Virginia City is a ghost town that is still very much alive. Designated a National Historic Landmark District, the small town is brimming with heritage artifacts and preserved architecture. Ride the historic train, try your luck panning for gold, get involved in exciting live theater shows and spend the night amid the atmosphere at a period hotel.
Stroll through the old-fashioned streets of Virginia City and experience life as it was in the Old West during the late 19th-century gold mining boom. This boomtown was at its peak in the 1860s, when it was home to great wealth and little law enforcement. See some of the town’s colorful stories come to life with a performance by the Virginia City Players in the historic old theater. Head to the Gilbert Brewery to enjoy locally brewed beer and a live cabaret show.
The little ones will love the River of Gold mining exhibit, where they can learn about the history of the gold rush in this area and try their luck at panning for the precious metal. Jump on board the Alder Gulch Shortline to visit the neighboring town of Nevada City, situated 25 minutes away on the scenic open-top train. In Nevada City, you can check out a fascinating historical museum and music hall. The scenery in between the two towns is stunning and you can see where the gold rush began nearby pretty Alder Creek, one of the richest gold strike regions in the Rocky Mountains.
Stay overnight in historic lodgings complete with period furnishings and beautiful antiques. Shop for interesting souvenirs and keepsakes on the town’s shopping strip or buy treats at old-fashioned confectionary shops. You can dine at a selection of local restaurants or pack a picnic to enjoy a meal with a view from Boot Hill, the old cemetery and park overlooking the town and surrounding area.
Virginia City and Nevada City are located in south central Montana. The nearest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, located 69 miles (111 kilometers) away. The region is best visited during the warmer months, as some attractions and hotels close during the winter period.
