Along Virginia city’s main street (C Street or Highway 341) you will find an eclectic mix of tourist traps. But, if you will look past these tawdry store fronts, you will find a city drenched in western history and a place that played a significant role in the settlement of the western United States. If you’re interested in the history of this fascinating little town, start with a reading of Dan DeQuille book, A History of the Big Bonanza. Then when you go, you will have a better understanding of what is historically significant and what is played for the tourist. For example, the Cartwright’s were a made-up TV family, but Mark Twain did live and work in Virginia City. You can easily spend a day of more exploring the city and surrounding area. If you like to hike, climb up to the top of Mt. Davidson for a great view of the Washoe Valley.
With weather radar showing the Virginia City area to be dry, we ended up in Virginia City unexpectedly to escape a cool, rainy, August day in Truckee. Thinking that it would be interesting for the kids, we did not really know anything about Virginia City, other than it was a historic Wild West mining town and the home of the Comstock Lode, so it was fortunate to find this excellent visitor center. Located in the center of the historic old city on the corner of C Street and Taylor, in a historic saloon complete with old time chandeliers, tin ceiling, brass rail bar and the occasional gunslinger. The visitor center staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing information, hours, pricing, and in many cases discounts, on attractions, restaurants and hotels in town. There are also clean public restrooms, many brochures on the area and a small gift shop with books on the city’s history and few other items. Armed with the information gathered here, we enjoyed our impromptu visit, exploring the history and many historic buildings of Virginia City which turned out to be a bit of a tourist trap but great fun nonetheless.
just went here which felt like walking back in time the city sits at about 6300 ft above sea level with great views ,the buldingare authentic,the tours were pretty much shut down for winter we went in all the shops people were interesting,would like to seeit in summer
Arriving there with no plan and knowing what attractions there are, we found the visitor centre with a friendly staff and asked him numerous amounts of questions to which he answered them all spectacularly. By far the best information centre I've been to.
Love coming here when we're in Tahoe. Short drive, about 40 minutes, past Carson City back in time. All the old saloons and buildings, residents dressed in the old ways. Just a awesome place to hang, gamble, have some drinks, walk around. Dont forget to visit the musuem to see old artifacts and a movie about the city and all the mines under it. Admission is only $3.
The people in there are probably the most helpful folks at a visitors center I've ever met. Plus it didn't hurt that they complimented my dog.
We visited Virginia City in October when the aspens were very brilliant. Even the crooked drive to the City was beautiful. It gives you a taste of the old west via car. You expect Ben or Hoss to walk down the street at any time. Almost all of the old building are still preserved as they were in the 1800's. Many of the old stores and saloons are still open and sticking to their roots.
We stopped in at the visitor centre and were provided with excellent information that allowed us to spend a fun filled day in Virginia City!
As visitor centers go this is an average one with plenty of brochures and things to give you advice on what to do plus T-shirts, trinkets and books to buy if your so inclined. The best part is the good clean restrooms which can be like gold when traveling, we all know how that goes. The worst part is the grumpy guy behind the counter who gets snippy if you ask the wrong question and of course tourists will ask dopey questions so be prepared if he's in a bad mood. We stop here each time we are in VC to catch up on the latest info........well worth a visit.
The staff here are helpful and friendly. You can also buy tickets to attractions here at a discount, so that's handy. They also have clean bathrooms available for use.