From the Comstock to the Camera
Filming in Virginia City
Virginia City does not need a set designer. The streets, saloons, churches, and cemeteries that made this town legendary in the 1860s are still standing and are still available to put on camera. As a designated National Historic Landmark District, Virginia City offers production companies something rare: authentic period architecture in a living, working Western town that has never been dressed up for tourism. It simply is what it is. Whether you are scouting for a period Western, a documentary, a television commercial, a music video, or an independent film, Virginia City delivers a look that cannot be replicated on a soundstage.
Why Film in Virginia City
Rural Bonus Eligibility
Productions filming in Virginia City may qualify for Nevada’s transferable film tax credit, including a 5% rural bonus for filming outside Clark County. Combined with lower operational costs, this makes Virginia City a financially competitive choice for independent productions and television movies.
Diverse Locations in a Compact Area
Saloons, a historic cemetery, a Victorian church, an 1876 schoolhouse, and open high-desert wilderness are all within a short radius. Production teams are not burning half their day shuttling between locations.
Less Congestion, More Access
Virginia City is not a major metro area. Road access, parking for production vehicles, and communication with local authorities are all more straightforward than in larger filming hubs.
Authentic 1860s Architecture. No Set Dressing Required
C Street and the surrounding historic district offer Victorian-era storefronts, boardwalks, churches, and saloons that are structurally unchanged from the Comstock era. Location scouts find period-accurate backdrops within walking distance of each other, eliminating the need for costly set construction or location dressing.
A National Historic Landmark District
Virginia City’s designation as a National Historic Landmark District means the town’s visual integrity is protected. What you see today is what it looked like then.
Rural Bonus Eligibility
Productions filming in Virginia City may qualify for Nevada’s transferable film tax credit, including a 5% rural bonus for filming outside Clark County. Combined with lower operational costs, this makes Virginia City a financially competitive choice for independent productions and television movies.
Diverse Locations in a Compact Area
Saloons, a historic cemetery, a Victorian church, an 1876 schoolhouse, and open high-desert wilderness are all within a short radius. Production teams are not burning half their day shuttling between locations.
Less Congestion, More Access
Virginia City is not a major metro area. Road access, parking for production vehicles, and communication with local authorities are all more straightforward than in larger filming hubs.
Authentic 1860s Architecture. No Set Dressing Required
C Street and the surrounding historic district offer Victorian-era storefronts, boardwalks, churches, and saloons that are structurally unchanged from the Comstock era. Location scouts find period-accurate backdrops within walking distance of each other, eliminating the need for costly set construction or location dressing.
A National Historic Landmark District
Virginia City’s designation as a National Historic Landmark District means the town’s visual integrity is protected. What you see today is what it looked like then.
Locations that Look Good on Camera
Virginia City’s historic district puts a remarkable range of period-accurate locations within easy reach. Below are key assets available to productions.
C Street and Historic Downtown
The main commercial corridor of Virginia City retains its original 1860s scale, storefronts, and boardwalks. Usable for period street scenes, chase sequences, crowd scenes, and general Western atmosphere.
Virginia City Saloons
Several operating saloons along C Street feature original or period-appropriate interiors. Available for filming subject to coordination with individual owners.
Piper’s Opera House
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the American West, Piper’s Opera House has hosted performers and audiences since 1885. The Victorian theater interior with its original balconies, stage, and period detailing and the distinctive exterior facade offer compelling options for period productions, documentaries, and commercial shoots alike. Coordinated directly through the Virginia City Tourism Commission.
Virginia City Cemeteries
The historic cemeteries above Virginia City are among the most visually striking in the American West, with hand-carved markers, iron fencing, and sweeping high-desert views. A compelling asset for Westerns, period dramas, and documentaries.
The Historic Fourth Ward School and Museum
A well-preserved 1876 Victorian schoolhouse offering period interior and exterior filming opportunities.
Wilderness and High Desert
The terrain surrounding Virginia City provides dramatic high-desert landscapes suitable for riding scenes, chase sequences, and wide exterior shots.
Virginia City on Screen
Virginia City has left its mark on American storytelling for over a century. The titles below are organized by their connection to this place. Some were filmed right here on these streets, others were based here or drew on the town’s history and legend, and two sent Virginia City’s own V&T Railroad equipment across the country to appear on screen.
Bonanza
1959-1973
Based in and around Virginia City but filmed at Paramount and Warner Bros. studios in California.
Killers of the Flower Moon
2023
Filmed in Oklahoma. The V&T Railroad’s 1916 locomotive and cars were shipped from Virginia City to the set.
Dead Man
1995
Filmed on location in Virginia City. Features the V&T Railroad.
1923
2022
Filmed in Montana. The V&T Railroad’s locomotive and passenger cars were shipped from Virginia City for the production.
Virginia City
1940
Named for and based in Virginia City but filmed in California and Arizona.
Ghost Adventures
2008-Present
The franchise began with a 2004 documentary filmed in Virginia City. The crew has returned many times.
How to Film in Virginia City
Step 1:
Register with the Nevada Film Office
Nevada State law (NRS 231.128) requires all production companies to register with the Nevada Film Office before filming in the state. Registration is free and takes only a few minutes. You will receive a 4-digit registration number, which is required as part of your Virginia City film permit application.
Step 2:
Submit a Virginia City Film Permit Application
All commercial productions filming in Virginia City must submit a completed Film Permit Application to the Virginia City Tourism Commission a minimum of 10 business days before your start date. The non-refundable application fee is $25.
Your application will need to include:
- Your Nevada Film Office 4-digit registration number
- Production summary and proposed locations
- Crew and talent counts
- Equipment list (including drones, vehicles, lighting)
- Traffic and safety plan if applicable
- Certificate of Insurance ($1,000,000 minimum liability, listing VCTC and Storey County as additional insureds)
- Signed Hold Harmless Agreement
- Site map
- Day-of contact information
Step 3:
Contact Us
Ready to bring your production to Virginia City or just starting to explore the possibilities? Reach out to the Virginia City Tourism Commission directly. We are happy to walk you through available locations, coordinate with property owners, and help plan your visit.
Leah Kruse, Events and Assistant Tourism Director
Virginia City Tourism Commission
775-847-7500
lkruse@storeycounty.org
PO Box 920, Virginia City, NV 89440
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