Nevada is no stranger to ghost towns. In fact, it has over 600 of them, totaling more than the number of the state’s inhabited cities. From hauntingly beautiful destinations like Rhyolite — one of the best-preserved and most-photographed ghost towns in Nevada — to underrated preserved Gold Rush Era towns that are actually haunted, like Goldfield, the Silver State holds countless ghost town gems.
While some of these towns are long-abandoned, others are as alive as ever. One of these “living” ghost towns is Virginia City. Situated about 25 miles southeast of Reno — the world’s “Biggest Little City” that’s a hub of food, art, and outdoor fun — the small desert community is brimming with Western charm, haunted history, and a walkable wonderland of attractions. Stroll storied streets lined with shops, restaurants, and 19th-century saloons. Brave a ghost tour of one of the most haunted locations in the western U.S.. Explore museums tucked into spirit-filled mansions, wander through old mines, and tiptoe through historic cemeteries overlooking the town. To discover one of Nevada’s liveliest ghost towns, plan your getaway to Virginia City.
Lively attractions rich with history in Virginia City
About a half-hour from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Virginia City is tucked unassumingly in the mountainous terrain of Storey County. A thriving mining town during the second half of the 19th-century, Virginia City was home to 25,000 residents at its peak. Nowadays, less than 800 people populate the town, which hosts more visitors (over 2 million a year) than full-time residents.
Enjoying its second life, Virginia City is bustling with attractions. Stepping onto the boardwalk-lined C Street, the town’s main drag, is like stepping back in time to the days of the Old West. Along its storied path, you’ll encounter ghost signs fading on the sides of brick buildings, mercantile shops peddling souvenirs, quaint eateries serving hearty grub, and late 19th-century saloons oozing with Western charm. Belly up to the bar for a cold one at the beloved Bucket of Blood Saloon, or enjoy a spirit or two at The Delta Saloon. The latter is home to the infamous Suicide Table: a fatal piece of furniture where down-on-their-luck gamblers allegedly took their lives in the 1800s.
To dig deeper into Virginia City’s past, you can take a tour of the historic Chollar Mine. Offered daily from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., or by reservation for bone-chilling paranormal nighttime tours, the below-ground journey is the perfect way to explore the town’s history. Above-ground, you’ll also have your pick of museums, ranging from the Marshall Mint museum of minerals and gems, to the Comstock Firemen’s Museum of antique fire engines and fire-fighting relics. Another must-visit is the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a four-story schoolhouse dating back to 1876 that features historical exhibits, town archives, and a historic classroom complete with original desks.
Haunted attractions and ghost tours in Virginia City
