2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Daily Tour
15 people
English
Explore the mineral-rich towns that were at the center of Nevada‘s Silver Rush at your own pace. On this self-guided driving tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, you’ll travel back in time to the second half of the 1800s to find out how silver changed these towns’ fortunes forever. Starting in California, a short drive from the state line, this tour crosses high over Kingsbury Grade, and drops down into Douglas County, Nevada. Dramatically framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, this county is home to the quaint town of Genoa, one of Nevada‘s first permanent settlements. From Genoa, you‘ll drive through Carson City, the state‘s capital, and pass one of Nevada‘s oldest towns, Silver City, before finishing our tour in the charming silver rush town of Virginia City. By the end of this tour, you‘ll have gained an understanding of the historical moments that shaped this industry and Nevada’s Silver Rush while driving through the sparkling landscape of the Silver State.
As you start this driving tour, you’ll begin in the picturesque surroundings of South Lake Tahoe, nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Admission Ticket Free
Pass by the Carson Valley Monument, a landmark that commemorates the natural beauty and historical significance of the Carson Valley region.
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Cruise through the charming Town of Genoa, one of Nevada’s earliest settlements, and soak in its historic ambiance as you journey through.
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See the Mormon Station State Historic Park from the road, a site that preserves the rich history of early Mormon settlers in the region.
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Drive by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, where vintage locomotives and railroad artifacts tell the story of Nevada’s railway history.
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Pass through Carson City, the vibrant state capital of Nevada, and catch glimpses of its historic landmarks and cultural attractions from the road.
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Drive past the Nevada State Capitol Building, symbolising Nevada’s governance and political heritage.
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Admire the Sears-Ferris House, an architectural gem that reflects Carson City’s Victorian-era elegance.
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Pass by Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, a historic place of worship that adds to the cultural tapestry of Carson City.
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Catch a glimpse of the Orion Clemens House, associated with the famous Clemens family, including Mark Twain.
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Drive by the Krebs-Peterson Mansion, a stately home that embodies Carson City’s affluent past.
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Drive past the Nevada Governor’s Mansion, a grand residence that has housed the state’s governors throughout history.
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See the Bliss Mansion Historic Marker, which commemorates the historical significance of the Bliss Mansion in Carson City.
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Drive past the Nevada State Museum, where exhibits showcase the diverse cultural and natural history of Nevada.
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Catch a glimpse of Donovan Mill, a historic industrial site that played a vital role in Nevada’s mining heritage.
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Drive through Silver City, a historic mining town that bears testimony to Nevada’s silver mining legacy.
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Pass by Devil’s Gate, a geological formation that adds intrigue to the landscape along your driving route.
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Drive through Gold Hill, another historic mining town that contributes to the rich tapestry of Nevada’s mining history.
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Drive through Virginia City, a charming silver rush town that transports you back in time to the heyday of the Comstock Lode.
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Pass by Chollar Mansion, a historic residence that reflects the opulence of Virginia City’s prosperous era.
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Catch a glimpse of Chollar Mine, an iconic mining operation that played a significant role in Virginia City’s mining industry.
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Drive past the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a well-preserved schoolhouse that offers insights into Nevada’s educational history.
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Drive by the Mackay Mansion Museum, a historic landmark associated with one of Nevada’s prominent mining magnates.
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Pass by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, a historic railroad that once connected Virginia City to the rest of Nevada.
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See Saint Mary In the Mountains, a historic church that stands as a testament to Virginia City’s religious heritage.
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End your tour at the Virginia City Visitor Center, a hub of information and resources for visitors exploring the historic town.
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