10 Things to Do in Carson City That You Shouldn't Miss

July 25, 2017 Milan Banda

A city of natural beauty, charm, history and western hospitality, this state capital derived its name from Kit Carson, the legendary trapper, scout and explorer. A trip to the city is a living history lesson. One need only jump on the Kit Carson Trail downtown, which passes old mansions, courthouses, a depot and a brewery, to experience a taste of life in the Old West. Also downtown, the State Capitol, built in 1870, offers a look at the birth of Nevada as a state and Carson City as its capital. Other historic landmarks, cultural heritage centers and museums dot the landscape around town, but don't forget your clubs. The city is well-known for the Divine Nine, a group of top-rated area courses designed by pros such as Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller and John Harbottle and set amid the magnificent Sierra Mountains. After a little golf, gambling or sightseeing, spend some down time at the Carson City Hot Springs. You will emerge feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for more exciting endeavors.
Restaurants in Carson City

1. Nevada State Railroad Museum

2180 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-5552 +1 775-687-6953
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 227 reviews

Nevada State Railroad Museum

Train buffs will love this museum which features a diverse collection of photographs and artifacts that trace Nevada's railroad history. Highlights include a 19th-century rail equipment exhibit and five steam locomotives.

Reviewed By ManitouExpert - Manitou Springs, Colorado

We visited when they were preparing the steam engine train for a fall celebration. We watched them move the train to the depot to load the passengers. Some people were dressed in victorian clothes. A first class operation that would make a good movie set.

2. Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory

611 US Highway 395 N, New Washoe City, NV 89704-9538 +1 775-246-5500
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory

Reviewed By Meg48_12 - Lakeside, California

Stopped at the Chocolate Nugget Factory and left with lots of candy! It's all gone now...The Fudge was terrific...The Peanut Butters Sticks are fantastic..the dark chocolate peanut clusters are Awesome..Will be reordering all...

3. Nevada State Museum

600 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4004 +1 775-687-4810
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 342 reviews

Nevada State Museum

This museum focuses on the rich natural and cultural heritage of the "Silver State." Visit to learn about local wildlife, see the bones of pre-historic creatures found in the area and the Ichthyosaur Shonisaurus popularis, Nevada's state fossil.

Reviewed By vahillbilly - Hills of Virginia

I wasn't overly excited about the minting section of this museum but my partner who is a coin collector LOVED it! I basically tagged along with my traveling companion on this leg of our adventure but I was so pleasantly surprised by the mine exhibition in the basement of the building that it made the whole $8 entrance fee worth every penny and then some!!
If you have any interest in history what so ever this is well worth the stop!

4. Casino Fandango

3800 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-5554 +1 775-885-7000
Excellent
41%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 244 reviews

Casino Fandango

Reviewed By 1tahoeday - Zephyr Cove, Nevada

We eat at both of these restaurants often. Te Amos Italian is fabulous. The roasted garlic they bring with the bread is to die for. the Chicken picatta is the best ever with big giant capers.. My husband loves the Calamari Steak...Dukes is a beautiful Steakhouse with aged beef, delicious beef wellington, seafood tower is delicious. If you really want a great deal come for happy hour.

5. Galena Creek Bridge

I-580 Pleasant Valley, New Washoe City, NV
Excellent
20%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
60%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 5 reviews

Galena Creek Bridge

Reviewed By Bigredmachine

The Galena Creek Bridge was one of the costliest and most controversial road projects in Nevada's history. After being fought by local residents who called it "the bridge to nowhere" and extensive delays, this bridge is now the centerpiece of the 8.5-mile, half a billion dollar Interstate 580 extension between Reno and Carson City. The bridge crosses a small creek about 20 miles southwest of Reno.

6. Nevada State Capitol Building

101 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-3713 +1 775-684-3360
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 119 reviews

Nevada State Capitol Building

Reviewed By RonLeiken - Carson City, Nevada

If you want to see a little slice of Carson City, stop in for a look in this building. It is beautiful inside and out, and very historical.

7. Capitol Complex

Carson Street, Musser and 5th, Carson City, NV
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Capitol Complex

Tour the lovely grounds of this historic complex which includes: the Nevada State Capitol building, an architecural marvel made of native sandstone with marble hallways, the Legislative Building, the Supreme Court and the State Library and Archives.

Reviewed By kanbaatar - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

I found the beauty of walking the grounds in the Capitol Complex absolutely amazing as to their serenity and beauty. Fully leaved trees and rich thick grass with various monuments and buildings to admire. Well worth an hour or less of one's time especially on a very nice day.

8. Governor's Mansion

606 Mountain St, Carson City, NV 89703-3992 +1 775-882-2333
Excellent
32%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 49 reviews

Governor's Mansion

This Neoclassical 1909 mansion is located in the heart of Carson City's historic district.

Reviewed By Lalaki-Papaki - Athens, Greece

We (a couple) had a chance to walk around Carson City and discover a beautiful area full of historic residential houses that reminded us of a film studio perfect-looking neighborhood.

One of the houses, right on the edge of the road, was the Governor's Mansion. It is a very big house with impressive garden. We couldn't get too close to observe it, since it was closed to the public that day.

Definitely worth it to take a stroll in the area and admire the "film-set" looking houses!

9. Bowers Mansion Museum

Old Highway 395, Carson City, NV 89511 +1 775-849-0201
Excellent
60%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Bowers Mansion Museum

Reviewed By Paul T - Boulder, Colorado

On the way back to Reno we stopped at the Bowers Mansion which is part of a county park. In addition to the mansion you have access to a pool, playground, picnic pavilion and a large grassy area. The history of the Bowers mansion is another rags to riches and back to rags story. Tours of the mansion are given on the weekend.

10. Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau

716 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4096 +1 800-638-2321
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 26 reviews

Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Carson City, NV, sits in the center of one of the most scenic and historic areas in the country, making it a perfect starting point for your NV experience. History, year round outdoor recreation, events, the arts... There is always something going on. Download the FREE Visit Carson City App for your device for a real time visitors guide, pick up your tourism brochures and maps related to the entire region, follow Visit Carson City on any of your favorite social medias, or our website for all you need to know about the capital of Nevada.

Reviewed By Paul T - Boulder, Colorado

When we first walked in I wasn't sure if we were in the right place. The office looked more like a retail store than a visitors center. We were met by one of the staff and he gave us a wealth of information to where to go and what to do. We found the biggest problem was that there is so much to do and see within walking distance of each other and we only had so much time.

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