What to do and see in Virginia City, United States: The Best Places and Tips

September 12, 2017 Jasper Kershner

Virginia City is a town in and the county seat of Madison County, Montana, United States. In 1961 the town and the surrounding area were designated a National Historic Landmark District, the Virginia City Historic District. The population was 190 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Virginia City

1. Virginia City National Historic Landmark

Main Street, Virginia City, MT +1 800-829-2969
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Virginia City National Historic Landmark

Reviewed By TravelFan48105 - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The historic district is the real deal, not a re-creation. It comprises several blocks of original businesses complete with their storefronts, advertising, merchandise, clothing, equipment, etc. You feel like you are going back in time to Virginia City's heyday which followed the discovery of gold in 1859. The two, or in some cases three, story buildings in the historic district are gorgeous and well preserved. We visited on a fall week day and there weren't many other tourists. Very highly recommended.

2. Nevada City Ghost Town

1578 MT Hwy 287, Nevada City, MT 59755 +1 406-843-5247
Excellent
66%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Nevada City Ghost Town

Relive the excitement of the Gold Rush era in Montana. The outdoor museum in Nevada City houses one of the largest collections of Old West artifacts outside the Smithsonian and has one hundred 1863 to early 1900 buildings. The museum entrance is also home to several unique music machines. There are many exhibits and artifacts to help you experience the culture, time and place engaging all of your senses as you discover early Montana. In Nevada City, you’ll witness what it was like to live in a frontier mining town in the height of the Gold Rush days. Take time out of your fast paced life to "Step into Montana's Past." Open Memorial weekend - Labor Day every year. Living History volunteers on site on weekends. Weekday price- $8 adult / $6 youth& senior / 4 and under free Weekend price- $10 adult / $8 youth & senior / 4 and under free

Reviewed By denver60 - Denver, Colorado

We toured the Nevada City Museum & Music Hall - lots of interesting items from the old West. A very fun, full day of entertainment was enjoyed by all in visiting Nevada City and the nearby Virginia City.

3. The Illustrious Virginia City Players

338 West Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755 +1 800-829-2969
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

The Illustrious Virginia City Players

Reviewed By todbo - Colchester, Connecticut

The Players presented a condensed version of Robin Hood. The script was fun, the acting was stylized, and the good guys won.

After a short intermission, the Players engaged in a most entertaining vaudeville show, featuring songs and skits.Great fun, but NOT poliitically correct.

For me, the highlight of the day involved a zaftig siren who sang and strutted her way into the audience, selecting various individuals for over-the-top affection. My location (Row M, Seat 1) put me on the aisle, and she plopped into my lap and left me with a lipstick mark on my bald head. My granddaughter's wide eyes made the price of admission a bargain.

We enjoyed cheap (by Eastern standards) treats, including a carry-in beer from the tavern next door.

4. Nevada City

300 West Wallace Street, Nevada City, MT 59755 +1 406-843-5247
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Nevada City

Relive the excitement of the Gold Rush era in Montana. The outdoor museum in Nevada City houses one of the largest collections of Old West artifacts outside the Smithsonian and has one hundred 1863 to early 1900 buildings. The museum entrance is also home to several unique music machines. There are many exhibits and artifacts to help you experience the culture, time and place engaging all of your senses as you discover early Montana. In Nevada City, you’ll witness what it was like to live in a frontier mining town in the height of the Gold Rush days. Take time out of your fast paced life to "Step into Montana's Past." Open Memorial weekend - Labor Day every year. Living History volunteers on site on weekends. Weekday price- $8 adult / $6 youth& senior / 4 and under free Weekend price- $10 adult / $8 youth & senior / 4 and under free

Reviewed By denver60 - Denver, Colorado

We visited Nevada City during our visit to it's neighboring ghost town, Virginia City. A tourist train runs from Virginia City to Nevada City and both ghost towns are very interesting but Nevada City is not teeming with tourists like its sister, VC. We took the Nevada City Ghost town tour - very entertaining.

5. Brewery Follies

200 E Cover Street, Virginia City, MT 59755 +1 800-829-2969
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Brewery Follies

The Brewery Follies is a contemporary comedy cabaret. We perform a skit laden show that is naughty, raunchy, risque, and hilarious! We may be situated in an old mining town, but our humor is modern and...well, we are NOT politically correct. Nor are we clean humored, or for the easily offended. We are fun!!! But we are NOT for everyone. Please do your research before making a reservation. If you leave offended, you may have taken the seat of someone who would have loved being in your shoes but couldn't get in. As Mike, the director says, "no self-respecting person should want to see this show". :) If it's not your speed, don't come. If it is, welcome! And have a great time!

Reviewed By John W - Livingston

I attend the Brewery Follies at least 2 to 3 times per summer. The visitors I take down to Virginia City have always enjoyed the show. It is Politically Incorrect humor and ADULT HUMOR at it's finest. Love the cast and how hard they work to put on a good show. and the Cold Beer is pretty darn good as well. Keep up the Great Work!!!

6. Alder Gulch Railway

413 West Wallace Street, Train Station, Nevada City, MT 59755
Excellent
31%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 16 reviews

Alder Gulch Railway

The Virginia City Shortline Railroad was built by Charlie Bovey in 1964 to connect Virginia City, Montana to Nevada City - A mile and a half away. Today, the Virginia City Shortline is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and learn about the surrounding area! The train ride is approximately 15 minutes long. Train tickets can be purchased from the Virginia City Train Depot, Nevada City Museum, or as part of the Family Pass from the River of Gold. All locations open at 10 am. Tickets can be purchased for the 10 am train at the Virginia City Depot the morning of departure. The train departs in Nevada City across the street from the Museum and Music Hall at the Bovey Visitor Center. The engineer will blow the whistle 5 minutes prior to departure. Train does not run in the rain or snow. Open Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day.

Reviewed By Tom V - Clarksville, Arkansas

. This was a nice way to get between these two ghost towns. As seniors we paid $8 each for the ride. You can ride ad many times as you want. Trains (there's only one) leave every half hour. The ride itself doesn't offer lots to see but the narration by one of the train personnel is informative.
. We also bought tickets to the museum ($8 for seniors) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Panning for gold was included! Didn't find any gold but got a few garnets. It was our first time panning and were glad to have Cindy and Duel there to get us the pans & tweezers we needed, as well as show us how to do it. Duel took extra time to help while Cindy was more involved with welcoming people and pointing them down to where the action was.
. If you're expecting to get rich panning you will likely be disappointed but if you just want to have a good time, include some time for this.

7. Boot Hill

Virginia City, MT
Excellent
22%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
35%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 48 reviews

Boot Hill

This hill overlooks Virginia City and marks the graves of the outlaws who were brought to justice by the local vigilantes.

Reviewed By TravelFan48105 - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The reviews I read of Boot Hill describe this attraction as a drive. I recommend a walk/hike to the hill top. You are rewarded by a lovely view of Virginia City and beyond. It's an easy walk. To cool off afterwards, walk down the hill and get an ice cream at the Virginia City Creamery.

8. J.Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum

219 West Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755 +1 406-843-5500
Excellent
30%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 13 reviews

J.Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum

Reviewed By Nandid - Montana

This little gem is nice to stop and see. It's a free museum with alot of interesting things to look at.

The basement displays are a little musty, but still take the time to stop and view them you won't be disapointed.

However don't buy anything here. The prices are insane. We bought an item here and walked down the street to another place and they had the same item for 4 dollars cheaper. Donate to the museum, but if your buying souveniers don't buy them here.

9. Pioneer Bar

210 Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755 +1 406-843-5550
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Pioneer Bar

Reviewed By CavemanHHH - Placitas, New Mexico

The local hang out. We were advised not to be there late due to locals seeing this as their bar. Cool old bar & the staff was friendly. Enjoyed looking at all the history items everywhere. Did not stay late due to recommendations of local business owners.
Went to the haystack bar as it got dark for night time activities.

10. Thompson Hickman Museum

220 Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755 +1 406-843-5238
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Thompson Hickman Museum

Reviewed By CavemanHHH - Placitas, New Mexico

Town is not real big & it would be silly if you don't see it all. Take the time and view the family collection where you will see a part of history of these families & the hardships they lived every day

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