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1. Chollar Mine Tour

2. Virginia & Truckee Railroad

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• Wild West Day Trip to Virginia City from Tahoe with Train Ride
• Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City
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10 Things Not To Miss In Historic Virginia City, Nevada

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Once a booming mining town, historic Virginia City, Nevada, has seen its share of economic rises and falls.

The city developed almost overnight as miners flocked to take part in the silver strike at Comstock Lode in 1859. Named after American miner Henry Comstock, Comstock Lode is a silver ore lode located on a peak in the Virginia Range in Virginia City. The discovery of the lode created a booming metropolis of more than 25,000 residents.

Since then, this mining town has reinvented itself as a tourist destination reminiscent of its past — with historic buildings and churches, museums and mine tours, a steam train ride, stagecoach, and plenty of old-west saloons — and visitors feel as if they have stepped back into the 1800s. Visitors view history through the lens of a once booming town as characters in period clothing walk the wooden boardwalk sidewalks. The city is steeped with lore, history lessons, and the beauty of the area.

I visited the area on a press trip, touring six cities in as many days, starting in Reno with stops in North and South Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, Virginia City, Carson City, and back to Reno. Each area held a unique appeal: the majesty of Lake Tahoe, the farmlands in Carson Valley, spectacular hiking in the capital city of Carson City, Reno’s stimulating nightlife, and the rugged authenticity and charm of Virginia City. This article details my road trip through the Reno/Tahoe area.

In no particular order, here are 10 things not to miss in historical Virginia City, Nevada.

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1. Visit Mark Twain’s Watering Hole

The frontier newspaper Territorial Enterprise was home to legendary writers including Mark Twain. Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, worked for the newspaper until he left Virginia City in 1865.

As my driver took me from Carson Valley to Virginia City, the car climbed as we passed what were once active mines. On the outskirts of town, we stopped at the Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon . Although the bar wasn’t open yet at that early hour, my driver told me that Mark Twain was known to spend time drinking there. The hotel’s claim now is that it’s the only full-service hotel in Virginia City having a restaurant and bar on site. As small-town bars sometimes do, the hours are determined by business, with the bar open from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. or “later if busy” on Thursday through Sunday.

You’ll find more saloons claiming that Twain spent time there (and even a saloon named after him), but the Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon is the first one you’ll encounter as you arrive in Virginia City. Set apart from the other bars in town, you can almost envision Twain sipping a whiskey while pondering that day’s story for the newspaper.

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2. Ride The Virginia And Truckee Railroad

The construction of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad in 1869 allowed transportation of goods. V and T R.R. is the most famous of all American short lines. At its peak, as many as 45 trains arrived and departed Virginia City daily; now, you can ride the train from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back. There’s an extended route that runs from Virginia City to Carson City on weekends.

The railroad was rebuilt in 1974 and operates 100-year-old steam engines and heritage diesel locomotives that depart from the original 1870 depot. The train rides run daily from May through October with special themed and seasonal trains such as the V and T Candy Cane Express that starts in November; a Civil War Days and Battle Trains that run Labor Day weekend; and others. Check the schedule for train rides.

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3. Meet Characters Of Days Past While Shopping Downtown

Step inside one of the historic buildings on N C Street, the main strip running through town, and sample sweet treats such as fudge or ice cream, shop the touristy gift shops, antique shops, or get your photo taken in an old-time photo shop. Walk along the historic boardwalks as you stop to chat with local “characters” in period costumes who will gladly give directions or offer a suggestion for the best saloon.

The shops are touristy, but it’s hard not to enjoy the buildings’ authentic history and the shops selling rocks, silver jewelry, and typical tourist fare. To tame a sweets craving, don’t miss Grandma’s Fudge Factory or Red’s Old Fashioned Candies , where I couldn’t resist buying a caramel apple to enjoy later in my hotel room.

4. Tour Historical Museums

With 17 museums that retell stories from the past, you can learn about Mark Twain’s time working at the Territorial Enterprise. View his desk and other pressroom items on display at the Mark Twain Museum.

At the Marshall Mint Museum , view custom gold and silver medallions, plus bullion, collector coins, and jewelry.

To view the largest collection of Comstock mining artifacts, visit The Way It Was Museum .

Because of the Great Fire and mining mishaps, Virginia City is known as one of the most haunted cities. One of the most haunted locations in the west is the Washoe Club. Tour the Washoe Club and Haunted Museum hourly from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

With so many museums to choose from, you may want to take one of the prepared itineraries so you don’t miss a thing.

Jill Dutton

5. Sample Virginia’s Official Spirit (And Maybe View A Spirit) In A Saloon

During its heyday, Virginia City was home to more than 100 saloons to quench the miners’ thirst. The city was alive day and night, giving it a wild west reputation.

Since the water supply was considered iffy, one fable told that the only safe way to drink the water was to mix one part water to two parts gin. While that’s no longer necessary, Cemetery Gin is a distillery that uses Nevada pine nuts to create award-winning gin you can sample at one of the saloons.

I stopped for a drink at a saloon, on Halloween no less, in this haunted city. As a small band played music at the Silver Queen Hotel and Wedding Chapel , locals and tourists in costume danced and celebrated the holiday. Sitting at the bar, I noticed a monitor showing a black and white screen with a view of the wedding chapel. This live “show” ran nonstop in case there was any supernatural activity to be captured. Although I was almost afraid to watch, I also couldn’t stop watching. Nothing ever appeared on my short watch, luckily.

For dinner that night, I stepped into another saloon, the Red Dog Saloon and Pizza Parlor. The Chicago-style pizza was delicious, but the real star of the evening was people-watching as families ate dinner and watched live entertainment as they prepared for the city-wide trick or treating event about to occur on the streets of downtown.

While there aren’t 100 saloons anymore, there are still plenty to choose from for live music, a draw beer, and a chance to view a ghostly sighting. For the most local and authentic experience, step inside the Silver Dollar Saloon . One of the most historic and oldest saloons, which opened in 1865, is the Delta Saloon . Wherever you wind up whetting your whistle, you’ll find a rowdy and spirited environment.

6. Take A Mine Tour

Both the Chollar Mine and the Ponderosa Mine offer tours to allow visitors to experience how the treasures were produced. The Comstock area was home to more than 100 mines that produced seven million tons of silver ore. Take a historic mine tour beneath Virginia City at Chollar Mine , or visit a working stamp mill at Comstock Gold Mill .

7. Walk Through A Cemetery

With so many haunted locations, it’s only natural that some wish to tour a cemetery at one of two historic cemeteries. Take a self-guided tour with downloadable audio tours available online of either Silver Terrace Cemetery or the Gold Hill Cemetery.

Arne Beruldsen

8. Visit The Mackay Mansion

One of Virginia City’s few remaining original structures is the Mackay Mansion . The Victorian-era mansion was built in 1859 by the Hearst family. Tour the mansion to see the original furnishings and vintage Tiffany silver, plus stroll the grounds with its 100-mile view. In addition to daily tours, ghost hunters can partake in paranormal investigations; there are even night tours to spend the night if desired.

9. Take In A Show At Piper’s Opera House

The vintage theater at Piper’s Opera House has hosted music and plays throughout the years. Or book a special event at the historic location.

10. Stay At A Historic Hotel

During my visit, I spent the night in an enormous suite with a full kitchen, fireplace, and spectacular sunset views of the mountains at Silverland Inn and Suites . This Victorian-style era hotel is quaint and charming with old-style furnishings. If you’re on foot, as I was, take heed that the hill walking down from N C Street to the hotel is incredibly steep. Climbing back up the hill at a 6,207 feet altitude left me panting and needing a rest. Fortunately, the prize at the top of the hill is the abundance of saloons and other resting places.

Related articles:

• The Best Things To Do In Historic Tombstone, AZ
• 11 Best Things To Do In Beautiful Silverton, Colorado In The Fall
• 5 Ways To Relive The Wild West In Kansas

In 2015, Jill Dutton started traveling the world to explore culture and place through storytelling, writing about the people she meets along the way. Readers of her articles have come to expect an intimate look at authentic travel experiences. Jill's podcast, Global Journeys with Jill Dutton is ranked #22 in FeedSpot’s “Best Travel Podcasts on the Planet.” Listen to a podcast episode, read her syndicated food column -- Global Plates: The People We Meet, The Food They Eat, or follow her travels at https://globaljourneyswithjilldutton.com/.

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Roughly 20 miles southeast of Reno lies a little nugget of history in Virginia City. Most famous for the Comstock Lode, this historic town in the Northern Nevada region was a booming mining establishment for several decades in the mid-1800s. Jump back in time by taking a stroll down the wooden sidewalks, quenching your thirst at one of the unique saloons, riding on a steam engine or taking a haunted ghost tour in what was once the most important industrial city between Denver and San Francisco.

Things To Do in Virginia City

The best things to do in Virginia City are often a little goofy, a little spooky, and sometimes even a little boozy. Those who reside in Virginia City, Nevada love their unique history and lifestyle, so step back in time and do as the locals do.

Virginia City Shopping

Shopping in Virginia City will feel like you are stepping back in time with their selection of mercantile, antique stores and specialty shops. Inside the Pioneer Emporium, you will find Virginia City Hat Maker, a shop owned by a French custom hat maker. Here you will find everything from souvenirs to leather goods, and if you are lucky, you may see a custom hat being crafted right in front of your eyes. Right down the street you will find the Virginia City Mall, an eclectic shopping center that offers unique trinkets and vintage treasures. It is the perfect place to pick up something special to remember your visit!

A favorite activity for locals and visitors alike is taking an old-time photo. Channel your inner cowhand or saloon girl with a stop at one of the multiple photo shops on C Street for this one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Virginia City Restaurants and Dining

A day of adventuring is sure to work up an appetite, but you will not go hungry with your choice of Virginia City’s restaurants, saloons and candy shops. Check out Café Del Rio for a delicious selection of Tex-Mex, or stop by Red Dog Saloon for some great pizza in a saloon atmosphere. Those with a sweet tooth will love Barrels O Candy and Grandma’s Fudge Factory. End your day with a stop at the historic Bucket of Blood Saloon for drinks, live music and fun!

Virginia City Events

From the International Camel and Ostrich Races to saloon crawls, Virginia City is known for its quirky charm and one-of-a-kind events. One event that is a must-see in October is the Annual World Championship Outhouse Races , where three-person teams race decorated outhouses through downtown Virginia City. It is sure to be a hilarious afternoon!

Have a taste for something out of the ordinary? During the town’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities is the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry. Each year, cooks from across the West Coast grill, fry and smoke their own creative versions of these delicacies for event-goers. Throw on your green gear and join the crowds on C Street for a lively Virginia City event!

More Things To Do in Virginia City, Nevada

V&t railroad.

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad is, by far, the most famous of all American short-line railroads. In its heyday, as many as 45 trains a day arrived and departed Virginia City, Nevada. President Ulysses S. Grant and dignitaries the world overrode in the ornate coaches of the Virginia & Truckee. Completed in 1869, these trains hauled millions of dollars of gold and silver ore from the rich mines of Virginia City.

Take a 35-minute excursion back into the Old West with a journey on the V&T Railroad from Virginia City, through tunnel 4 to Gold Hill, Nevada. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride while taking in the spectacular mountain scenery. Hear the conductor narrate the amazing history of the Comstock while the train chuffs past the famous Comstock Bonanza mine ruins.

Virginia City Haunted Locations and Ghost Tours

Well known for its rich mining history, Virginia City is self-proclaimed as one of the most haunted towns in America. If you like to dabble in the paranormal or are looking to try something new and a little spooky, Virginia City offers many haunted locations, as well as guided ghost tours.

Built in 1876, the Silver Queen Hotel has many reported accounts of paranormal activity by guests over the years. If you choose to brave the night, you may encounter tapping on the walls, loud banging and possibly the sound of footsteps said to be coming from a woman who took her own life in Room 11. Another hotel said to be haunted is located right down the street in front of the old Yellowjacket mine, The Gold Hill Hotel and Miner’s Cabin. Home to two well-known spirits, this hotel draws visitors each year looking to stay in Rosie’s or William’s rooms and have their own encounter with the inhabitants.

Said to be the most haunted building in Virginia City and recently featured on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures , The Washoe Club is known for its history dating back to the Old West and its’ trio of ghosts that reside within the brick walls. If you want to take your chance at seeing one of their ghostly residents, the Washoe Club offers a bar, a museum, and a crypt for visitors to explore. Check out the Washoe Club Haunted Museum for more information.

On the list of most haunted locations in Virginia City is the Silver Terrace Cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place to many lost in deadly mining accidents during the era of the gold and silver rush. If you venture here, you will be greeted by an eerie scene of gated Victorian-style headstones along the hillside. This is a popular place for ghost hunters in Reno Tahoe and worldwide, especially around Halloween, with many claims of glowing headstones and floating blue lights throughout the cemetery.

Organized Ghost Tours

You can see all the haunted locations as well as hear the chilling stories on Virginia City’s Bats in the Belfry tour; specializing in the paranormal and providing guided ghost tours to those who dare! This walking tour will take you through the Silver Queen Hotel, Mackay Mansion, the Washoe Club and more, while the costumed guide tells historical and paranormal stories of the Virginia City locations. Be prepared for anything to happen on the Bats in the Belfry tour!

Virginia City History

In 1859, placer miners and prospectors in the western Great Basin made two amazing strikes of gold and silver ore near Virginia City. The Comstock Lode, as people soon called the ore body, resulted in what would today be billions of dollars in riches. Virginia City became a highly urbanized, industrial setting and by the early 1870s, together with its smaller neighbor, Gold Hill, reached a population of nearly 25,000, becoming one of the nation’s larger communities.

Mining camps are known to pass through an evolution of boom, dramatic growth and excitement and then decline — Virginia City certainly followed that pattern. By the early 1880s, it was becoming clear that the good times were over. It had been years since miners had discovered any new bonanzas, and thousands of people were leaving for better opportunities. By the Great Depression, Virginia City had declined, shrinking into a town of only several hundred people.

Interestingly, the NBC television Western, Bonanza, which ran from 1959 to 1973, brought a declining Virginia City back to life. Due to the enormous popularity of the show, visitors from around the world began to seek out and discover this famous Western city, previously known only through the chronicled, weekly adventures of the Cartwright family. Bonanza’s pop culture standing influenced the city’s offerings to also include amenities for travelers, such as restaurants, saloons and shops along the main strip.

Virginia City Population

Boasting a population of almost 25,000 in the early 1870s, the Virginia City population has stabilized over the past few decades after a dramatic decline following the mining boom. As of 2019, Virginia City has a population of 779 people.

Virginia City Arts and Culture

Virginia City has been attracting visitors to the area with arts and culture for more than 150 years with art centers and museums scattered throughout the area. Historic Piper’s Opera House, located on a hillside overlooking C street, is considered one of the nation’s most famous performance venues and one of America’s most significant vintage theaters. Built in 1885, and still in use, the stage has hosted President Grant, Buffalo Bill, Al Jolson and Mark Twain over the years.

Another piece of Virginia City, NV arts history is the Fourth Ward School Museum . Built as a state-of-the-art school in 1876, the Fourth Ward now serves as a museum to commemorate the American West. Permanent exhibits include the Fourth Ward School building with an 1870’s classroom, a historic overview of the Comstock, as well as Virginia City alumni photographs and memorabilia. With more than 15 museums, you may have to visit multiple times to see them all!

Virginia City to Reno

The drive from Virginia City to Reno only takes about 40 minutes in good weather, and the drive takes just under 30 minutes down the hill to Carson City.

What better way to spend the end of a day of stepping back in time by heading down the hill to explore Reno’s endless variety of restaurants , bars and iconic events ? Finally, kick off your boots at one of Reno’s many wonderful hotel options .

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Virginia City Tour - Reno

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Hotel pickup Available
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 5 Hrs
• Departure Time : 9:00 am or shortly after Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
• Departure Details : Your hotel.
• If you cancel within 3 calendar days (72 hours) of the scheduled departure time, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the undiscounted tour price.
• If you cancel between 4 to 7 Calendar days before scheduled tour departure,the cancellation charge will be 50% of the undiscounted tour price.
• If you cancel at least 8 calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure time, there is no cancellation fee. You will receive Full Refund for the paid amount.
• Please note that in case of No show, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the listed tour fare.
• Please note tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

The Virginia City Tour is perfect for those staying in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Tahoe Scenic Tours brings our guests to see the best attractions of Virginia City in a small-group, personalized, guided tour. Your guide will provide lodging pickup beginning at 9:00 AM in the Tahoe Scenic Tours van.  The trip will continue on the historic and scenic Pony Express for an hour and a half to Virginia City, Nevada. Our guests will have 2 hours to enjoy the experiences Virginia City has to offer. After visiting Virginia City, Tahoe Scenic Tours will transport your group back to your lodging between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Know More about this tour

Your guide will provide lodging pickup beginning at 9:00 AM in the Tahoe Scenic Tours van. Exact pickup time for your location will be confirmed the night before. From South Lake Tahoe, guests will experience a 40 minute drive up the scenic Geiger Grade. Your guide will share history, facts, important sights, and tell stories on the drive to Virginia City, where the largest silver rush created a city that was once the Richest City in America in a matter of a few years.

Upon arrival in Virginia City, your guide will offer itinerary suggestions to help determine your best experience for 2 hours of Wild West exploration. Guests will have time to enjoy the VT Railroad, take a trolley tour, tour historic mines, visit one of the many museums, shop, and dine in one of the many historic restaurants. The VT Railroad offers a 45 minute ride in a historic locomotive that travels on the same path that carried materials and workers to the mines in the 1860s, as well as a 20 minute tour of the town. The VT Railroad is the best way to get a lay of the land and hear the brief, yet rich history. For those that want a more hands on experience of what it took to work in a silver mine, join a mine tour. In these tours, you will walk hundreds of feet underground where the mine guide vividly paints the grueling picture of the miner's work day. There are also 15 museums and historic sites for those that want a true history lesson. Guests can also follow the wooden sidewalks tracing South C Street, the main street in Virginia City. The main street is full of unique and historic restaurants and shops to explore. If you are lucky, there might be some wild and fun events such as civil war reenactments and ostrich races happening during your visit. After visiting Virginia City, Tahoe Scenic Tours will transport your group back to your lodging between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Tahoe Scenic Tours offers an 8 person van, where each passenger will be able to enjoy a window seat in a captains chair. The offered 8 person tours encourage a more intimate experience for our guests, allowing for personalized stops along the way, as well as the opportunity to ask questions in a comfortable, small setting.

Please bring plenty of water, a camera, jacket, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

The price does not include food, drinks, activities, or driver gratuity.

Bottled water

Entrance fees

Food and drinks

Gratuities (recommended)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Minimum age is 5 years

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

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Trolley Tours

Virginia City Trolley

A 2-1/2 mile, 20-minute narrated tour of Virginia City on a trolley or tram. Get a brief sneak at the history of Virginia City while seeing the landmarks and views the historic town has to offer. A great place to start your day in town!

Dates and hours of operations – CALL IN ADVANCE TO CONFIRM OPERATING DAYS AND TIMES.

Summer-Hours: 10 am  to 4:00 pm, daily Winter-Hours: 10 am to 2 pm, daily (weather permitting) Season: Open year-round (weather permitting)

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Virginia City Tourism Commission 86 South “C” Street • P.O. Box 920 Virginia City, NV 89440

775-847-7500 [email protected]

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