carson city mine tour

Carson City – Virginia City Train Rides

24-mile round trip.

Rediscover Nevada’s rich history in mining and mills on the V&T Railway Carson City-Virginia City route as you meander through tunnels, canyons and mining towns aboard a restored 1914 Pullman coach led by a 1914 Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive. This relaxing, all-day train excursion is fully narrated with historical facts and anecdotes. Departing from Carson City’s Eastgate Depot, the 24-mile round-trip tour includes a fun 3.5-hour stopover in historic Virginia City, where you can stroll the boardwalks and explore restaurants, shops, saloons, museums, mines and more. One-way trips based on availability.

While we make every effort to run our 1914 Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive, our diesel locomotive may be substituted for any departure, for any reason. 

2024 Season Now on Sale!

Click here to purchase tickets. , schedule & fares.

General season trains run select Saturday’s and Sunday’s, May through October. Be sure to check our schedule before planning your trip! 

• Depart Carson City (Eastgate Depot) 10:00 am – Arrive Virginia City (F Street Depot) 11:30 am
• Depart Virginia City (F Street Depot) 3:00 pm – Arrive Carson City (Eastgate Depot) 4:15 pm

Current Scheduled Departures

MAY Friday, May 10, 2024 – 2024 Twain Train Saturday, May 11, 2024 – Mother’s Day Train Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Mother’s Day Train Saturday, May 18, 2024* Sunday, May 19, 2024* Saturday, May 25, 2024 Sunday, May 26, 2024 JUNE Saturday, June 1, 2024* Sunday, June 2, 2024* Saturday, June 8, 2024* Sunday, June 9, 2024* Saturday, June 15, 2024 Sunday, June 16, 2024 Saturday, June 22, 2024 Sunday, June 23, 2024 Saturday, June 29, 2024 Sunday, June 30, 2024 JULY Saturday, July 13, 2024 Sunday, July 14, 2024 Saturday, July 20, 2024 Sunday, July 21, 2024 Saturday, July 27, 2024 Sunday, July 28, 2024 AUGUST Saturday, August 3, 2024* Sunday, August 4, 2024* Saturday, August 10, 2024 Sunday, August 11, 2024 Saturday, August 17, 2024 Sunday, August 18, 2024 Saturday, August 24, 2024 Sunday, August 25, 2024* SEPTEMBER Saturday, September 7, 2024* Sunday, September 8, 2024* Saturday, September 14, 2024 Sunday, September 15, 2024 Saturday, September 21, 2024 Sunday, September 22, 2024 OCTOBER Saturday, October 5, 2024* Sunday, October 6, 2024* Saturday, October 12, 2024 Sunday, October 13, 2024 Saturday, October 19, 2024 Sunday, October 20, 2024

*Diesel Train

STEAM Adult  | $55 Senior (Ages 65+)  | $52 Veteran  | $52 Child*  (Ages 2-15)  | $40 Lap Baby* (Ages 0-24 months) | $0

DIESEL Adult  | $50 Senior (Ages 65+)  | $47 Veteran  | $47 Child*  (Ages 2-15)  | $40 Lap Baby* (Ages 0-24 months) | $0

One-way Ride

Contact us at 833-RAILSNV to inquire about train charters!

Route Highlights

• Fully narrated train tour
• Scenic route through the Virginia Range
• Pass through two historic train tunnels
• Wildlife sightings may include wild mustangs
• Historic American Flat-site of a once bustling mining town
• Historic Scales water stop
• Overman Pit-120 feet deep
• 3.5 hours stop in Virginia City – “The Richest Place on Earth”

Trip Details

• This activity is not wheelchair accessible. Some wheelchairs may be transported via train’s cargo holding.
• Please arrive 1/2 hour before your train departure time. Schedule and equipment subject to change. We reserve the right to sell your ticket if you have not checked in twenty minutes prior to scheduled train departure.
• All guests must check in at WILL CALL to redeem boarding tickets.
• No dogs allowed except service dogs
• Bench seating with 2 passengers per bench.
• We reserve the right to replace the steam engine with a diesel engine with no notice.
• Until further notice, shuttle service to C Street from Virginia City Depot is unavailable. 

Cancellation Policy

• Refunds or rebookings are available 72 hours before departure with a $25 service fee.
• No refunds available within 72 hours of departure.

Wild Wild West: 13 Old West Towns To Visit In Nevada

• Nevada is home to well-preserved old west towns from the 19th century, offering visitors a chance to experience the authentic past.
• The towns mentioned in the article, such as Carson City and Winnemucca, have fascinating histories and attractions that showcase their wild west heritage.
• Outdoor recreation opportunities, historic buildings, museums, and mine tours are just some of the activities visitors can enjoy in these Nevada mining towns.

The state of Nevada is home to some of the most well-preserved and captivating oldest-founded towns from the 19th century, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the past. From the iconic Virginia City to the lesser-known treasures of Eureka and Tonopah, these towns are brimming with history, culture, and adventure. This article lists some of the best old west towns to visit in Nevada, highlighting their fascinating stories, must-see attractions, and hidden gems. So saddle up, put on a Stetson, and get ready to explore the incredible Nevada mining towns.

UPDATE: 2023/10/20 01:49 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

Can't Get Enough of the Wild West?

Nearly every town in Nevada has ties to the Old West. This list has been updated with even more Nevada towns with history tied to the lawless days of the Wild West. With unique artifacts, colorful history, and one-of-a-kind buildings, these towns are well worth exploring. Get ready to dust off those boots!

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Nevada You Should Visit

Carson City

The capital of Nevada, Carson City, has a number of unique activities for visitors today to enjoy. Before it became the hub of this western state, however, Carson City was a classic Wild West town. In fact, Carson City was named one of the Top True Western towns in Nevada back in 2020.

Carson City is one of several towns in Nevada where the west is still wild, with the Nevada State Museum offering mine tours to help visitors get a feel for work life in the Old West. Additionally, the classic Bank Saloon, built in 1899, is the longest continuously operating bar in Carson City and serves a variety of drinks that hail from its 130-year-old history.

• Things to Do in Carson City: Nevada State Museum, Bank Saloon, Vasefinder Museum , Hiking Trails

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Towns That Are Easily Visited From Carson City

The only incorporated city in Humboldt County, Winnemucca, has done an exceptional job preserving the artifacts of the Nevada Wild West. The free-to-visit Humboldt Museum , in particular, holds the artifacts found in the Lovelock Caves, and the museum itself is a historic church that was converted into a museum.

Winnemucca also has a Visitors Center , which has exhibits highlighting the different industries that once fueled the town. The center also explores the pioneer history of the area, as well as the Native Americans that pre-dated the western wild west feel of this small Nevada town.

• Things to Do in Winnemucca: Humboldt Museum, Winnemucca Visitors Center, Winnemucca Sand Dunes, Winnemucca Canyon Trail, Water Canyon

Lovelock is a bit of a "blink-and-you'll-miss-it" sort of town, usually relegated to a simple pit stop on an epic cross-country I-80 road trip . For those who take the time to look around, however, the feel and taste of the Old West will quickly become apparent.

Lovelock landed on the map when 11 duck decoys were found in a nearby cave . The earliest of such artifacts of their kind, these decoys are a nod to the simple hunting and farming life that once dominated the area. Today, a number of the local restaurants continue to follow this old-west theme, keeping the town's history alive and well.

• Things to Do in Lovelock: Marzen House Museum , Lovelock Cave Backcountry Byway , Rye Patch State Recreation Area

Virginia City

Located in Storey County, Virginia City is a historic town in Nevada with plenty to do and see (it's also one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the west, founded in the 1850s as a silver mining town during the Comstock Lode boom). The town offers visitors a chance to explore its incredible architecture and museums, including the historic district, which features over 60 buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The notable museums in the city include the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Museum and Comstock History Center.

One of the most popular attractions in Virginia City is the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, a historic train that runs between Virginia City and Carson City. Other popular activities in the town include visiting the historic saloons, the annual Camel Races, and the mine tours.

• Things to Do in Virginia City: Virginia & Truckee Railroad , Tour Historic Saloons, Watch a Camel Race, Take a Mine Tour

Situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains , Genoa is a town founded in 1851 and is considered the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada. Today, it's a popular destination for outdoor recreation and sightseeing.

One of the most notable attractions in Genoa is the Mormon Station State Historical Park, and several historic buildings, including the Genoa Courthouse Museum, Dake House, and the Genoa Bar, which has been in operation since 1853 and is considered to be the oldest "thirst parlor" in Nevada. Besides its historic attractions, the town is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and other activities in nearby Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

• Things to Do in Genoa: Mormon Station State Historical Park, Genoa Courthouse Museum , Dake House, Genoa Bar, Day trip to Lake Tahoe

Founded in the 1860s, Austin is a small town located in Lander County, Nevada. The town is a popular destination for visitors for its historic buildings and architecture, including the International Hotel, which was built in 1863 and is now a museum showcasing the history of the Old West.

Other notable attractions in the town include Stokes Castle, a four-story stone tower built in 1897. In addition to its historic attractions, the town is a great destination for outdoor recreation, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping near the Reese River.

• Things to Do in Austin: Stokes Castle, Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Boating, International Hotel Museum

Related: 10 Vacation Spots In Nevada That Won’t Break The Bank

Eureka is a small town in Eureka County, Nevada, founded in 1864 as a silver mining town during the Comstock Lode boom. The town is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the Old West. The notable attractions of the town are its historic buildings, including the Eureka Opera House, which was built in 1880 and is now used for community events and performances.

Visitors to Eureka can also explore the Eureka Sentinel Museum, which exhibits the history of the town and its mining industry. The museum also includes exhibits on the local Native American tribes, the early pioneers, and the town's mining and railroad history. In addition to its historical attractions, Eureka is a great destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and camping.

• Things to Do in Eureka: Eureka Opera House , Eureka Sentinel Museum , Hiking, Biking, Camping

Founded in 1900, Tonopah is a small town in Nye County, Nevada, known as the "Queen of the Silver Camps." Today, the town is a popular destination for visitors to have a glimpse of the history of the Old West. The town has been carefully preserved, with many of its historic buildings still in good condition, including the Mizpah Hotel, which was built in 1907 and is now a boutique hotel and casino.

Visitors to Tonopah can also explore the town's Historic Mining Park, a museum, and an outdoor exhibit showcasing the town's mining history. Besides its historic attractions, the town also features a variety of recreational activities, hiking, biking, camping, and boating and fishing on nearby Walker Lake.

• Things to Do in Tonopah: Tour Historic Buildings, Mizpah Hotel, Historic Mining Park, Central Nevada Museum , Hiking, Biking, Camping, Boating, Fishing

Goldfield is a small living ghost town in Esmeralda County, Nevada , and was known as the "Greatest Gold Camp in the World" during the Comstock Lode boom. The town is now a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the history of the Old West, featuring carefully preserved historic buildings, including the Goldfield Hotel, built in 1908. It is now a museum and tourist attraction.

As one of the top Old West towns in Nevada to visit, travelers can also explore the Goldfield Historical Society Museum, which exhibits the history of the town and its mining industry. Besides its various attractions, the town is a great destination for outdoor recreation, with surrounding mountains offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping.

• Things to Do in Goldfield: Goldfield Hotel , Goldfield Historical Society Museum , Hiking, Biking, Camping

Related: 13 Beautiful Towns In Nevada You Need To See For Yourself

Silver City

Silver City is one of the best Old West towns in Nevada to visit; it's a fascinating ghost town in Lyon County, Nevada, near the city of Dayton. Founded in 1859 as a silver mining town, it was once one of the largest and richest towns in the state. Today, the town is a popular destination for visitors with well-preserved historic buildings, including the St. Mary's Art Center, built in 1876 as a Catholic Church. It is now an arts center and gallery.

Visitors to Silver City can also explore the nearby Silver City Cemetery, a cemetery offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the locals during the late 19th century. In addition to its historic attractions, the town is a great destination for outdoor recreation, with nearby Carson River providing opportunities for fishing and kayaking.

• Things to Do in Silver City: Silver City Cemetery, St. Mary's Art Center, Tour Downtown, Fishing, Kayaking, Hiking

Elko is a city-like town in northeastern Nevada, near the Ruby Mountains and the Humboldt River. It is the largest town in the region and serves as a commercial, cultural, and transportation hub for the surrounding area. Today, the town is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, featuring several galleries, theaters, and museums, celebrating the region's cowboy and ranching heritage.

Elko is also home to several historic sites, including the Sherman Station Visitor's Center and the Northeastern Nevada Museum, which features exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history. Besides all the various attractions, the town is a great destination for outdoor recreation, with the nearby Ruby Mountains offering hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities.

• Things to Do in Elko: Sherman Station Visitors Center , Northeastern Nevada Museum , Hiking, Camping, Skiing, Western Folklife Center

Pioche is a historic town in eastern Nevada, near the Nevada-Utah border, a popular tourist destination with carefully preserved historic buildings, including the Lincoln County Courthouse, which was built in 1872 and now houses a museum offering a glimpse into the town's rich history.

Visitors to the town can also explore the nearby Million Dollar Courthouse, which served as the county courthouse until 1972, featuring a museum showcasing the town's mining and law enforcement history. In addition to its historical attractions, Pioche is a great destination for outdoor recreation, with nearby Echo Canyon Reservoir providing opportunities for fishing and boating.

• Things to Do in Pioche: Tour Downtown, Million Dollar Courthouse, Fishing, Boating, Hiking

Related: Nelson Gold Mines: Discover The Oldest & Richest Southern Nevada Wild West Just Out Las Vegas

Situated in the Toiyabe Range, Belmont is among the best towns to visit in Nevada , known for its well-preserved historic buildings offering visitors a glimpse into the history of the Old West. Some of the notable attractions in the town include the Belmont Courthouse, built in 1876 and now a museum, and Belmont Mill, once a major center for silver processing in the region, telling stories about the town's mining history. In addition to its historical attractions, Belmont is a great destination for outdoor recreation, offering hiking and camping opportunities.

• Things to Do in Belmont: Tour Historic Buildings, Belmont Courthouse, Belmont Mill, Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Biking

Itineraries

We have a lot to show you.

Virginia City has a slew of attractions and events to educate, excite, enlighten and turn you into a devoted fan of this Comstock mining town. This is a place where “rags to riches” was a natural path for lucky residents, and now as a visitor, you can join in the fun and adventure.

Tour the Chollar Mine, considered one of the richest places in the world. Or hop the famous Virginia & Truckee Railroad running from Virginia City to Gold Hill or from Carson City to the depot in the heart of town. The journey along the rails takes you through the historic Comstock hills where miners struck it rich.

Whatever you decide to see, Virginia City offers a wide selection of guided and self-guided tours, tour packages and group tours to experience one of the greatest mining towns in the west.

The following sample itineraries will help you make the most of your visit. Or if you are interested in lining up a group tour? Click on over to our Groups page.

General Itinerary

Short on time or looking just for the highlights. Here’s our tips for making the most of your time while soaking in our good ‘ol Comstock spirit.

Step Back in Time Tour

V & T Railroad Ride & Tours

Take a Ride on the V&T: Travel aboard Nevada’s most famous short line and feel what it was like to ride into Virginia City back in the day.

Mines & Mine Tours

Going Deep Into Mining History: Learn what made the State of Nevada what is today, and how Virginia City was the iconic mining town.

Historic Walking Tour

Let’s Take a Walk on the Wild Side: We’re currently updating our historic walking tour to provide our visitors the richest Virginia City experience possible.

Trolley Tours

Traveling the Streets, Virginia City-style: Take a trolley tour to feel what it was like to get around Virginia City in the golden days.

Below the Surface

As adventure-seekers, we have an innate desire, create once-in-a-lifetime experiences and connect with others. Now we invite you to go Below the Surface and experience Virginia City, Nevada, through our characters, flavors and craftsmen.

Sacred and Profane Tour

Tour behind the scenes of Virginia City’s most famous churches and landmarks. Experience a unique perspective on religion that most visitors to Virginia City never see.

Off C Street Itinerary

Visitors to historic Virginia City often get “stuck” on C Street, the town’s main drag. While there are many unique shops, saloons and restaurants that line C Street, there is so much more to discover in this mountain mining town. Here are a few ideas for exploring Virginia City “Off C Street.”

Experiences for Families Itinerary

Teaching kids to love history is easy when it’s something they can experience for themselves. Make your first stop the Visitors Center, located at 86 South C Street, to purchase discounted attraction and museum passes. Then head out to explore!

Saloon Tour Itinerary

At one time, this town boasted a population of more than 25,000 and had as many as 115 saloons to quench all that thirst. The hard life and good times of the Comstock are remembered in its saloons today. Many saloons have maintained their 19th century appearance and stepping in their doors is like stepping back in time. A visitor today can get much more than their favorite cocktail at any one of the town’s ten bars; they’ll get a history lesson and an experience to last a lifetime.

History Buffs Itinerary

For the history lovers on board, Virginia City is about to become your favorite stop. Never mind that it’s the only stop on this particular train. There are 17 museums in town, but there’s no way you can visit them all on this trip. Take note and plan a day (or two!) to come back and explore them at your leisure. In fact, the first Friday of each month, ten of the participating museums have waived their admission as part of #FlashbackFriday Museum Day.

About   |  Resources   |  Media   |  Connect With Us

Virginia City Tourism Commission 86 South “C” Street • P.O. Box 920 Virginia City, NV 89440

775-847-7500 [email protected]

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

New guides available for Carson City history tour

Saturday, July 23, 2022

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THE 5 BEST Carson City Tours & Excursions

Carson city tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe

2. Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe

3. Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV

4. Carson City Puzzling Adventure

5. Carson City Scavenger Hunt: Test Your Luck In Carson

6. Carson City Crusade Scavenger Hunt

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

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Half Day Snowshoe Hike in Tahoe National Forest

Reno Ghosts Tour

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Tahoe City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game

Tahoe National Forest Moonlight Snowshoe Tour Under a Starry Sky

Lake Tahoe-Hike Year Round With a Local

Ghosts of Virginia City Audio Self Guided App/GPS Walking Tour

Private Yacht-Class Boat Tour on Lake Tahoe

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Lake Tahoe

Clear Kayak Paddle Tour at Sand Harbor

Lake Tahoe Fat Tire Mountain Bike Rentals | All Season

North Lake Tahoe Snowshoe Rental Package

Chickadee Ridge Beginner Snowshoe Activity

2 Hours Private Emerald Bay Boat Tour

Hire Photographer Professional Photo Shoot Lake Tahoe

Snowshoe in the Lake Tahoe Mountains

Zephyr Cove Helicopter Tour

Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Circle the Lake

Carson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Ride

See The Whole Lake: 6 Hour Shared Tour of Lake Tahoe by Van

Kayak Tour of Historic Lake Tahoe West Shore

Tahoe Coastal Self-Guided E-Bike Tour - Half-Day | World Famous East Shore Trail

Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Tahoe City to Incline Village

Half Day Guide Trip

Half-Day Guided Backcountry Ski Touring Experience near Incline Village

Snowshoe Rentals in South Lake Tahoe

What travelers are saying.

• Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe
• Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe
• Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City
• Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV
• Carson City Puzzling Adventure
• Virginia and Truckee Railway
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• Get Involved

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