Nevada’s Hidden Tourist Spot

When most people consider going to Nevada for a good time, they usually think of visiting places like Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe. However, there’s another tourist destination that’s popular among locals.

If you’ve only visited the southern part of Nevada, you might be surprised to hear that mining is a major industry in the state. Before gold was found in the mid-1800s, the area was mainly just a place travelers passed through on their way to California. An industry grew from the discovery and Virginia City became a boomtown for silver mining soon after. Although the town ceased to be a major mining bonanza by 1880, its history came back into focus when the Comstock was declared a Landmark District in 1961.

This chart displays the numerous mines that were dug under the town by 1876.
(From the 4th Ward School)

Currently, Virginia City is known for being an old mining town turned tourist destination. People flock to the small town during its tourist season to take in its history, shopping unique experiences, and various other attractions. Located in northern Nevada, the town is about an hour away from the city of Reno. Many Nevadans first visit the town for a school field trip and return later as adults. Various groups of people enjoy spending time there including motorcycle enthusiasts and dog owners. The town appeals to a wide variety of people because it has something for everyone.

Historic Sites

One reason why people visit Virginia City is because of its history. There are multiple historical buildings and museums that have inexpensive entrance fees (most are between $3 to $10 per person).

The Mackay Mansion was once owned by one of the four “Silver Barons” of the Comstock. Today, it’s open for tourists who want to step inside this historical home.

The 4th Ward School taught students from 1876 to 1936, and is now a museum that is a must-see for all visitors. This schoolhouse has a room modeled to look like one from the 1800s, exhibits on Nevada history, and fascinating displays about mining.

If you’re a Disney fan, you might recognize this building, as Phantom Manor is based on it.

This room is set up to look like how it was during the 1870s.

Another favorite site is The Way It Was Museum, which has displays full of 19th century medicine bottles, guns, mining equipment, and even a massive 3-D display of the mines that lie under the town.

This model shows mines that went as deep as 600ft.

There’s also an unusual attraction called the Ponderosa Mine Tour. Guests enter a defunct mine and get to see first-hand what a mine from the mid-1800s was like.

Be sure to pick up a hard hat available at the beginning of the tour.

There are many more historic sites in Virginia City than these three examples, and all are worth a visit.

Candy Stores, Restaurants & Other Eateries

Another draw to this mining town is the shopping. On both sides of the road, is a boardwalk packed with saloons, museums, and stores.

On this side of the boardwalk on C Street, you’ll find many places of interest.

One popular place is called Red’s Old Fashioned Candies. This shop offers many kinds of sweet treats including fudge, gummies, and ice cream.

Many of the foods there (including the caramel) are made on-site. There’s even a seating area at the back for those who choose to order lunch there.

The fudge is just as delicious as it looks.

This display case is full of sugary treats.

Another dining establishment for you to consider is The Roasting House. They offer indoor and outdoor dining, as well as a full-service espresso bar and an old-fashioned soda bar. As for meal options, there are a variety of mouth-watering sandwiches available, including paninis. They also offer waffles, bagels, and other breakfast foods as well.

This is a Turkey Bacon Panini with a lime Italian cream soda. (My mouth is watering just remembering the taste of this.)

Should you choose to dine outdoors, you’ll have this view of the valley.

Shopping

Aside from food and dining are stores like the Comstock Rock Shop. At this establishment, items such as jewelry, decorative rocks, and unique gifts are available for purchase.

A bit further down the street is a very memorable store called Virginia City Mercantile. When approaching the store, you’ll hear instrumental versions of hit songs from the 1950s and be offered a root beer candy. Once inside, there’s heaps of classic candy, posters of famous stars from past eras, and walls filled with items that would make perfect gag gifts.

While these three stores are popular, they are just a taste of what can be found in Virginia City.

Other Places of Interest

The former boomtown is unique from similar tourist destinations because it affords unusual experiences. For example, the Washoe Club is known for its ghostly encounters that have terrified many guests over the years. Fans of the show Ghost Adventures will fondly remember this building as being where the series got its start.

This staircase leads to the floor where the “Red Room” and other haunted areas can be found.

Meanwhile, the Virginia City Jerky Co. should be on every beef jerky enthusiast’s bucket list. In addition to them making delicious jerky, they are also a popular spot for lunch-goers due to their meal options.

This wall is just a small sample of the mouth-watering options you’ll find here.

There is also a surprisingly great tourist spot called the Silver Terrace Cemetery.

This grave in the Firemen section is for a mother and her two children.

While it might seem odd for a place of rest to be considered a must-see attraction, it’s very popular. Most people prefer to wander around on their own, however, there’s also an audio tour of the cemetery available for those who want to be guided around. One reason for this is that it’s known for being a site where even the most amateur of photographers can take incredible shots of the faded headstones and picturesque views of the valley below.

The cemetery looks out onto the valley below and the town behind it.

Virginia City isn’t merely a preserved historic site of bygone days. It’s a place that is simultaneously of the past and the present. The saloons that used to be filled with people looking to make a fortune in the mines are now frequented by people looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon. Compared to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, Virginia City is a fascinating alternative site to visit in Nevada.

Note: All of the photos included in this article were taken by myself, R. Millsap.