Location: Virginia City
Top Things to do in Virginia City
- 1. St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church
- 2. The Washoe Club Haunted Museum
- 3. Virginia City Visitor Center
- 4. Fourth Ward School Museum
- 5. The Way It Was Museum
- 6. Mackay Mansion
- 7. Ponderosa Mine Tour
- 8. Virginia City Outlaws
- 9. Silver Terrace Cemeteries
- 10. Silver State National Peace Officers Museum
10 Things to Do in Virginia City That You Shouldn't Miss
You won't find big chain superstores or fast food restaurants in Virginia City. Instead you will find streets steeped in the history of the Gold Rush and the birth of the American West. The once silver and gold lined Comstock Lode drew thousands of miners, including American writer Mark Twain, to its promise of riches. Now the town preserves its illustrious past with tours, restored historical architecture, informative museums and commemorative events for all ages.
Restaurants in Virginia City
1. St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By vakamalua - reston, va
Take some time to visit this historic and beautiful Catholic church. Despite its Old West heritage, it reminded me of the old churches in mining towns Pennsylvania--a lot of similarity between the 19th century sliver and the coal mining populations. Their is also a museum in the basement. We had a nice chat with the Pastor about the history of the church and the area. Despite a small congregation, the diocese keeps it open for its historic value. You can donate to the upkeep of this treasure.
2. The Washoe Club Haunted Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By ManitouExpert - Manitou Springs, Colorado
We enjoyed the history of the building. The different eras of the building shown by layers of wallpaper all the way back to the original decor. The guide presented a good history of the building, the town and the local area. She talked about the historic characters and events that formed Virginia City. It was a little scary and she mixed in some good play on words for humor.
3. Virginia City Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By RDB_NC - Cary, North Carolina
Staff were very friendly and helped me with locating specific things in town to see and do. Also recommended places to park (free). First timers should make this one of your first stops when going to Virginia City. Allow several hours when visiting Virginia City, a lot to do and see.
4. Fourth Ward School Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By jenlan23 - Las Vegas, Nevada
This was my third trip to Virginia City but first time actually going into this museum. Many of the museums in the city are underwhelming but I enjoyed the Fourth Ward. There's a school room you can actually walk through that's set up like it would be in the 1800s (details down to the maps on the walls and the curriculum were great). I recommend a visit if you get the chance.
5. The Way It Was Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By Sungron - Washington
This is a must see for history and old west buffs. The museum isn't large, but packed with artifacts of the old Virginia City. Be sure to watch the video presentation. Tickets are only three bucks a pop, and can be purchased at the Virginia City Visitors Center for $2.50
6. Mackay Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
At the Mackay Mansion Museum, we offer a unique site to Virginia City, NV. Inside the mansion we have original fixtures such as: chandeliers, carpet, desks, wallpaper, medallions, and more! We also off a large piece of property with two vast lawns along with large quantities of fruit and flower bearing flora. We also have a wedding arch for ceremonies and a patio that has a 100 mile view into eastern Nevada. We are open for tours 7 days a week and are open to all kinds of private events. Give us a call for details.
Reviewed By Tanmansmom - Washington
Stopped in with my hubby to enjoy the architecture, learn about the town and my hubby wanted to see a ghost. The place was beautiful and actively being restored. The lady that gave us the back story was so sweet and seemed like she really knew her stuff. My kids would not have enjoyed this stop, but we sure did. Great stop to get out of the heat and immerse yourself in a different time. Took us about an hour to walk through.
7. Ponderosa Mine Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By fawn3620 - baltimore, md
Very touristy, but fun. Our guide was an older gentleman who told some great stories. It's dark and dank inside but fascinating to see how people worked under these conditions. If you're claustrophobic you might want to avoid this as it is cramped.
8. Virginia City Outlaws
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Family Wild West show with comedy, action and audience participation. Award winning script with professional actors
Reviewed By sp4301 - Medford, Oregon
This little Wild West show was fun and made us all laugh. Everyone in the group, teens to retirees enjoyed the show and thought it was worth the money.
Audience participation really makes this show work, it is designed for it. If you and the crowd don't cheer the good guys and boo the bad or follow the actor cues, it could slow things down. Be prepared to participate and have fun!
9. Silver Terrace Cemeteries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Steven W - Sacramento, California
If you like wandering old cemeteries, you'll love this one. It' on the side of a hill in several terraces and overlooks the valley below. It's just outside the main part of Virginia City, so easy access from there. Plenty of old markers to wander past and explore as you try to picture life back in the early days.
10. Silver State National Peace Officers Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
There is no other like it, anywhere! The museum, established inside the 1876 jail, features the finest and largest US law enforcement historical collection known. There is something for everyone with a kids station, old time photo opportunities, hall of history with artifacts dating back to 1714, and a wonderful museum store. The memorial room provides a place to reflect on the risks of the profession. There truly is no other like it. We have the largest collection of law enforcement history and our docents are from the law enforcement profession! Admission is only $5.00 with special discounts for teens and children under 12 are free with accompanying adult. WE ARE JUST ONE BLOCK ABOVE VIRGINIA CITY'S MAIN STREET, INSIDE THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE.
Reviewed By CekayFarnsworth - Reno, Nevada
Old jail house and a lot of memorabilia on display. This is a must see in Virginia City. There is also a section that remembers fallen officers. It reminds us everyday brave police officers are trying to keep us safe while they tread in dangerous territory.
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