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

March 2, 2018 Kiesha Cripe

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

111 S E St, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-9099
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 226 reviews

St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church

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

112 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440-9800 +1 775-847-4467
Excellent
69%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 209 reviews

The Washoe Club Haunted Museum

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

86 South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-7500
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 168 reviews

Virginia City Visitor Center

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

South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-0975
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Fourth Ward School Museum

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

113 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440-9800 +1 775-847-0766
Excellent
35%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 159 reviews

The Way It Was Museum

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

291 South D Street, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-997-8915
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

Mackay Mansion

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

106 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440-9800 +1 775-847-0757
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

Ponderosa Mine Tour

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

115 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440-9800 +1 520-955-3090
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Virginia City Outlaws

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

North E St, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-0281
Excellent
57%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Silver Terrace Cemeteries

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

26 South B St., Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-7800
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 40 reviews

Silver State National Peace Officers Museum

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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