What to do and see in Virginia City, Nevada (NV): The Best Things to do

October 7, 2021 Sheron Bogner

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. Piper's Opera House

12 North B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-0433
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Piper's Opera House

This restored playhouse is back in operation.

Reviewed By wanderingcuriousness

We got lucky and had a private tour on a slow day. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and friendly and linked the history to important figures of the time, and some of the history of the other buildings, or townsfolk. Would love to be there during a performance. Was my favorite tour of the trip.

2. Fourth Ward School Museum

537 South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-0975 http://fourthwardschool.org/
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 174 reviews

Fourth Ward School Museum

Open May 1st through October 31st. Group tours available with advanced reservation. The Historic Fourth Ward School located in Virginia City, Nevada, is the Last-One-Standing. It is the only four storied, Victorian Era, Second Empire, wood school building in existence in the United States. This state-of-the-art building was completed in November 1876. It is home to the first two graduates from a Nevada school, both women, in the class of 1878. The doors to this 24,000 square foot school closed in 1936. Although attempts at restoration began in the 1960s, the building remained vacant and deteriorating until it became a museum in 1986. The Fourth Ward School building has been recognized by the state and local community as a significant historic site. The non-profit Historic Fourth Ward School Foundation has overseen the preservation of the building and operated the museum and gift shop since 2000.

Reviewed By Savethebestforlast

Nora was great, helped start a self guided tour.must go on line to make reservations. The history was amazing, the picture from the 1800’s were plentiful. The restorations to bring the school back to it’s original state has made the school stand out in the town. A must see if you love history. Great room on Mark Twain’s life also.

3. Mackay Mansion

291 South D Street, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-0156 [email protected] http://www.therealmackaymansion.com
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 128 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 S8252ZAjohng

Do it! Tour is worth it and informative full of history and guide shared stories of ghosts and had video!

4. St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church

111 S E St, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-9099 http://www.facebook.com/stmarysvc
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church

Reviewed By benjamincX7185HV

I attend Mass here every Sunday and love it. It’s because of coming every week since 2015 I converted to Catholicism. I feel at home here and love it!!! I can’t tell enough people about the History and why I love this church enough!!!!

5. The Washoe Club Haunted Museum

112 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440-9800 +1 775-847-4467 http://www.thewashoeclub.com
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 278 reviews

The Washoe Club Haunted Museum

Reviewed By juancarlosu2018 - South Lake Tahoe, United States

My 10 year old daughter and I were wandering around Virginia City with loose plans other than exploring for a few hours. We walked into the Washoe Club and the bartender was super friendly and welcoming. I’ve been to Virginia City before being from Tahoe, but it was with the boys on motorcycles. She let us know a tour would be starting at the hour and my daughter showed interest. Halen was our tour guide and was “Amazing “ as my daughter chose the heading for the review. True local with good information and passion. This isn’t just a job for him, it’s an opportunity to share his knowledge. “He believes”, based on his experiences growing up in Virginia City. I would say I was a neutral 5/10 before the tour and left at a 7/10. I would never say spirits aren’t real, just never experienced what others have. Definitely felt some energy in the building.

6. Silver Terrace Cemeteries

North E St, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-0281 http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/nevada/sil.htm
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Silver Terrace Cemeteries

Reviewed By veronicau103 - Newark, United States

This is great place to see some local history and get a feel for the spirit world. Although I didn't come into contact with any ghosts it was a great look out point.

7. Virginia City Visitor Center

86 South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-7500 http://www.visitvirginiacitynv.com
Excellent
50%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 216 reviews

Virginia City Visitor Center

Reviewed By maureenc553 - Titusville, United States

The knowledgeable person at the historic counter will give you a helpful map and will let you know what is open on that particular day and what attractions are free. He/she will advise you on choices based on the size of your group and interests. They also have public restrooms.

8. Virginia City Outlaws

115 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440-9800 +1 520-955-3090 http://www.facebook.com/virginiacitygunfights/info?tab=overview
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Virginia City Outlaws

Family Wild West show with comedy, action and audience participation. Award winning script with professional actors

Reviewed By 879beths - South Lake Tahoe, United States

Get there early to find a seat in the shade. While you are waiting for the show, they play the theme songs of many Western television shows. The actors are engaging and encourage audience participation.

9. Old Time Photos

203 North C Street Priscilla Pennyworth's, Virginia City, NV 89440 +1 775-847-0333
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Old Time Photos

Reviewed By drpritchard2003 - Huntington Beach, United States

My daughter decided she wanted us have a family photo. We all dressed in cowboy and dance hall outfits,cute. The photo turned out so well that I bought one for may wife and myself, needless to say my daughter bought hers as well. Many different poses to choose from. The proprietor was creative and helpful. It was fun and we have a couple of souvenirs to last for years to come. This was the first time I had ever done this and I enjoyed the experience.

10. The Way It Was Museum

113 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440-9800 +1 775-847-0766 http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/13263
Excellent
35%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 204 reviews

The Way It Was Museum

Reviewed By klamathkennedys - Klamath Falls, United States

Had great time here but please allow time to see everything and there is a lot to see but gives you a great glimpse into yesteryear

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