters from Carson City’s past.  Part haunted history and part theatricality,  costumes are welcome on the tour.  These are spirit lead, guided walking tours of the downtown district and  west side historic homes and businesses. The tours leave rain or shine.  Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins.  There are many other events to participate in for Mark Twain Days:  https://visitcarsoncity.com

Tickets:   All tickets $25 or $30 on the day of the event.  Tickets are limited to 40 people per tour. 

Tickets in advance available online at:  

Purplepass (A small fee is charged by the company for online ticketing) Tickets can be ordered in advance by mail.  Call 775.348.6279 . Location:    

Tours depart from The McFadden Plaza located behind the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox Brew Pub) on Curry St. in Carson City, Nevada .  Free parking available across the street.  Tours are approximately one and ½ miles long.  

Times:   

Tours leave at 10:30 AM and end at Noon.. Please check in 15 minutes before your tour leaves.  

Some of the stops along the tours include: 

The Brewery Arts Center - Built in 1874 by the Carson Brewing Company, which produced Tahoe Beer.  The building has been transformed into an arts center and will feature a performance by the NV Gunfighters.

The Orion Clemens Home - Built in 1863 by Orion Clemens, who was the first and only secretary of the Nevada Territory.  He came west with his brother Samuel Clemens, who became a fledgling newspaperman, whose pen name “Mark Twain” was really “born” in the upper bedroom of this home.  

VOLUNTEERS/COMMUNITY :  The Carson City Ghost Walk uses the community as volunteers to work the Ghost Walk.  If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at [email protected] . Or 775.348.6279.   2023

  CARSON CITY GHOST WALK ONLINE TICKETS

 CARSON CITY’S GHOST WALKING TOURS CELEBRATES 30TH SEASON WITH MADAME CURRY ZEITGEIST - SIGN OF THE TIMES

Press release - zeitgeist  - october 21, 2023 (saturday) tours.

Carson City’s rich and intriguing history officially celebrates 30 years as we explore, narrate and theatrically embrace Carson City’s beautiful Victorian founding in these seasonal evening walking tours, led by Madame Curry (a spirited and historically fictional character named after the widow of Carson City’s founder, Abe Curry) and her Spirit Wranglers. These ghostly and witty community spirits lead you through Carson City's Historic and Haunted West Side highlighting the stories and legends of the Wild West town.

This is officially the 30th season of the Carson City Ghost Walk.   The evenings are a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history.  Hear about lingering spirits of the long ago centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and gossip from the past.  This is a spirit lead, guided walking tour of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses. Tours meet at The McFadden Plaza in Carson City.

.     ~ past events ~ september  saturday evening flashlight tours dates: 9/ 9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30 2023 @ 7 pm  .

A MARK TWAIN DAYS SPECIAL EVENT 

CARSON CITY’S GHOST WALK – A WALK IN SAM’S SHOES :

CARSON CITY GHOST WALK 29TH SEASON ~ 2022

Carson city’s ghost walking tours celebrates 29th season (again).

WITH MADAME CURRY & THE SPIRIT WRANGLERS

IN THE LIGHT OF DAY TOURS - OCTOBER 22, 2022

UPDATE:  10/21/22.  TICKETS FOR MORNING TOURS ARE SOLD OUT .  TOURS AT:  NOON, 12:30 AND 2:00 PM HAVE WALK UP TICKETS AVAILABLE.  $25 CASH AT THE TOUR.  PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO TOUR AND CHECK IN WITH OUR BOX OFFICE.  TOURS DEPART FROM MCFADDEN PLAZA ON CURRY STREET IN CARSON CITY, NEVADA. 

CARSON CITY’S 29TH ANNUAL GHOST WALK – IN THE LIGHT OF DAY 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, 2022

Though a spirit led walking tour of Carson City’s historical and haunted West side, this year’s theme explores “Ghost Club” a paranormal investigation and research organization, founded in 1862 and believed to be the oldest such organization in the world. Remember:  What happens at Ghost Club, Stays at Ghost Club.

ADVANCE TICKET LINK :  www.purplepass.com/carsoncityghostwalkghostclub

Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our 29TH annual all day Carson City Ghost Walk.  Guided Tours depart from the corner of Third and Curry Streets starting at 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.   Each tour lasts approximately two hours long.  The Carson City Ghost Walk is a delightfully entertaining and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history.  Hear about lingering spirits of the past centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and meet characters and supernatural legends as you tour the historic district .  This year’s tour will include inside tours and performances.  

Our 120-minute Tour features home tours and characters from Carson City’s past.  

Part haunted history and part theatricality,  costumes are welcome on the tour.  These are both spirit lead, guided walking tours of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses. The tours leave rain or shine.  Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins.  There will be photo opportunities, tables, psychics and Ghost Walk merchandise for sale so you may want to get there early.

Tickets: Ghost Club  (120-Minute) - All tickets $20 in advance.  $25 on the day of the event.  Under 3 years old - Free.     

Tickets in advance available online at Purplepass (A small fee is charged by the company for online ticketing) Tickets can be ordered in advance by mail.  Call 775.348.6279.

Location: Tours depart from The McFadden Plaza located behind the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox Brew Pub) on Curry St. in Carson City, Nevada.  Free parking available across the street.  Tours are approximately one and ½ miles long.  

Times:  All tours leave every ½ hour beginning at 10:00 AM and ending at 2:00 PM. Please check in 15 minutes before your tour leaves.  

The Krebs - Peterson Home - Built in 1914 by Dr. Krebs, who was a noted physician and surgeon.  The home was used in the filming of John Wayne’s final movie “The Shootist” in 1976.  

The Governor’s Mansion – Built in 1908, The Dickerson’s were the first family to have residence in the home in 1909.  The governor's daughter, June Dickerson, was born in the mansion on September 2, 1909, and is the only child yet born in the mansion.  The mansion features Classical Revival and Georgian and Jeffersonian motifs.  It is the center of festivities during community trick or treating each year.  

VOLUNTEERS/COMMUNITY:  The Carson City Ghost Walk uses the community as volunteers to work the Ghost Walk.  If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at [email protected] . Or 775.348.6279.

FLASHLIGHT TOURS - SATURDAY NIGHTS THROUGH OCTOBER 8, 2022

SUMMER SEASON 2022 - SATURDAY EVENINGS

OPENING WALK - JUNE 11, 2022

ADDITIONAL EVENING WALKS:  JULY: 9, 16, 23, AUGUST: 13, 20, 27 @ 7 PM

FLASHLIGHT TOURS :  SEPTEMBER: 10, 17, 24 OCTOBER : 1, 8 2022 @ 7 PM

$15 IN ADVANCE $20 AT THE THE DOOR.  

Private Tours May Be Available Upon Request

Carson City’s rich and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our seasonal evening walking tours, led by Madame Curry (a spirited and historically fictional character named after the widow of Carson City’s founder, Abe Curry) and her Spirit Wranglers. These ghostly and witty community spirits lead you through Carson City's Historic and Haunted West Side highlighting the stories and legends of the Wild West town.

This is the 29th season of the Carson City Ghost Walk.   The evenings are a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history.  Hear about lingering spirits of the long ago centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and gossip from the past.  This is a spirit lead, guided walking tour of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses. 

These scheduled tours leave rain or shine.  Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins.  Dress for the weather and for the walk.  Bring a light source if we lose daylight.   

Tickets:  All tickets $15 in advance with an additional online fee.  $20 at the door.   Tickets in advance available online at: http://www.purplepass.com or by mail. Tickets are non-refundable.  Tickets may be moved to another tour date if contacted 12 hours in advance.

Location:  Tours depart from 3rd and Curry Street - The McFadden Plaza on Curry Street adjacent to the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox BrewPub).

Times:  ALL tours depart  @ 7:00 PM 

The west side of Carson City was settled in the late 1850’s at the beginning of the largest silver rush in history.  It was a time of great prosperity, discovery and excitement as Nevada became the “battle born” state in 1864.   

Some of the outside stops along the tour include:

The Bliss Mansion – Built by Duane Bliss is a three story, 8,500 sq ft. mansion that was completed in 1879, built by millionaire Duane L. Bliss, to become his dream home.

Ferris Mansion - Home of George Ferris, Jr., inventor of the Ferris Wheel for the Chicago World Columbian Exposition in 1893.

The Governor’s Mansion - Is situated on the beautiful Mountain Street, or as Madame Curry calls it:  “Celebrity Row”. In 1907, the “Mansion Bill” and neighbor Mrs. T.B. Rickey made this residence possible 40 years after Nevada became a state.  There are many spirits linked to this mansion and area. 

Rinckel Mansion - Built by the fortune of Mathias Rinckel, a forward-looking meat magnate who struck it rich supplying Gold Rushers and Lake Tahoe lumbermen. NOTE:   General Mask Courtesy will be observed. If you are feeling under the weather, masks are appreciated.  Ticket sales stop at 1:00 PM the day of the event.  After that tickets are available at the door for $20.  Cash only.

PREVIOUS TOURS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 2021

FORCES OF NATURE

The Elemental Spirits Of The Sierra

An outdoor walking tour of Carson City’s historical and haunted West side.

Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our 29TH annual all day Carson City Ghost Walk.  Guided Tours depart from the corner of Third and Curry Streets starting at 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM.   Each tour lasts approximately two hours long.  The Carson City Ghost Walk is a delightfully entertaining and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history.  Hear about lingering spirits of the past centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and meet characters and supernatural legends as you tour the historic district.  THIS YEAR’S TOUR IS ALL OUTDOORS DUE TO COVID - 19.  Masks required to go indoors to local businesses.  

Forces Of Nature  (120-Minute) - All tickets $20 in advance.  $25 on the day of the event.  Under 3 years old - Free.  We recommend reserving tickets in advance as the tour sizes are limited and fill up quickly.  

Tickets in advance available online   

Online ticketing platform:  Purplepass (A small fee is charged by the company for online ticketing) Tickets can be ordered in advance by mail.  Call 775.348.6279.  Mailing address:  Carson City Ghost Walk 17 S. Virginia St.  #403, Reno, NV 89501.

Location:   

Tours depart from The McFadden Plaza located behind the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox Brew Pub) on Curry St. in Carson City, Nevada.  Free parking available across the street.  

Times:   

All tours leave every ½ hour beginning at 10:00 AM and ending at 2:00 PM. Please check in 15 minutes at our box office table before your tour leaves.

MAY ~ OCTOBER 2021 MADAME CURRY & THE SPIRIT WRANGLERS EVENING TOURS

OUT OF THE SHADOWS  

CARSON CITY’S GHOST WALKING TOURS REOPENS FOR THE 29th Season

SUMMER SEASON 2021. (CLICK ON THE DATE FOR ONLINE TICKETS)

SATURDAY EVENING TOURS:  28th season   JUNE - OCTOBER 2021

DATES:  6/19, 7/3 , 7/10 , 8/14 , 8/21  - CANCELLED DUE TO SMOKE   TIME:  7 PM

DATES:  9/11 , 9/18 , 9/25 , 10/2 , 10/9 TIME:  6 PM

Ninety Minute Evening Tours

Tickets: $15 Advance. $20 @ the Tour

ONLINE  TICKET LINK (Purplepass)  

Private Tours Available by reservation.  Minimum 10 People.  Contact:  [email protected]  or (775) 348-6279 

All Day October Ghost Walk – Saturday, October 23, 2021

The Carson City Ghost Walk reopens to the public for evening walking tours!  Carson City’s rich and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our seasonal tours, led by Madame Curry, a witty community spirit based on the widow of Carson City’s founder, Abe Curry.  The Carson City Ghost Walks evening walking tours are a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian era and diverse history.  Hear about lingering spirits of the long ago centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and gossip from the past. 

This is a spirit lead, guided walking tour of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses. This is an outside tour leaving rain or shine.  Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins.  Please dress for weather & walking.  

Tickets:  All tickets $15 in advance with an additional online fee.  $20 at the door.  Under 3 Free.  Tickets in advance available online at: purplepass or by mail.

Location:  Tours depart from 3rd & Carson Street next to the St. Charles Hotel (Firkin & Fox Pub).

Early summer tours leave @ 7:00 PM.  September and October Tours leave @ 6:00 PM

Local Feature: Episode 506

Meet Mary Bennett, who runs the Carson City Ghost Walk and tour the city's historic West Side.

A Haunting Announcement From The CC Ghost Walk:

SO ... LAST YEAR WE WERE DOING THIS!   

OCTOBER 19, 2019 DAY TOURS -  IN THE SHADOWS

ONLINE TICKET LINK   (TOURS LEAVE EVERY 1/2 HOUR)

FACEBOOK EVENT

CARSON CITY’S 27TH ANNUAL GHOST WALK – TWO HOUR TOURS ALL DAY    

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2019

IN THE SHADOWS

A Haunting & Entertaining Tour of Carson City & The Afterlife

Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our 27TH annual all day Carson City Ghost Walk.  Guided Tours depart from the McFadden Plaza on Curry Street starting at 10:00 AM.  The last tour leaves at  2:30 PM. Each tour lasts approximately two hours long.  The Carson City Ghost Walk is a delightfully entertaining and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history.  Hear about lingering spirits of the past centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and meet characters and tour historic homes and businesses along the tour.  

This year we will have one tour path. In The Shadows, our 120-minute Tour features home tours and characters from Carson City’s past.  The Widow Curry explores communicating with her husband, Abraham Curry, the founder of Carson City, who passed away October 19, 1873, exactly 146 years ago.  Part haunted history and part theatricality, costumes are welcome on the tour. These are both spirit lead, guided walking tours of the downtown district and west side historic homes and businesses. The tours leave rain or shine.  Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the walk begins. There will be photo opportunities, tables, psychics and Ghost Walk merchandise for sale so you may want to get there early.

Tickets:  

IN THE SHADOWS - CARSON CITY GHOST WALK  (120-Minute) - All tickets $15 in advance.  $20 on the day of the event. Under 3 years old - Free.     

Tickets in advance available online at:  

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/user/manageevent/4298318(A small fee is charged by brownpapertickets.com for online ticketing?  ) Or can be ordered by mail.  Call 775.348.6279.  

Facebook Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1127718777617298/

Location:  Tours depart from The McFadden Plaza located behind the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox Brew Pub) on Curry St. in Carson City, Nevada.  Free parking available across the street.  

Times:  All tours leave every ½ hour beginning at 10:00 AM and ending at 2:30 PM. Please check in 15 minutes before your tour leaves.  

Some of the open homes & buildings along the tours include: 

The Prang House – Originally built in Dayton, NV, the house was moved to this site in Carson City.  The house is famous for resident Louis Prang, “The Father of the American Christmas card”.  

The Bliss Bungalow ( John Chartz House) Built in 1914 by John Chartz, who was the District Attorney.  There is a time capsule that was placed in the columns in 2005. JImmy Chartz lived in the home until 1999.

The Brewery Arts Center - Built in 1874 by the Carson Brewing Company, which produced Tahoe Beer.  The building has been transformed into an arts center.

The Bliss Mansion- Duane Bliss built this house in 1879.  It has 15 rooms, 9 Marble fireplaces and is built of clear sugar pine and cedar from The Tahoe Carson Lumber Company.  It is a private residence and only opened for tours periodically.  

The Governor's Mansion – Built  in 1909.  Denver Dickerson was the first Governor to live here with his wife Una, who was the first Governor’s wife to birth a child in the mansion. It continues to host many community events.  It is a sight to be seen at Halloween for trick or treaters.  

The Carson City Ghost Walk 2019 partners include The Brüka Theatre,The Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Fox Brew Pub and The Brewery Arts Center.

2019 CARSON CITY GHOST WALK SUMMER TOURS

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS

SUMMER SEASON 2019 SATURDAY EVENINGS

FACEBOOK EVENT & TICKET LINKS    (PLEASE LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.)

NEWS & REVIEW ARTICLE (JULY 4, 2019)

SUMMER SEASON 2019 IN THE SHADOWS - SATURDAY EVENINGS

(OPENING WALK) JUNE 1, 2019 @7 PM ADDITIONAL EVENING WALKS: JUNE, 22, 29 JULY 4, 13, 27, AUGUST 17, 24, 31 @ 7 PM (Please note earlier departure time in September) SEPTEMBER 14, 21, 28 2019 @ 6 PM

For  ONLINE TICKETS  click on the date above to make reservations or check out:  www.brownpapertickets.com.

Mark your calendar -  All Day October Ghost Walk – Saturday, October 19, 2019

INFORMATION AT 775-348-6279

PRIVATE TOURS ALSO AVAILABLE ON PRE-ARRANGED DATES.  10 PEOPLE MINIMUM.  $15 EACH 

Carson City’s rich and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our seasonal evening walking tours, led by Madame Curry a spirited and historically fictional character named after the widow of Carson City’s founder, Abe Curry.

This is the 26th season of the Carson City Ghost Walk.   The evenings are a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history.  Hear about lingering spirits of the long ago centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and gossip from the past.  This is a spirit lead, guided walking tour of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses.

These scheduled tours leave rain or shine.  Please arrive at least TEN minutes before the walk begins.   Dress for the weather and for the walk. Bring a light source if we lose daylight.   

TICKETS:  All tickets $15 in advance with an additional online fee.  $20 at the event. Tickets in advance available online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com or by mail.

LOCATION:    Tours depart from The McFadden Plaza on Curry Street adjacent to the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox BrewPub).

TIMES:  May - August tours depart  @ 7:00 PM. September tours depart at 6:00 PM.  

FEATURES: The west side of Carson City was settled in the late 1850’s at the beginning of the the largest silver rush in history.  It was a time of great prosperity, discovery and excitement as Nevada became the “battle born” state in 1864.

The Governor’s Mansion - Is situated on the beautiful Mountain Street, or as Madame Curry calls it:  “Celebrity Row”. In 1907, the “Mansion Bill” and neighbor Mrs. T.B. Rickey made this residence possible 40 years after Nevada became a state.  There are many spirits linked to this mansion and area.

Rinckel Mansion - Built by the fortune of Mathias Rinckel, a forward-looking meat magnate who struck it rich supplying Gold Rushers and Lake Tahoe lumbermen.

2018 TOURS (ARCHIVE) 

CELEBRATING THE 26TH SEASON - THE CARSON CITY GHOST WALK  

OCTOBER 20, 2018 - MADAME CURRY & THE VAMPIRE HUNTERS - CLICK ON THIS LINK!!

CARSON CITY'S GHOST WALKING TOURS WITH MADAME CURRY

ALL PRE TICKETS - $15 (PLUS ONLINE TICKETING FEE - LINKS BELOW)

By MAIL - AT LEAST ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE (CHECK) MAIL TO:  CARSON CITY GHOST WALK  17 S. VIRGINIA ST.  #403  RENO, NV  89401 ONLINE TICKETS CLOSE 4 HOURS BEFORE THE WALK.  

ALL TICKETS $20 ON THE DAY OF WALK - AVAILABLE BEFORE THE WALK STARTING 1/2 before the walks begin.    PLEASE CHECK IN AT LEAST 5 MINUTES IN ADVANCE OF THE WALK. 

CARSON CITY’S GHOST WALKING TOURS WITH MADAME CURRY

CELEBRATING 26 YEARS

SUMMER SEASON 2018  SATURDAY EVENINGS

JUST CLICK ON THE DATE BELOW TO GO DIRECTLY TO BROWN PAPER TICKETS:

 ONLINE TICKET LINKS MAY 26    JUNE 9 , 23 , 30    JULY 21 & 28     AUGUST 11 , 25 @ 7 PM

SEPTEMBER 8 , 22 , 29  2018 @ 6 PM

(Please note earlier departure time in September.)  

For ONLINE TICKETS click on the date above to make reservations or check out:  www.brownpapertickets.com.

Mark your calendar -  All Day October Ghost Walk – Saturday, October 20, 2018

  PRIVATE TOURS ALSO AVAILABLE ON PRE-ARRANGED DATES.  10 PEOPLE MINIMUM.  $15 EACH 

These scheduled tours leave rain or shine.  Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins.  Dress for the weather and for the walk. Bring a light source if we lose daylight.   

TICKETS: All tickets $15 in advance with an additional online fee.  $20 at the event. Tickets in advance available online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com or by mail.

LOCATION:  Tours depart from The McFadden Plaza on Curry Street adjacent to the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox BrewPub).

TIMES: May - August tours depart  @ 7:00 PM. September tours depart at 6:00 PM.  

• Art & Museum Exhibits

CARSON CITY’S 30TH ANNUAL GHOST WALK – IN THE LIGHT OF DAY 10-21-23

Though a spirit led walking tour of Carson City’s historical and haunted West side, this year’s theme explores “Zeitgeist” A Victorian Sign Of The Times. The ways, the wants and the means to live a long, long time past.

ONLINE TICKET LINK: https://www.purplepass.com/ccghostwalk

Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our 30TH annual all day Carson City Ghost Walk. Guided Tours depart from the corner of Third and Curry Streets starting at 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Each tour lasts approximately two hours long. The Carson City Ghost Walk is a delightfully entertaining and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history. Hear about lingering spirits of the past centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and meet characters and supernatural legends as you tour the historic district . This year’s tour will include inside and outside tours and performances.

Our 120-minute Tour features home tours and characters from Carson City’s past.

Part haunted history and part theatricality, costumes are welcome on the tour. These are both spirit lead, guided walking tours of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses. The tours leave rain or shine. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins. There will be photo opportunities, tables, psychics and Ghost Walk merchandise for sale so you may want to get there early.

Tickets: Zeitgeist - Sign Of The Times (120-Minute) - All tickets $20 in advance. $25 on the day of the event. Cash only on the day of the event.

Tickets in advance available online at:

https://www.purplepass.com/ccghostwalk. Through Purplepass (A small fee is charged by the company for online ticketing). Tickets can also be purchased in advance by check in the mail. Call 775.348.6279.

Tours depart from The McFadden Plaza located behind the St. Charles Hotel (The Fox Brew Pub) on Curry St. in Carson City, Nevada. Free parking available across the street. Tours are approximately one and ½ miles long.

All tours leave every ½ hour beginning at 10:00 AM each tour is 120 minutes long. The last tour leaves at 2:00 PM. Please check in at our ticket booth 15 minutes before your tour leaves.

Some of the stops along the tours include:

The Brewery Arts Center - Built in 1874 by the Carson Brewing Company, which produced Tahoe Beer. The building has been transformed into an arts center and will feature a performance by the NV Gunfighters.

The Krebs - Peterson Home - Built in 1914 by Dr. Krebs, who was a noted physician and surgeon. The home was used in the filming of John Wayne’s final movie “The Shootist” in 1976.

The Governor’s Mansion – Built in 1908, The Dickerson’s were the first family to have residence in the home in 1909. The governor's daughter, June Dickerson, was born in the mansion on September 2, 1909, and is the only child yet born in the mansion. The mansion features Classical Revival and Georgian and Jeffersonian motifs. It is the center of festivities during community trick or treating each year.

The Prang House - Originally built in Dayton, NV, the house was moved to this site in Carson City. The house is famous for resident Louis Prang, “The Father of the American Christmas card”.

VOLUNTEERS/COMMUNITY: The Carson City Ghost Walk uses the community as volunteers to work the Ghost Walk. We also look to add historical houses and experiences to our tours. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at [email protected]. Or 775.348.6279.

performing_arts

attractions

‘Most haunted place’ draws ghost-hunters to east Carson City

The sun goes down on the historic Nevada State Prison on Oct. 9, 2023. Photo by Scott Neuffer .

By Scott Neuffer

Saturday, October 21, 2023

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A ghost story can depend on atmospherics. A story of haunting might not raise goosebumps if relayed in broad daylight. If, conversely, one is led deep into a historic building after nightfall with one handheld light between two people weeks before Halloween — the air sharp with cold, leaves skittering over streets outside — the effects of a ghost story can be dramatically different.

“It’s the most haunted place in Nevada,” said Susan Bernard, a paranormal investigator and tour guide at the Nevada State Prison in east Carson City.

Bernard is a key player in the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society, the nonprofit working to preserve the prison that opened in 1862. On Oct. 9, Bernard took the Appeal through pitch-black corridors and dusty corners of the historic facility in search of ghosts. While local and state leaders have seen the prison as a boon for tourism, Bernard sees it as meeting place of the earth-bound and the otherworldly. She is matter-of-fact about the afterlife, nonchalant about potential spirits among us.

Bernard said she first got into the paranormal when her mother died; she was just 23 at the time.

“When my mom died, I was kind of curious about the afterlife,” she said.

Bernard and her husband Jim grew up in Carson Valley. They became interested in the prison’s history because Jim’s great-grandfather, Matt Penrose, was a warden there in the first half of the 20th century. Having gotten into paranormal investigation years earlier, Bernard found the prison an epicenter of sorts after it closed.

“Hundreds with an ‘s,’ and they come and go,” she said of ghosts at the site.

Bernard, now 61, is like a historian, listing past wardens, infamous inmates, executions, sometimes linking historical fact to nebulous phenomenon in the present day.

“So far, we have counted 54 (executions), and there could be more,” she said.

Established in 1862, the Nevada State Prison has seen escapes, riots, murders and executions over 150 years of operation. In 1924, it saw the first execution by gas in the country. In 1985, it saw the first execution by lethal injection in the state. According to NSPPS, this first lethal injection was administered to serial killer Carroll Cole.

Years after the prison closed in 2012, paranormal investigators started capturing strange images. Photographs are taped around the facility for tour participants to see. Bernard shared recordings of voices picked up in certain hallways. In the prison’s execution chamber, portraits of those executed line one side of the room, so visitors can know the history of the space. All these details enhance the atmospherics and make any ghost story relayed in the Nevada State Prison memorable.

Maybe “story” is the wrong word. The excursion with Bernard was an experience more than anything. This reporter heard eerie sounds, knocks and moans, but did not see an apparition. Disbelief and belief were in constant interplay, muddling the line between imagination and objective reality. One thing was certain: I stayed as close to Bernard as possible as she led us through the darkness and talked about ghosts.

“We don’t know. Are they stuck here? Are they in a realm where they can’t leave, or are they still living those times?” Bernard asked. “That’s what we as investigators try to figure out, right?”

After the Appeal’s tour, a crowd was waiting at the entrance of the prison, preparing for a ghost walk that night. It was a relief to see so many human beings. If the crowd were any indication, the paranormal aspects of the prison are garnering visitors, not to mention state and national media attention. The prison was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Destination Fear.”

The paranormal experience isn’t for everyone, though.

“Some people, it freaks them out,” Bernard said. “People come here wanting to be scared, to see what’s going on … It’s kind of odd because they get so scared that they run out and they don’t stay.”

Bernard pointed out she is a volunteer. The tours run in the spring and fall, and money raised during the tours goes toward the nonprofit organization and preservation of the facility. Community leaders like Carson City Supervisor Maurice White, who helms the nonprofit’s board, believe the prison is an asset to the community — an educational resource and a tourist attraction. In the last legislative session, Nevada lawmakers provided the nonprofit with $1 million to help replace roofing.

As such repairs take place, one wonders how many people the prison will draw in the future, and if ghost-hunting will become the main attraction.

 “We’re doing ghosts walks,” Bernard said. “We do have people that are involved in investigations … They can get a group together and get on my calendar because I book up like crazy.”

For information about paranormal investigations at the prison, visit https://www.facebook.com/nspparanormal/.

For information about NSPPS, visit https://nevadastateprison.org/.

More like this story

• Apparitions, auras and anomalies, oh my! Paranormal conference returns to Virginia City
• Ronni Hannaman: Nevada State Prison to offer tours as early as this spring
• State funding approved for historic prison, FISH housing
• Carson City Library hosting author Sandie La Nae Oct. 25
• Chamber members see past and future of old prison

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ghost tours

Halloween fun, 'reverse parade' and film festival, competitions highlight nevada day weekend around carson city.

File photo by Brett Fisher of the 2018 Nevada Day balloon launch.

Heading into the final weekend of October, Halloween and Nevada Day events will keep revelers busy through Sunday making for a jam packed weekend of fun for families and grownups around the Carson City region.

Virginia City celebrates Comstock's legendary haunts with week of Halloween events

Ghost tours, haunted train rides, a scavenger hunt, a paranormal investigation and more are featured this week.

Halloween will be celebrated this week at one of the most haunted destinations in the country, Virginia City, where the Wild West and ghosts of the past are part of the Comstock's legendary folklore.

Golf tournament, fundraisers, railbike tours and more highlight weekend events around Carson City

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region. The Nevada Day Golf Tournament in remembrance of Mayor Bob Crowell will be held at Silver Oak Ranch Golf Course on Saturday. Dozens of fundraisers, including the Benson’s Feed 4 Paws 4-H group, will be scattered throughout the Carson City and Gardnerville areas. Combined with live music and several dinner specials, the state capital will be buzzing with excitement! Read on for more information.

Fall train rides, 'Light after Dark' fitness event, live music and more highlight Carson City area weekend events

Photo by Tanja Musselman.

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City area. Fall-themed train rides from the Virginia Truckee Railroad Company and the Nevada State Railroad Museum will be available on Saturday and Sunday. A virtual “Light After Dark” fitness event will be held on Saturday to support the Carson City-based Advocated to End Domestic Violence program. Combined with plenty of food specials and live music, the state capital will be buzzing with excitement! Read on for more information.

White Cane Days, grand opening, pool tournament and more highlight weekend activities around Carson City

Heading into the weeknd, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City area. Lions Club kicks off its annual “White Cane Days” Saturday and Sunday in Carson City to increase awareness of the white cane traffic safety laws, and collect used eyeglasses for distribution to those in need. Local business Wizard of Pawz grooming salon hosts a socially-distanced grand opening on Saturday afternoon, followed by a pool tournament at Bulldog Billiards at 6 p.m. Combined with live music and karaoke, the state capitol will be packed with excitement! Read on for more information.

Wine walk, Hauntober, live music and more highlight weekend activities in Carson City area

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities over the next three days. The Carson City Wine Walk returns Saturday with COVID-19 restrictions. Virginia City will be filled with spooky events over the month of October with its signature Hauntober event. Combined with live music and karaoke, the Carson City area will be buzzing with excitement! Read on for more information.

Spirits Abound in Virginia City this October with multiple spooky events

The historic mining town of Virginia City is regarded as one of America’s most haunted cities. This October 31 and throughout the month, uncover spooky tales and festive family adventures for all ages – all aligned to accommodate current restrictions and guidelines – during “Hauntober.”

Events around Carson City for Sunday, Oct. 27

Photo by Brett Fisher. Fall colors along the Carson River.

Good day Carson City, we hope you are enjoying your Nevada Day weekend. It is Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. Events around the capital city area include a post Nevada Day Trash Mob cleanup, a morning bike ride, Pow Wow activities at the MAC, the RSVP carnival at Mills Park as well as as tours of the Wungnema House, also in the park, Thomas the Train activities Virginia City and more. It will be a much cooler day weather wise, so dress warm. Enjoy.

Parade and carnival, Pow Wow, pancakes and more: Carson City set for Nevada Day weekend

Photo by Brett Fisher.

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of events around the Carson City region Friday through Sunday to celebrate Nevada Day. Activities include the annual parade down Carson Street, a carnival at Mills Park, the 30th annual Nevada Day Classic, The La Ka Lel Be Pow Wow at the MAC, beard and rock drilling contests, delicious food dishes, pancakes, chili and plenty of beverages to suit kids and adults of all ages.

Train rides, moonlit hikes, flea markets and more: Events and Happenings for Sunday, Oct. 13

Good morning Carson City and happy Sunday! If you haven’t had a chance to ride the V&T Train, today is the last day of the season! In addition we’ve got a great list of events for the region, so check below to plan your day!

Pumpkin Patch, last chance for V&T Train Rides and more: Events for Saturday, Oct. 12

Good morning Carson City and happy Saturday! It’s going to be another beautiful fall day today and to celebrate it, you can choose from the long list events we have going on today and Sunday in the region!

Check below for the full list.

Saturday, October 12

V&T train rides, pumpkin patch, Scandinavian festival, hikes, fundraisers and more: Carson City region set for eventful weekend

Photo by the V&T Railway Commission.

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region over the next three days. Events include the final V&T Railway train rides of the 2019 season, the 27th annual Carson City Pumpkin Patch at Seeliger Elementary School, fundraisers around town, coin press demonstrations at the Nevada State Museum, comedy at the Carson Nugget and more!

Music, outhouses, fundraisers and more: Saturday, Oct. 5 Happenings in Carson City and surrounding areas

Happy Saturday, Carson City! We're going to have a warm day in the low 70s, so be sure to throw on your t-shirts which may be the last time this fall (barring the typical end of November inexplicable heat wave).

On the docket today we have the 30th annual Outhouse Races in Virginia City, a guitars and ukulele performance at the BAC, fundraisers, and more. Check out below to see what we've got going on for the rest of the weekend:

Saturday, October 5

VC Outhouse races, Relay for Life, golf tournament, Oktoberfest and more: Carson City region in store for eventful weekend

Photo taken by VisitVirginiaCityNV.com

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region over the next three days. Events include the 30th annual Outhouse Races in Virginia City, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Carson City, Fright Night at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Oktoberfest at the Casino Fandango, the 26th annual 'Making a Difference' Golf Tournament and much more!

Pooches, pin ups, produce and more: events for Carson City on Saturday, September 21

Good morning Carson City and happy Saturday! We’ve got a bunch of great events going on today including Rockabilly Riot day three, the annual Pooch Plunge, and much more!

Saturday, September 21

Rockabilly Riot, cancer awareness fitness events, Dayton Valley Days and more: Carson City region set for jam-packed weekend

Photo by Brett Fisher. Visitors to last year's Rockabilly Riot at Mills Park check out cars and what's inside.

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region over the next three days. Events include the Rockabilly Riot car show, Dayton Valley Days, a pancreatic cancer awareness walk at Silver Oak Golf Course, the annual Pooch Plunge at the Carson Aquatic Facility, horse endurance races in Virginia City, history talks at Mormon Station Park and much more!

Ghost tours, show-n-shine, chili cook-off and more featured at 2019 Dayton Valley Days

Dayton Valley Days is this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22.

The 31st annual Dayton Valley Days kicks off this weekend with a street festival, food booths, plenty of games for kids, a host of family entertainment options including gold panning, ghost tours, a vehicle show and shine, chili cook-off, Sunday pet parade and more.

Wild West 2019 on the Comstock: Virginia City special event tickets now available

The 28th Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry & St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be March 16.

Virginia City is known for two things: mining history and quirky, off-the-wall events. In 2019, those two things are joined together with the announcement of the historic Nevada town’s annual special events lineup and online ticket sales.

Nevada Lore Series: the Haunting of the Gold Hill Hotel, Nevada's Oldest Hotel

Photos courtesy of the Gold Hill Hotel

The Miner's Lodge and the Yellow Jacket Mine, where almost 40 men lost their lives and remain buried still

The Historic Gold Hill Hotel — the oldest Hotel in Nevada, first known as the Riesen House — can be found on the road to Virginia City from Highway 50, and is a popular location for weddings and events.

Life of Julia Bulette featured at Leisure Hour Club dinner meeting

Catmandu is just one of many local charities participating in this year's Nevada's Big Give.

Food for Thought is also a local organization on the Nevada Big Give list.

Ready to ‘Give where you live’? Nevada’s Big Give online fundraising drive is today, so pick your favorite local non-profit and pledge $10 or more dollars to get them on their way. The WNC Foundation will be throwing a party at Alatte inside the Carson Nugget with drink specials and more if they’re the one you choose. Learn a little about our majestic mountain views at the Douglas County Historical Society’s Second Thursday lecture. Spice up your life with Bachata lessons at El Charro Avita, and dance the night away. Take a gander at the list for all of today’s options. THURSDAY:

Silver Terrace Cemeteries Director To Speak On History of the Comstock Cemeteries

Photo courtesy of BLM

There is loads of history for free, or donations, if you are so inspired, at the Silver Terrace Cemeteries in Virginia City. However, Candace Wheeler, director of the Comstock Cemetery Foundation, has been a one-woman bastion against vandalism and defamation of the historic cemeteries of Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City.

Chautauqua of Lillian Virgin Finnegan, Creator of the Genoa Candy Dance

2013 Tour Guide Mike Wiencek

Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically relived in the 22nd annual all day Carson City Ghost Walk Oct. 18. Tours depart from the corner of Third and Curry Streets starting at 10:00 AM and leaving every 30 minutes until the last walk at 2:30 PM. The Carson City Ghost Walk is a delightfully entertaining and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse history.

Sesquicentennial Fair in Carson City highlight Nevada 150 events throughout August

Many celebrations are scheduled statewide in the month of August. These Nevada 150 events celebrate all things Nevada and bring awareness to the 150th Anniversary of Statehood. The following events are held Aug. 1 through Aug. 14.

Guided ghost tours begin Friday in Carson City

The first tour is Friday, June 13, 8:30 p.m. in downtown Carson City. Photo by Dana Lee Fruend

Photo by Dana Lee Fruend

Debbie Bender and Tom Cruz of Bats in the Belfry Ghost Tours have been busy preparing their tour guides for the upcoming Carson City Haunted Experience and the “Spooks & Spirits” Pub Tour. The first tour is Friday, June 13.

Pre-run groups have been spotted walking about Carson City, learning the well-researched historical stories and legends. Debbie Bender and Tom Cruz are longtime ghost tour experts and serious paranormal investigators. They have been successfully doing ghost tours in Virginia City for many years.

Genoa's Sweet Sippin' Sundays

The first SWEET SIPPIN' SUNDAY for the 2014 Sippin' Season is May 4th. As if that’s not enough excitement....we have even more to share! We’ve partnered with the Town of Genoa so that your SWEET SIPPIN' SUNDAY admission purchase will get you FREE ADMISSION into any (Sunday, May 4th) Genoa Cowboy Festival event! That's right, 2 EVENTS for the price of one!

Carson City Classic Ghost Walk and Mini Tour set for Oct. 19

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