Virginia City, Nevada
Virginia City isn’t your average ghost town. This Nevada boomtown turned tourist spot still has wooden sidewalks and saloon doors, but it’s also got real miners’ descendants running shops and the same train whistle that echoed through the Comstock Lode days.
Here’s what to do in the most lived-in ghost town in the West.
Drop by Piper’s Opera House
Piper’s Opera House is one of the most important historic theaters on the West Coast. It’s the third version of the theater built by John Piper in 1885 after fire destroyed his previous venues.
Despite its name, it rarely hosted actual operas. Instead, you’d find everything from political debates to boxing matches happening inside.
You can take a self-guided tour for just $3, available April through October. Tours last about 20-30 minutes, and you can buy tickets at Piper’s or at the Visitor Center on C Street.
Chug Along the Virginia & Truckee Railroad
The V&T Railroad lets you experience Nevada’s mining past firsthand. Completed in 1869, this famous short-line railroad once hauled millions in gold and silver ore from Virginia City’s mines.
After years of restoration work, it now offers visitors an authentic Old West experience.
The railroad runs seasonally from Memorial Day through October. Daily trains leave from the original 1870 depot in Virginia City for a 35-minute trip to Gold Hill.
It costs $15 per person, and the narrators share fascinating stories that bring the landscape to life.
During the journey, you’ll go through Tunnel No. 4 and see 17 different mine sites, including famous operations like the Savage Mine and the notorious Yellow Jacket Mine.
They also run special seasonal trains like the Halloween Pumpkin Patch Train and the Candy Cane Express at Christmas.
Check Out The Historic Fourth Ward School Museum
The Fourth Ward School opened in 1876 as a modern marvel with nearly 1,000 students. This Victorian building had advanced heating, ventilation, water, and sanitation systems—pretty impressive for its time.
It produced Nevada’s first two female high school graduates in 1878 but closed in 1936 as mining declined.
You can explore all three floors of this massive 24,000 square foot Second Empire-style building.
The museum displays a recreated 1870s classroom, exhibits about the Comstock, and photos of former students.
Throughout the year, they host special events like the Educational K-12 Art Show, Victorian Splendor Day, and a Victorian Halloween Ball.
Get Drink at the Bucket of Blood Saloon
The Bucket of Blood Saloon was built in 1876 after the Great Fire of 1875.
Originally called “The Boston Saloon,” it was run by William A. G. Brown, a respected African-American businessman in town.
Try their famous Bloody Mary, made with a secret recipe that locals swear is the best around. They always have free popcorn, and you can pick up Bucket of Blood t-shirts and souvenirs.
Most weekends, you’ll hear local country favorites David John and the Comstock Cowboys, the saloon’s official house band. While you sip your drink, check out the “Hundred-Mile View” over Six Mile Canyon.
Go on the Chollar Mine Tour
First claimed in 1859, it became one of the top producers on the Comstock Lode. Over its 80-year run, it generated an incredible $17 million in silver and gold.
The 30-minute guided tour walks you 400 feet into the hillside, ending right under Virginia City’s main street. Tours run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during summer (May through October).
You’ll find the mine at the south end of town past the Fourth Ward School—just follow Occidental Grade and F Street. You can buy a Comstock Adventure Pass that includes multiple attractions or get a single ticket just for the mine.
See St. Mary in the Mountains
St. Mary in the Mountains dominates Virginia City’s skyline and holds the title of Nevada’s premier historic church since 1870.
During Virginia City’s boom years, it earned the nickname “Bonanza Church,” reflecting the town’s incredible wealth.
As the state’s first Catholic Church, it still operates for worship while welcoming visitors to its free basement museum.
Sunday Mass happens at 11:30 a.m., but visitors from all backgrounds are welcome.
Inside, you can see the original pewter baptismal font that survived the 1875 fire and an elaborate Czech chandelier that wasn’t electrified until 2009.
Explore the Mackay Mansion
The Mackay Mansion shows how Virginia City’s mining millionaires lived.
Built in 1859 by George Hearst (father of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst) as offices for the Gould & Curry mine, it later became associated with John Mackay, one of the “Bonanza Kings” of the Comstock.
Tours showcase period furniture and authentic Victorian décor throughout the property. You can see the vault where owners directly sold gold bars to customers.
Stroll Around the Silver Terrace Cemetery
Silver Terrace Cemetery reveals Virginia City’s diverse past through the graves of the people who built this mining boomtown.
The cemetery has different sections for various groups, including a Catholic area where many prominent local figures rest.
The cemetery divides into sections based on fraternal organizations, nationalities, and religions. You’ll find graves of people like J.S. Pidge, who owned a saloon; Peter G. King, who ran a clothing store on C Street; and Matthew Crowley from County Cork, Ireland.
Spend Time at The Way It Was Museum
“The Way It Was” Museum on Sutton and C Streets houses one of the most complete collections of Comstock mining artifacts available to the public.
Packed with items from Virginia City’s silver boom, it shows what life was really like during those exciting times.
The exhibits feature genuine mining equipment, personal belongings, photographs, and documents from Virginia City’s prime years.
You can use the Comstock Adventure Pass for entry to this museum along with other attractions in town.
See the Storey County Courthouse
The Storey County Courthouse holds the title of Nevada’s oldest continuously operating courthouse.
The historic building contains a two-tier jail, courtroom, and large iron-lined record vaults that show its long history of serving justice.
You can visit Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with donations appreciated. Inside the museum area, you’ll find unusual items like a mask that belonged to infamous bank robber John Dillinger.
Check Out the Comstock Firemen’s Museum
The Liberty Engine Company No. 1 State Fireman’s Museum preserves Virginia City’s firefighting legacy with authentic Victorian equipment.
The museum honors the firefighters who battled numerous blazes, especially the Great Fire of October 26, 1875.
That devastating event tore through town, fueled by dry timber and strong Zephyr winds, leaving 8,000 people homeless and causing about $10 million in damage. Despite this destruction, the town bounced back remarkably fast, with most buildings rebuilt within a year.
Inside, you’ll be able to see the original gear and vintage vehicles that show how firefighting evolved over time.
Walk Along C Street
Walking along C Street puts you right in the middle of the Old West.
Most of today’s historic district was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1875, creating a well-preserved slice of 19th-century frontier architecture.
You’ll pass Victorian-era buildings with colorful names, wooden sidewalks that creak as you walk, and mining relics from the Comstock’s glory days.
You can shop for everything from period clothing to handcrafted items, antiques, and locally made products. Many C Street saloons keep their authentic atmosphere with original chandeliers, artwork, and historical items.
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