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35 Great Things to Do in Virginia City, Wild West Day Trip

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Top Things to Do in Virginia City Nevada

If you are planning a trip to Virginia City Nevada and looking for the best things to do, see, and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Virginia City is a Comstock mining town with a population of 1,200 residents. 2 million people visit the area yearly to experience what life was like in the Western mining town. The area is known for the famous Comstock Load and was once the richest silver deposit in the world (7 million tons). Mark Twain lived in Virginia City for two years hoping to strike it rich. John Mackay became the richest man in the world from his silver mine, he later began what is now AT&T. Janis Joplin performed at the Red Dog Saloon with their house band Big Brother and the Holding Company.

Virginia City is well preserved with wild-west facades, wooden sidewalks, and artifacts everywhere.  You will find haunted hotels, ghost tours, outlaw shows, mine tours, and old-time saloons. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Virginia City bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Virginia City trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Virginia City is an easy day trip from Reno or Lake Tahoe. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Related: Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

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Things to Do in and Around Virginia City

Tour the Chollar Mine

Ride the Virginia and Truckee Railroads steam engine

Take a historic walking tour through town

Take a ghost tour

Spend the night at the haunted Silver Queen Hotel

See the suicide table at the Delta Saloon and Casino

Check out the original chandelier at the haunted Washoe Club (featured on Ghost Hunters)

Look for glowing headstones and floating blue lights at the haunted Silver Terrace Cemetery

Take a photo with a Silent Rider (look for people strolling in old west attire)

Listen to music at Red Dog Saloon, the birthplace of the San Francisco style rock n roll

Watch the Virginia City Outlaws Comedy Show

Virginia City Nevada Gunfight things to do day trip itinerary
Virginia City Outlaws Comedy Show

Have a Bloody Mary at Bucket of Blood Saloon and check out the collection of confiscated weapons

Shop for souvenirs along the wooden boardwalk

Sample fudge at Grandma’s Fudge Factory

Buy souvenir silver or gold flakes at the Rock Shop

See the classroom from the 1870s at the Fourth Ward School and ring the school bell

Check out the Bank of California vault

Pan for gold at the Virginia City Mining Company

Enjoy a candied apple from Red’s Old Fashioned Candies

See the antique mining equipment at the Ponderosa Mine

Pause to enjoy the 100-mile view next to Bucket of Blood Saloon

Check out the craft beer at Virginia City Brewery and Tap House

Browse the antique fire equipment at the Comstock Firemen’s Museum

See the art exhibit at St Mary’s Art Center

Browse the Mark Twain Museum and learn about his career

Take an old-time photo

Watch a reenactment of an old-fashioned bar fight

Take a tour of the wild horse range

Try your luck at the Mark Twain Casino

Check out the safe in Ponderosa Saloon

Tour the Mackay Mansion Museum or Piper’s Opera House

Browse the artifacts at The Way It Was Museum

Check out the old Chinese Quarter

Be sure to check the Virginia City Nevada Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

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Plan Your Trip to Virginia City Nevada

Nevada Travel Guide

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Book Your Accommodation in Virginia City Nevada Now

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Virginia City Nevada Attractions and Day Tours

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Have a great vacation!