Virginia City (Nevada)

Virginia City is a small town south of Reno on highway 341, in Storey County, Western Nevada.

Understand
Virginia City was a boomtown that sprung up around the 1859 discovery of massive silver deposits. At its peak, the city had a population of around 25,000 and was one of the most important cities in the American west. This was followed by a quick decline however, as silver deposits became exhausted starting in the 1880s. Today, Virginia city is a small town of about 1,000 residents that has managed to maintain much of its 19th-century "Old West" feel. It is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

By road
From Reno: Take highway 395 south out of Reno and continue on to 341 south over the Geiger Grade.

By train
The V&T Railway offers same day round trip rides from Carson City to Virgnia City over the summer and near Christmas.

Get around
Most everything is on C Street, which is the main street through town. It is easy to walk from one end to the other in less than an hour. Parking is available along C street and some side streets, but it may fill up if you don't arrive early enough. The pay parking lots charge $10 for the day.

See

 * People dressed in vintage 70's clothes (that would be the 1870s). They hang out at some of the saloons.

Museums
Virginia City has many different museums (a full list can be found here).



Do

 * Wander C Street
 * Take a mine tour: there are several operators offering guided excursions into the mines beneath the city.
 * Watch the Camel races.

Gambling
There are some gambling opportunities at the saloons.



Buy


There are lots of gift shops on C Street. The quality ranges from good to garbage.

Eat
At the Saloons

Drink
Outdoor consumption of alcohol is tolerated.

Go next

 * Carson City
 * Reno - is just up the highway
 * Republic of Molossia - micronation