7 Things You Will Love About Reno: Family Friendly Things To Do
Reno was long known as a miniature version of Las Vegas, but it hasn’t always had the greatest reputation. The downtown…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Reno was long known as a miniature version of Las Vegas, but it hasn’t always had the greatest reputation. The downtown area, specifically, was associated with seedy hotels, rampant crime and homelessness.
While some of those elements still exist, there’s been a solid effort in recent years to spruce up the area and make it more appealing (and safe) to visitors.
Additionally, city officials have been making moves to market the city as a place for families and adventurers, not just those who like to partake in the casino lifestyle.
That topic is what this post will focus on. Nothing listed here has anything to do with gambling or bars. They’re all 100% family friendly.
So if you’re contemplating a vacation to Reno but you’re not sure what activities there are to do with you’re family, read on.
*NOTE: This is the newest installment of our “7 Things” series. At the end of the post, we’ve listed the other ones currently live on the website. Be sure to check them out!
Exciting news for our readers!
We’re excited to Introduce the all-new "Inked with Wanderlust" online store!
We're thrilled to bring you a fantastic collection of wanderlust-inspired merchandise. Celebrate your love for travel and exploration with our stylish apparel and accessories, designed to ignite your sense of adventure.
Discover a range of unique designs that capture the spirit of wanderlust, from cozy hiking-themed t-shirts to charming accessories that make your wanderlust spirit soar!
Visit our online store today and start your journey of style and adventure. Happy exploring!
1) Proximity to Lake Tahoe
One of Reno’s biggest claims to its, “outdoor recreation haven” banner, is its proximity to Big Blue herself; Lake Tahoe. In fact, the downtown area is just about an hour’s drive from South Lake.
It’s also the closest city with a major airport to Tahoe so if that’s where you’re ultimately ending up, Reno is likely where you’ll be flying into.
Getting to Tahoe’s most beautiful state park, Emerald Bay, is a simple 1.5-hour drive from your downtown hotel. If you’ve never been to Emerald Bay, you need to add it to your list, pronto.
READ: “Emerald Bay State Park Guide: Hiking, Camping, Vikingsholm, Kayaking and More”
2) Hunter Creek Waterfall Trail
You won’t need to travel to Tahoe in order to partake a blissful stroll through nature. There are many hiking trails in Reno with a wide variety of difficulties and features.
Of all the said trails in Reno, the Hunter Creek Falls trail is probably the best known to locals and visitors alike.
The trail is 6.5 miles, roundtrip, and is considered moderate. It terminates at the beautiful, 30-foot Hunter Creek Falls.
While it’s rocky, narrow and fairly lengthy, if you and your family have experience hiking, you shouldn’t have any trouble. It’s dog friendly as well.
READ: “Hunter Creek Falls: An Epic Hike Just Outside Of Reno”
3) Local Restaurants
Reno is filled to the brim with dozens of great, non-chain local eateries offering a wide range of cuisine for all kinds of palates.
A few examples of Reno’s fine dining options include; Bricks Restaurant & Wine Bar, Atlantis Steakhouse, Sierra Street Kitchen & Cocktails and Marolina’s Italia Restaurant.
A few examples of mid-range sit-down restaurants include, Arario Midtown, Wild River Grille, Washoe Public House, Great Full Gardens and Old Granite Street Eatery.
You’ll find great eateries all over the city but some of the best ones are found in either Midtown or Sierra Street (in downtown).
4) The Basement
The Basement is a literal hidden gem in the heart of downtown. It’s located in the - you guessed it - basement of the historic 1932 Post Office. The space has been repurposed into a marketplace of local businesses.
The Basement consists of several small businesses, each of which are 100% local. These include handcraft shops, a male-inspired nail salon, barbershop, coffee shop, restaurants, a shared space with seating and more.
The street level space (where the actual post office was) is now in the process of also being repurposed into a merchant space. Be sure to stop by and find out for yourself why it’s so beloved by locals.
5) The Truckee River Walk
Stretching from the western edge of Idewild Park into the lovely Wingfield Park in downtown, Reno’s River Walk celebrates Reno’s reputation of culture, arts and heritage.
The space between Virginia Street and Wingfield Park, in particular, is teething with picturesque scenery, local restaurants and shops.
Just up the street from the river walk is the infamous Reno Arch. In City Plaza, you’ll find numerous permanent and temporary art installations used at the Burning Man festival on display. Plus, just beyond the Virginia Street bridge, you’ll find the street level entrance to The Basement.
No visit to Reno would be complete without a stroll along the river walk. It’s easily in the top three of things to do and see in Reno. Best of all - there’s no admission fee.
6) Art Murals
Arts and culture have a big presence in Reno. One of the things that city officials have done right is give local artists a chance to showcase their skills via wall murals.
They’re literally all over the city, but the majority (and best) are in downtown and midtown. A notable one to mention is the giant women mural on the side of the parking garage next to the arch.
7) The National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum opened in 1989 and features a massive collection of classic cars, most of which once owned by local gaming pioneer, Bill Harrah.
At the time of his death in 1978, Harrah’s collection reached a staggering 1,400 cars! Holiday Inns purchased Harrah’s Casino and car collection in 1980.
Before selling off the majority of the collection, Holiday Inns donated 175 of those cars to what is now the museum. They’ve been on display, with additional rotating exhibits, ever since.
The sheer volume of cars in this collection is enough to impress those who’re not “car people”. If nothing else, it’s a great way to spend a few hours inside if the weather isn’t ideal.
READ: “National Automobile Museum: A Huge Classic Car Collection In Reno”
Your Thoughts…
What’re your thoughts on Reno for a family vacation? Did you know it’s no longer just about the casinos and bars? Which topic on this list interests you most? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.
*Tip: As stated at the top of this post, below are the links to our other “7 Things” posts that might interest you. Additionally, i’ve included a couple more Reno based posts.
Please support this website by subscribing to our newsletter below.
Thank you for reading.
13 Awesome Nevada State Parks Near Reno
While not as large or famous as its Las Vegas counterpart, Reno, the biggest little city in the world, is quickly re-gaining ground…
While not as large or famous as its Las Vegas counterpart, Reno, the biggest little city in the world, is quickly re-gaining ground as a vacation destination.
Sure, you’ll find all the usuals like bars, casinos, and shows. However, what Reno is becoming most known for is family friendly attractions like the Truckee River Walk, National Automobile Museum, and more!
To make Reno even more worthy of your precious vacation time, there are a multitude of outdoor destinations you can easily access from Reno.
So we counted and found not one, not two, but THIRTEEN of Nevada’s awesome state parks just an easy day trip away. Most are within an hour or so.
So we’ve decided to put this list together and show which ones are near Reno, how long it takes to get to each, and what makes them great.
1) Berlin-Ichthyosaur Historic State Park
Distance from Reno: 158 miles (2.5 hours, one-way)
This is the furthest park on the list but trust us when we say, it’s worth the effort to get out to it. Especially if you’re into ghost towns.
Not only does park feature the remnants of one of Nevada’s best mining towns, but it also has the largest concentration of, wait for it, Ichthyosaur fossils!
Berlin is one of the state’s most unique state parks, making visiting a must-do. To read more details about this amazing place, check out our article here.
2) Buckland Station
Distance from Reno: 48 miles (50 minutes, one-way)
Just down the highway from Fort Churchill (coming up later) is Buckland Station. It was built in 1870 and served as a supplier to western emigrants along the Pony Express.
You can tour the interior of the building for just $1.00 per person. Hours for the tour are:
10am to 2pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
10am to 2pm (Thursdays & Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, only).
Across the highway from Buckland is the Orchard Day Use area. Here, you’ll find old farm buildings and equipment along with picnic tables, grills, and a nature trail leading to the Carson River.
3) Cave Rock
Distance from Reno: 52 miles (55 minutes, one-way)
Cave Rock is located in Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side, along the southeastern shore. It’s small, but the most popular activities here include swimming and boating.
Outside the park boundaries, you can hike a short trail that leads to the top of Cave Rock. Eventually, you’ll reach the base of the rock and then scramble up. The view from there is amazing!
4) Dayton State Park
Distance from Reno: 43 miles (46 minutes, one-way)
Located in the historic mining town of Dayton, this beautiful state park features multiple nature trails, access to the Carson River, and the remains of Rock Point Mill.
The mill was built in 1861 and was one of the first to process ore from the Comstock Lode. The stone walls and mine entrance make it a fun place to explore.
In our opinions, the best to visit this park is during fall when colors are at their peak. It’s simply breathtaking. To read more about Dayton, read our article here.
5) Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Distance from Reno: 48 miles (53 minutes, one-way)
Fort Churchill was an Army fort built in 1861. It provided protection to early settlers and helped guard Pony Express mail runs.
The park features many buildings preserved in a state of arrested decay, a small museum detailing the park’s history, and campground with access to the Carson River.
As with most of Nevada’s state parks, sunrise and sunset are when it really comes to life, especially where photography is concerned. Check out our article about Fort Churchill, here.
6) Lahontan State Recreation Area
Distance from Reno: 50 miles (1 hour, one-way)
The park is named after what was once a massive, ancient lake that covered a good portion of the state and some. These days, it’s much smaller, but serves a purpose.
In the summer, people flock to Lahontan for it’s fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. During winter, however, the water levels are so low that boat access isn’t possible.
7) Mormon Station
Distance from Reno: 47 miles (50 minutes, one-way)
Originally built in 1851 as a trader post for the Carson Route of the California Trail, Mormon Station is the site of Nevada’s first permanent, non-native settlers.
The post is located in the charming town of Genoa and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, mature trees, and lush-green grass.
The post you see today is reconstructed, as the original unfortunately burned down in 1910. It’s a beautiful area where you can gather with family and explore.
8) Rye Patch State Recreation Area
Distance from Reno: 119 miles (1.45 hours, one-way)
The second furthest on this list, Rye Patch Reservoir offers visitors 72-miles of shoreline and, when full, 11,000 acres of water surface.
Ardent Fishermen will revel in Rye Patch’s fishing offerings. Species such as Catfish, Black Bass, Walleye, and White Bass can be found here.
Other activities that are popular here include water skiing, camping, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.
9) Sand Harbor
Distance from Reno: 40 miles (55 minutes, one-way)
Much like Cave Rock, Sand Harbor is located in beautiful Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side of the lake. Popular actives here include water boarding, boating, swimming, and hiking.
This park experiences outstandingly high levels of visitation in the summer months. So much so, that the parking lot often fills within the first couple hours of opening.
Planning accordingly and arriving early is the key to success if you want to visit Sand Harbor.
10) Spooner Lake & Backcountry
Distance from Reno: 47 miles (50 minutes, one-way)
Located in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Spooner Lake backcountry is a hiking oasis surrounded by 12,000 acres of forest.
With more than 50-miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, you’d be hard pressed to not have a good time here.
A few of the most popular trails include the Tahoe Rim Trail, Marlene Lake, and Red House. There is also a campground and cabins you can rent.
11) Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Distance from Reno: 59 miles (1 hour, 6 minutes, one-way)
Nevada shares Van Sickle with California, as it’s located just a short walk away from the casinos in Stateline and intertwines with the state.
The park offers trails with non-stop rock outcroppings offering endless views of Tahoe’s beautiful blue waters and surrounding mountain-scape.
12) Walker River State Recreation Area
Distance from Reno: 85 miles (1 hour, 38 minutes, one-way)
Located along the East Walker River and just outside the small town of Yerington, Nevada’s newest state park features over 12,000 acres of recreational bliss.
Camping, fishing, hiking, photography, and more can be enjoyed here. It’s truly a beautiful park and criminally underrated. To read our guide about Walker River, go here.
13) Washoe Lake State Park
Distance from Reno: 23 miles (30 minutes, one-way)
Washoe Lake is nestled in a valley surrounded by three gorgeous mountain ranges; Sierra Nevadas, Carson, and Virginia.
It isn’t uncommon to spot Bald Eagles over the lake, making it the perfect location for wildlife photographers to go. You’ll also spot White Pelicans, Canadian Geese, and Waterfowl.
Since the lake is located nearly directly between Reno and Carson City, it makes for the perfect lake to enjoy if you’re trying to avoid the crowds of Tahoe.
*Side Note: We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos you see on this site. Below, we’ve included links to that equipment on Amazon. If you purchase, we receive a small commission from Amazon. This helps keep our site running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
Conclusion
It is our hope that you’ve found this article helpful in planning your next adventure. If so, please support our site by sharing it with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook. You can also show support by reading one or more of the related articles above.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
10 Awesome Nevada Destinations You Should Visit in 2022
With 2021 over and done with, 2022 brings the hope of a return to normalcy and the great state of Nevada is eager to welcome visitors back…
With 2021 over and done with, 2022 brings the hope of a return to normalcy and the great state of Nevada is eager to welcome visitors back to its many great destinations.
While everyone has heard of the state’s most famous places like Las Vegas, Valley of Fire, and the Hoover Dam, the ones on this list are mostly known to locals and passerbys.
With no shortage of quirky, out-of-the-way attractions to explore, Nevada is more than worthy of your vacation time and effort. Here is our list of ten awesome Nevada destinations to visit in 2022.
1) Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Located 20 miles up the road from the small town of Gabbs, the abandoned ghost town of Berlin gives visitors a glance of what life was like in Nevada’s gold rush era. Many of the original buildings, including the mill, still remain.
The other awesome feature of the park is the large concentration of Ichthyosaur fossils on display inside the fossil house. The fossils were first discovered in 1928 and excavations continued until the mid-60’s. All told, 40 near complete fossils were found here.
READ ALSO: How to Visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur Historic State Park
2) Wilson Canyon
At first glance, Wilson Canyon may seem like it offers nothing more than a beautiful section of Walker River to gaze at. That couldn’t be further from the truth as the canyon offers hiking, camping, fishing, and motor bike opportunities.
Wilson Canyon can be found roughly 12 miles from the town of Yerington. There are plenty of pull outs for you to use and towards the end of the canyon just before and after the bridge are large dirt lots. Coming from Yerington, the left side of the canyon is for hikers while the right side is where you can use your motorbikes and ATV’s.
READ ALSO: Hiking Wilson Canyon: A Hidden Gem in The Nevada Desert
3) Ward Charcoal Ovens
Ward Charcoal Ovens at night. Photo credit: Richard Massey
These beehive shaped ovens were built back in the 1870’s to process silver ore that was mined in the area. Once mining ended, they were used as shelter by people traveling through and were rumored to be used by stagecoach bandits as hideouts.
Today, 6 of these ovens still stand and are located on Nevada State Park land about 16 miles southeast of Ely. Visitors are welcomed to come out and see these amazing pieces of mining history for themselves. If you’re a photographer, you’ll enjoy getting creative with dark sky photos.
4) Pyramid Lake
If you’re an avid fisherman, chances are good that you’ve at least heard of Pyramid Lake. Located on Paiute Tribe land and not too far from Reno, this beautiful desert lake is home to some of the best fishing in the state.
It’s gorgeous landscapes and amazing sunsets will captivate and leave you wanting to return again and again. The Paiute Tribe have recently re-opened the lake to the public after a long closure due to covid precautions.
5) Sand Mountain Recreation Area
Just outside of Fallon on the north side of highway 50, a just under 4,800 acre recreation site called, “Sand Mountain”, can be found. It’s not exactly unknown but outside of summer months, you’ll typically be able to visit with minimal to no crowds.
The main activity here is riding ATV’s, dirt bikes, and the like, but you’re also free to explore the area on foot. Photography buffs, can capture great photos during golden hour here.
Sand Mountain is on BLM land and is a designated fee site. Prices are $40 for 1-7 days or you can opt for the annual pass for $90.
6) Rhyolite & Goldwell Open Air Museum
Becoming a boomtown after the discovery of high grade ore in 1905, Rhyolite stood out among the rest of the mining camps of the time. Even attracting the attention and money of Charles M. Schwab in 1907. Despite its success, the town’s quick decline was just as impressive as it’s rise. By 1920, all but 14 people had moved on.
The Goldwell Open Air Museum was established in the 1980’s as a direct result of the increase in tourism at nearby Death Valley. Artist Albert Szukalski created the museum’s most famous sculpture, a ghostly take on the, “The Last Supper”, painting. The museum is located at the southern entrance of the town and is a must see.
7) Tonopah Historic Mining Park
This park located in Tonopah is teething with history and is worth a stop either on your way to Vegas or as a destination on its own. It’s located on the original mining claims that led to the rush in the area.
The park is over 100 acres in size and features portions of the original four major companies that once operated in the area.
Historic and preserved equipment, buildings, exhibits, and more can be found along the self guided tour. If you wish, you could also partake in a tour led by highly knowledgeable guides.
8) Lovelock Cave
While not big and expansive by any means, the cave near the tiny town of Lovelock is both easy to get to and rich in history.
It was once home to Northern Paiute American Indians and during an archaeological dig in 1912, ancient skeletal remains and artifacts were discovered making this cave popular with historians, scientists, and explorers alike.
READ ALSO: How To Visit The Historic Lovelock Cave
9) King’s Canyon Falls
A quick drive outside the city limits of Carson City and a (very) short hike from the parking lot is where you can find this relatively well hidden waterfall. To see it at its best, you’ll want to come during spring. If you’re up to it, scramble up over the falls to see some additional cascades.
READ ALSO: Take An Easy Hike To King’s Canyon Falls in Carson City
10) Dayton State Park
As you can see in the image above, visiting this beautiful park during the fall is a must! The park is rated as one of the top 10 places in the state for fall colors and if you see it for yourself, you’ll no doubt agree. The park makes for an excellent day outing with the family or events such as reunions, birthdays, etc (post covid, of course).
READ ALSO: Visit Dayton State Park and Rock Point Mill
There you have it! Our list of 10 little known places in Nevada that you should visit in 2021. Have you been to any of these or did we leave your favorite off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Please support this site by sharing this article with your friends & family on Facebook, Pinterest, or any of your favorite social media sites. It truly does help and we appreciate your support!
7 Things You Will Love About Virginia City
If you’re an avid reader on this site, you’d probably be familiar with our “7 Things” series, where we list seven of our favorite features of a particular town or area. The other two…
If you’re an avid reader of this site, you’d probably be familiar with our “7 Things” series, where we list seven of our favorite features of a particular town or area. The other two in the series, Bridgeport and Lee Vining, are proving to be popular so we decided we would bring the series over to the Nevada section.
After discussing a few Nevada towns that are more than worthy of being featured, we decided to go with Virginia City as the first. There’s so much to love about this little town in the Nevada mountains but for the purpose of this article, we’re going to list seven of our personal favorites.
Virginia City became a bustling mining town in June of 1859 when land owner Henry Comstock discovered a rich deposit of silver ore. Comstock is also credited as being the first to discover gold in nearby Gold Canyon (just south of VC). From there, mansions, churches, saloons, hospitals, schools, and mining companies began popping up as the population exploded to around 25,000.
These days, active mining is long gone in VC. Locals have done a great job preserving the many historic buildings and mines contained here. Most offer guided tours. On top of that, the main strip is now filled with quirky shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Tourism is the boom here now. So sit back and relax while we present you with seven things you will love about Virginia City.
1) The Way It Was Museum
If there’s one attraction in VC that corners the market on local advertising, its the “Way It Was” Museum. Multiple signs dot the roads coming into town from either direction proudly disclaiming it a, “must-visit”. That’s hard to argue as this museum contains the most complete collection of Comstock material in the world.
It is open seasonally from 10:30 - 4:30 and costs a mere $4 per person. Visitors can purchase tickets at the museum itself or at the visitor center on the main strip. The self guided tour of the exhibits are perfect for families and history buffs alike.
2) Mackay Mansion Tour
Originally build in 1860 to be the headquarters of the Gould and Curry Mining Company and later purchased by one of VC’s “Silver Kings”, John Mackay, seasonal guided tours are offered at this hauntingly beautiful mansion and its grounds.
During the tour, you’ll see many historical artifacts such as mining equipment, original furnishings, Tiffany silver, and other historic anecdotes. Weddings and other special events may be held here as well. If you’re into conducting paranormal investigations, you can arrange one.
Information for guided tours is as follows:
Day Tours
Summer: Daily, 10am to 5pm
Winter: Weekends, 12pm tp 5pm (weather dependent)
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $7 per adult/$4 per child aged 5-12/free for children under 5
Night tours
Weekends: 5pm to 7pm (must call to reserve)
Cost: $10 per person
READ: “Mackay Mansion: How To Visit This Real-Life Haunted House”
3) Silver Terrace Cemetery
Life in Virginia City during its heyday wasn’t easy. Life expectancy was short due to dangerous working conditions in the mines, harsh weather, and other 1800’s era problems like disease, so the need for an official city cemetery became more and more apparent. Thus, the Silver Terrace Cemetery was born.
The cemetery is located on the north end of town on Old Cemetery road and is free to visit. It was common for the locals back then to flaunt their wealth and many did so both in life and death. Many beautiful hand carved headstones, many as tall or taller than a person, dot the hillside and are surrounded by iron fencing.
The majority of the grave sites date back prior to 1920 and a few are cracked and in a state of disrepair, but the site as a whole is beautiful and has amazing views of the mountains. You can visit daily from sunrise to sunset but a trespass warning is in effect outside of those hours and yes, it is taken seriously.
4) Chollar Mine Tour
Our personal favorite on this list, this guided tour of Chollar Mine will take you 400-feet into Mount Davidson through a dark and claustrophobic walk along the rail once used to transport silver ore and will end at a room carved out by miners in the 1800’s.
You’ll hear historical facts about both the mine and area by your knowledgable tour guide. You’ll also learn about how the miners communicated to those on the outside, how they depended on rats as both a food source and warning system, how they navigated their way out if their only light source (wax candles) were to go out, and more.
This tour operates daily (seasonally) between the hours of 10am and 4pm and is cash only at this time. Prices are as follows:
Adults: $15
Children 5-12: $10
Children under 5: Free
5) Nevada’s Oldest Hotel
The Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon is the oldest hotel in the state of Nevada. So old, it was operating as a hotel even before the state became part of the union. The exact year it opened is debated as either 1859 or 1861 but either way, Nevada didn't become a state until 1864 so that fact still holds.
It is located just one-mile south of Virginia City and is the only full service hotel in the immediate area. Original flooring, walls, and plaster still adorn the interior and you can even reserve rooms that are exactly as they were back in the 1800’s. It’s truly astonishing this property is still thriving all these years later.
This hotel also has quite the reputation among the paranormal crowd as it’s considered one of the most haunted places in the state. This is due to the fire that took place in 1869 at the Yellow Jacket Mine located just behind the property. This fire claimed the lives of 35 miners and is considered the worst mining accident in Nevada history.
6) Quirky Shops and Bars
The main strip through the center of town is a tourism mecca and thus, it’s jam packed with unique shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels. Many of the original buildings from the town’s early days have been re-purposed to house these.
Such examples include Virginia City Mercantile (pictured above), Silver Queen Hotel & Wedding Chapel, Forever Christmas Gift Shop, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Kettle Corn Depot, Primrose Lane Antiques, Grant’s General Store Museum, The Washoe Club, Silver Sadie’s Old Time Photos, and many more. There’s simply too many to list.
Strolling by these shops on the wooden boardwalks is part of the appeal of visiting Virginia City. Actors and Actresses in western attire typically walk around greeting people and thanking them for visiting. The people who live and work here truly care about their town and want you to feel as welcomed as possible.
7) That 100-Mile View
From the main strip and other points, you can look east towards the mountains at what locals refer to as the, “100-mile view”. This number is fudged a bit as it’s really about 90-miles but hey, who’s counting? Seriously though, the views of the mountains are outstanding and truly show how remote of a place Virginia City used to be (and still kind of is).
The church you see in the image above is Saint Mary in the Mountains. It is still an active church where services take place on Sundays. During the week, visitors are welcomed inside to tour the interior and museum but they do ask that you be respectful by remaining quiet and removing hats/sunglasses upon entering.
Too Many To List
It was hard narrowing all there is to do in VC into a 7 list article. We definitely listed some favorites but people will no doubt question why this or that wasn’t listed. Simply put, this list is a small sample of all there is to do here. So much so, we very well may do a sequel to this post.
Other favorite attractions include the V&T Railway, the various parades and special events that place throughout the year, Piper’s Opera House, Ponderosa Mine Tour, Virginia City Trolley Tour, The Pit Stop, VC Outlaws Comedy Show, Mark Twain Museum, and so much more.
Getting To VC
From Reno:
Head south on I-580
Take exit 25B
At the round-a-bout, take the NV-341 exit and follow this for about 24-miles. It’ll take you straight to VC
From Carson City:
Head east on US-50
Turn left on NV-341 and continue straight
You’ll pass through Silver City and Gold Hill before arriving at VC
From Las Vegas:
Go north on US-95 for about 350 miles
As you approach Schurz, turn left on US-95 ALT North towards Yerington
Continue on US-95 ALT North towards Silver Springs (turn right from Yerington)
Turn left on Ramsey Weeks cutoff
Turn left on US-50 and continue for 16-miles
Turn right on Six Mile Canyon road for about 8-miles before arriving at VC
READ ALSO: How To Visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Conclusion
We sincerely hope this article was helpful to you in planning your travels to Virginia City. If so, please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends on your favorite social media site. Every view helps.
You can further show your support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above. Thank you and safe travels!
5 Awesome Day Trips from Reno
With 4.8 million visitors in 2019 and topping 5 million for the first time in 10 years in 2018, the Biggest Little City is relevant once again and is starting to re-claim its spot as a prime tourism hot spot
With 4.8 million visitors in 2019 and topping 5 million for the first time in 10 years in 2018, the Biggest Little City is relevant once again and is starting to re-claim its spot as a prime tourism hot spot.
Despite there being many things to do and see in Reno, part of its appeal is its proximity to other cities and attractions. Many of which are an easy one hour or less drive from downtown. The list below is of 5 cites or attractions you could easily visit during your Reno vacation.
1) Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay. Lake Tahoe.
*As of August 30th, 2021, the entirety of Lake Tahoe has been evacuated due to the Caldor Fire. Please avoid the area. We will provide updates on our Facebook page as they come in.
Distance from Reno: About 61 miles (or just over an hour drive away).
Lake Tahoe is a year round destination with plenty to do. There’s hiking and boating during the summer months and skiing being the main activity in the winter. You can enjoy the California side of the lake or stay on the Nevada side and partake in some gambling at one of the hotels in Stateline.
Tahoe and Reno have always had a connection to one another and often share tourists. Frank Sinatra, back in the day, would often travel between them to perform which helped bridge the gap between the two (it’s also worth mentioning that the mob had a hand in both as well).
Using Reno as your base to visiting Tahoe has its advantages as the hotels tend to be more affordable and when the weather gets bad in the winter in Tahoe, it usually isn’t as bad (or non-existent) in Reno.
2) Historic Downtown Truckee
Historic Downtown Truckee California.
Distance from Reno: About 35 miles (or about a 40-minute drive away).
Also not far away is the historic gold-mining town of Truckee, California. A lot of people are unaware of Truckee’s existence, often passing it by for neighboring Lake Tahoe. However, Truckee has plenty to offer visitors all its own.
Nearby is Donner Memorial State Park and Donner Lake. There’s many recreational activities to be had in the lake and while it does get crowded, it doesn’t get nearly as bad as Tahoe. The state park proper has a visitor’s center detailing the history of the Donner Party, a campground, and a couple hiking trails to enjoy.
The historic downtown area is the main feature, though. The area was transformed to accommodate tourists with local shops, restaurants, and the like. The historic jail is open for decent led tours (recommended), your free to check out the historic (and still operating) train depot, and enjoy the Truckee River during the warmer months.
3) Genoa, Nevada
Genoa Nevada.
Distance from Reno: About 47 miles (or around a 50 minute drive).
This quaint little town in Nevada is located in the beautiful Carson Valley and just a stones throw away from Tahoe. It was founded in 1851 and has the unique designation of being Nevada’s oldest town. A man by the name of John Reese was the first to settle here and built a trading post for the many explorers and trappers who made their way through the area.
The main attractions of the town include Mormon Station State Historic Park, The Genoa Courthouse Museum, Genoa Cemetery, and Genoa Town Park. Every year in September (sans 2020), the town hosts, “Candy Dance”, an uber popular arts and crafts faire that began in 1919. The event draws visitors and artists from around the country, making it one of the most popular events in the state.
4) Fort Churchill State Park
Fort Churchill State Historic Park Nevada.
Distance from Reno: About 48 miles (or 50 minutes to one hour drive).
If you or a member of your family are history buffs, specifically military history, or you enjoy exploring abandoned places, you’ll want to add a trip to Fort Churchill to your plans. The park is located near the small town of Silver Springs and contains the remnants of an Army Post originally built in the mid 1800’s.
Another attraction nearby is Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area. Lahontan is an ancient lake that used to encompass nearly the entire state of Nevada and parts of California and Oregon. While it isn’t the gargantuan it used to be, it’s still worth checking out.
READ ALSO: Exploring Fort Churchill: An Abandoned Army Post in Nevada
5) Virginia City
Virginia City Nevada.
Distance from Reno: About 36 miles (or 35-40 minute drive).
Virginia City is literally teething with history and is my personal favorite place on this list and if you decide to visit, I know you’ll love it too. There’s quirky shops, old town saloons, abandoned mine tours, a beautifully old cemetery, historic hotels, gold panning, and ghosts. Wait…what?
That’s right. Virginia City is renowned as one of the most haunted places in not just the state, but the country. While I’ve personally never seen one, I have had a couple of “weird” experiences that made me a believer. I’ve also been shown photographs from locals that were pretty convincing. You never know, you may end up having a spooky experience yourself.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s many places that are within an easy drive from Reno. You have everything from scenic lakes to abandoned places to haunted cities to check out during your visit. Nevada has it all. You just have to know where to look.
Safe travels.
Please support this site by sharing this article with your friends and family on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social media channel.
You can further show your support by reading one or more of the related posts above. Thank you.