Below the Surface Itinerary

Go Below the Surface in Virginia City, Nevada

Every town has a unique story and historic Virginia City, Nevada is no different. Located just 35 minutes from downtown Reno and 45 minutes from gorgeous Lake Tahoe, Virginia City is home to the Comstock Lode, numerous mining bloodlines, traditions and forgotten trades. Experience the untold stories and go below the surface in Virginia City, Nevada.

Begin your day with a stop at the Virginia City Visitor’s Center to pick up your map and get any questions answered prior to starting your journey with us. Download ye olde Mobile App to get the most up to date information on the town’s restaurants, quirky events and more. Audio tours for 32 of our historical attractions can be found inside the app.

Head south on the main drag and east on F Street to see the City’s rich mining history come to life on the Chollar Mine Tour. Local experts will guide you through the 400 ft. level mine that once carted out some $17 million in gold and silver. Just two blocks over is the notable Chollar Mansion. The mansion was built and commissioned by Billy Chollar, the discoverer of the Chollar Silver Lode, in 1861. Today it is a private residence, so though you can admire the exterior, we humbly ask that you respect their private property.

Make a guided or unguided tour of Historic Fourth Ward School & Museum your next stop when you visit Virginia City! The Fourth Ward School is the last standing wooden school of the Second Empire in the U.S. and preserves the mining story of the Old West. Learn how the Comstock was discovered and developed while sitting in original classroom desks on this historic tour.

Take a break from touring and enjoy a salad, sirloin burger or mouth-watering Reuben sandwich at the Palace Restaurant. This local favorite has been serving breakfast and lunch for more than 15 years in what once was the Territorial Enterprise office.

Continue your Virginia City adventure with a free self-guided tour of St Mary’s in the Mountain’s Catholic Church. Also known as the “Mother of all Catholic churches in Nevada”, the church played a large role in connecting residents to to faith while wrestling with the wild life of the Red Light District in the 1870’s.

If all of this history has gotten you wondering what is was really like to live on the Comstock back in its heyday, visit The Way It Was Museum. The museum brings our story to life through its complete collection of mining artifacts, rare photos lithographs and more.

Finish your journey through town at our most historic property – the Delta Saloon. A visit to the Delta will fulfill your craving for food and a good time, while a sip of our locally distilled Cemetery Gin will provide you with a taste of the town we call home.