20 Fascinating Things To Do In Virginia City, Nevada

The Wild West Day Trip to Virginia City from Tahoe, combined with a Virginia City train ride, is a 7-hour time travel experience.

The trip, which departs by minibus from South Lake Tahoe, heads to a section of the famous Pony Express trail and into Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District.

Guests will then embark on a 6.5-mile round trip on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, offering another glimpse of the Wild West through its beautiful scenery.

After the ride, you'll have free time to explore interesting sites such as local museums, historic mansions, and even real saloons.

Explore the Silver Rush towns of the Nevada state and discover them during the self-guided tour starting in Lake Tahoe, and ending in Virginia City.

The tour will commence close to South Lake Tahoe, where the tourists will drive through the Kingsbury grade and into Douglas County, taking a detour to Genoa.

Then, it will continue to drive through and past Carson City before visiting Silver City which is a historic region. The climax of the trip will be in Virginia City, a town that was alive with activity due to the silver boom during that period.

The Mackay Mansion Museum located in Virginia City, is a charming place that reveals the splendor of 1860’s mining boom. Once home to wealthy George Mackay, the mansion is full of history-period decorations, and artifacts.

If you're looking for an up-close and informative experience of the historical context and the treasures that came and went from Virginia City during this time, the Mackay Mansion Museum is the right place to begin.

There are various guided tours and information regarding the mansions' history, and fees on the site named Travel Nevada.

Do you want to visit a place that is classy and full of history, where every show is exciting and memorable, like Piper's Opera House?

Piper's Opera House is a historic performing arts venue that presents music, theater, and dance performances as a means of preserving the conclusive integral artistic aspect of the cultural diversity of the region.

At this place, one can learn about its amazing past, watch performances, or appreciate the restored features of the premises. Hence, Piper's Opera House is the best place to visit, especially for someone interested in the arts and culture of Virginia City NV.

Silver Terrace Cemetery, located in Virginia City, provides an intriguing aspect of the town's history. Located upon a slope, this historical cemetery is adorned with beautiful headstones and intricate structures depicting the history of miners, pioneers, and their families.

While strolling through the well-kept pathways of the cemetery, you will come across some ready-made epitaphs, artworks, and crafts carved in stone which are still constructs showing the lives of people who once lived in the region.

The cemetery is also well situated in that it gives breathtaking scenery of the environment around it.

St. Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church, a constituent parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno, holds great historic significance in Virginia City in the state of Nevada.

This beautiful century 19th Gothic Revival church is adorned with a museum where one can get educated about the church and the history of the town in particular which focuses on the mining activities, and the period of the more general town's development.

There's a peaceful reflection room, lots of stained glass, and a charming little shop with unique souvenirs. St. Mary's Catholic Church offers a unique blend of history and spirituality for tourists in Virginia City, making it the oldest church in Nevada.

The Chollar Mine Tour is one of the educational tours that provides a brief history of the rich silver mining.

The managed trek will not only take you underground and through the real mine tunnels but also include anecdotes about the life of the miner, his implements, and his method of work in the nineteenth century.

Other visitors get to watch some old mining equipment and learn about the technique called "square set" timbering and the ups and downs of silver mining.

This tour is quite suited for those wizards with history as it is not only fun but also educative and gives insight into the mining history.

Old Red Garter is a Western costume shop that rapidly takes one into the wildest nature of its old walls.

The store is widely known for its old-world charm and boasts of an extensive collection of old Western wear from hats and boots to belts, fringe coats, and all sorts of other period items.

It is also an active shop with a typical saloon setting which is a great busy for the tourists visiting who want to have fun in the old gold mining town region.

The Comstock Firemen's Museum remembers the heroic efforts of firefighters in the region.

It remains in an old firehouse and is filled with a variety of firefighting tools such as antique rubberized, fire hose pipes as well as nozzles, firemen's helmets, and among the finest collections of 19th-century fire engines.

One can gain insight into the accounts in the various displays of firemen during the active mining days and even the fire machine that defended the town. Sometimes the volunteers speak about the famous fires of Virginia City and the history of fighting them.

Historic Fourth Ward School Museum is a Victorian structure with four floors constructed for a school in 1876 and should be visited primarily for historical purposes.

The museum features displays of life in a booming town in the 19th century, the history of mining on the Comstock, and the early days of schooling in the region.

Period items, original wooden benches, and captivating exhibits of Virginia City's history including one of Mark Twain's ties to the area can be seen.

In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places, this museum provides a rare opportunity to experience the history and education of Virginia City more realistically.

Establishing itself as one of the unique visits for clients, Ponderosa Saloon in Virginia City has an impression of a rich history of 150 years. The saloon also provides a guided tour of the underground mine explaining the mining culture in Nevada.

Later on, you can also sit at the bar that is known to have one of the best live music bands in the region, relaxing with a cold drink.

For those who love to sing, Ponderosa Saloon boasts the best karaoke scene in Northern Nevada, blending history with entertainment and fun. So, it is one of the best things to do in Virginia City.

At Priscilla Pennyworths Old Time Photos in Virginia City you can truly live out the experiences of the Wild West on a whole new level.

The perfect photo opportunity awaits as you can put on period costumes that include cowboys, saloon girls, Victorian gentlemen and ladies, and many other period attires.

All the pictures are taken with attention and respect to the authentic details of the setting and encapsulate the spirit of the 19th-century boomtown days of Virginia City.

Do you like performing arts and watching plays during your leisure time? This is the perfect place for you.

The Outlaw Theatre is one of the Virginia City Nevada attractions that will entertain you with amazing Virginia city events, and Wild West gunfight recreations even in the Off-Season.

For more than two decades, the Virginia City Outlaws have put on terrific shows that are full of action and incorporate elements of humor, suspense, and the charm of the Old West.

At the Outlaw Theatre, the Audience can enjoy Core Gun fights and Cowboy tricks performed in Daring shootouts straight out of the Wild West Era.

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company is an old railroad that used to connect the cities of Virginia City and Carson City in the state of Nevada.

It's called the most famous of the American short lines for a good reason as it used to run almost 45 trains a day, transporting U.S. presidents, visitors, and a lot of gold and silver ore from Virginia City.

As a transit line that was historically developed, it still provides the experience of the beautiful scenery and of the mines that the state of Nevada has. Normally, for its patrons, there are rides upon 100-year-old steam locomotives and older diesel trains.

Barrels O Candy in Virginia City is a great place for candy lovers. This quirky candy store which is situated on the main street of the town is buzzing with barrels of treats providing a great range of old school and new herb candy, breath freshening mint fudge, and organic chocolate lovers toffee.

In addition, for all the kids who enjoy their sweets, have mouthwatering saltwater taffy and hard candy along with scrumptious homemade snacks.

The store has a warm, vintage atmosphere and the nice employees enhance the overall enjoyment for families. Hence, it is perfect for all those who love having sweets.

The Bucket of Blood Saloon located in Virginia City has a rich history dating back to as early as 1876 without looking back. Upon entry, one feels reminiscent of the Comstock era with stories of mining and timber flumes that used to run through the town's mines.

Revelers can sip on a special Bloody Mary while munching on freshly popped corn and gazing over the Six Mile Canyon which has a view spanning a hundred miles.

Most of the weekends, the saloon rings in a country music local favorite David John and the Comstock Cowboys, who are the resident band, for a genuine Old West atmosphere.

If you are in the greater area of Virginia City, and looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in shopping, the Virginia City Hat Maker located within the Pioneer Emporium is an experience you cannot forget.

In this Nevada historical landmark, one can take a step back in time with custom-made old Western hats and Western garments.

Each one of the custom hats is sculpted individually by the hatmaker ensuring complete uniqueness of the piece to fit one's character. Also, Vintage items for sale as well as jewelry and memorabilia are presented in an attractive pinkish decor.

Known for providing an unforgettable experience in a historic structure that has indoor and outdoor seating Crazy Calamities in Virginia City is a wonderful place for breakfast and lunch.

A place among the best new joints in the city which accommodates dogs making it friendly for owners of pets. Even though it's not right in the middle of everything, people rave about the food, atmosphere, and service at this spot in Virginia City.

It has a charming old-world vibe that hides a cozy interior, making it perfect for anyone visiting Virginia City. If you're looking for some Virginia City Nevada restaurants, then this can be a great choice.

Virginia City Mercantile transports the visitors into the post-Civil War era. Virginia bestows its acclaim upon this lively general shop exhibiting various traditional foodstuff, unique gifts, and Western artifacts all at the center of the city.

You can find homemade jam, vintage dolls, handmade treats, and lots of Wild West items that make great gifts! Inside the store, the old furniture reflects Virginia City's history and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

This area is perfect for someone who loves culture, and the Old West style adds to its charm, making it a great spot for those wanting to step back in time.

Kashmir American Enterprises in Virginia City offers a fun and unique shopping experience centered around artisanal products and artifacts from Kashmir. With a wide selection of jewelry, textiles, and crafts, it's a great spot to explore exotic culture right in a mining town.

Located on the main boardwalk, this store is appealing to tourists looking for unique trinkets or a chance to experience true craftsmanship.

Everyone visiting this shop can find great souvenirs or learn about the rich traditions of craftsmanship. Hence, it is one of the best things to do in Nevada.