Love this Exciting Wild West Town in VIrginia City Nevada

Take a Look at This Wild West Town!

Virginia City is an exciting old wild west town in Nevada, about 25 miles south of Reno or 43 miles northeast of South Lake Tahoe. This National Historic Landmark District is a historic mining town filled to the brim with Old West saloons, vintage shops, quaint museums, and ghosts if you’re a believer. The colorful history embedded in the walls of this small town makes it a perfect afternoon escape from the ordinary and great for a day trip. Before you go, be sure to check out the Virginia City tourism website for a full listing of town restaurants, saloons, shops, and events.

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Fast Fact: Mark Twain began his writing career in Virginia City

In 1862 Samuel Clemens, using the pen name Mark Twain, took a job as a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise newspaper in Virginia City. This was his first writing job and uncovered his exceptional writing talent, so it’s fair to say Mark Twain got his start in Virginia City. You’ll want to walk through the exciting Old West town imagining the same dusty roads, buildings, people, and happenings that Mark Twain first reported on.

FOUR Things to Do in the exciting Wild West town of Virginia City

1

The brew is flowing in Virginia City. There’s the Bucket of Blood, Delta Saloon, Mark Twain Saloon, Silver Queen, Old Corner Bar, and Ponderosa Saloon to name about half of your libation establishment options, each giving you a different taste of the exciting Old West. So draw straws for a designated driver and head out for a cold one or two at one of the saloons. Or make up an occasion, get a group together, and partake in one of the saloon crawls that frequently stroll the streets.

2

Would you like to have a hat made for you while you wait? Check. How about taking an Old Time Photo with friends or your family? Check. Want to spoil someone special with fine gold or silver? Check. Looking for something vintage or maybe a collectible? Check. Or maybe you just want to browse around in the Old West vibe until something strikes your fancy. No problem here. Check out all the fun shopping experiences in Virginia City through this link here.

3

At last count, there were over a dozen different museums in Virginia City, all showing off the features of this wild west town. Not the least of these is The Washoe Club which is so notoriously haunted that it’s been featured on both the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” and SyFy’s “Ghost Hunters.” These museums take you back in time covering every bit of the old town from its mining history through its mansions, firehouses, railroads and churches. Make sure to carve out some time for your favorites, you can use this link to help you choose.

4

If you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe and want to go back in time to the exciting Old West, follow part of the Pony Express route, and maybe even take a short train ride, one of these tours will definitely be worth your time. Try either this Wild West Day Trip to Virginia City from Tahoe with Train Ride, or if you want to add in a little more, try this Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe. Have some fun, experience Virginia City, and learn something along the way!

SIX More Things to Know Before You Go:

Staying in nearby Reno, Tahoe, or South Lake Tahoe? Click here for some great options at Booking.com. This is my go-to site for finding places to stay, whether I’m looking for luxury, affordability, or a wild west town, I can always find what I need.
Piper’s Opera House is a must-see stop in Virginia City. The building’s history runs the gamut from glamour to being condemned, restoration, and then back to glamour again. It’s currently a performing arts center hosting seasonal tours, performances, concerts, and event rentals.
St. Mary in the Mountains is a functioning Catholic Church and museum. If you have an affinity for beautiful churches, St. Mary won’t disappoint. The church is adorned with beautiful stained glass and ornate carvings and has regular services. Free tours are offered of the museum and wine cellar.
Fun for the young and old, catch a comedic Wild West gunfight show put on by the Virginia City Outlaws. The shows are complete with stunts and suspense and take place daily from May – September.
An exciting Old West town like this can’t help but hold onto great ghost stories and legends. Be sure to ask the locals, but you can also take your own self-guided ghost tour of the town with this Walking Tour App and get all the details on the town’s haunted history and the stories that go along with it.
There’s a lot of free parking in Virginia City, including street parking and free parking lots, plus many of the attractions have designated free parking. No worries here.