Skip to ContentVirginia City, a National Historic Landmark District of 14,750 acres and about 400 buildings, grew on the Comstock silver strike of 1859. This is the guide to its history and what to see.
Checked November 2, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 1859silver strike (NPS)
- 14,750acres in the landmark district (NPS)
- ~400buildings, mostly 19th century (NPS)
- ~35 misoutheast of Reno (Tourism Commission)
History
The Comstock Lode
Discovery, mines, figures, population and the 1875 fire, with sources.
History
The Sutro Tunnel
Adolph Sutro’s drainage tunnel, 1869 to 1878.
History
Mark Twain And The Territorial Enterprise
The newspaper that hired him, and a camel hoax.
History
Places to Visit
Fourth Ward School Museum
The 1876 Second Empire school.
Museum
Piper’s Opera House
Built in 1885, still with its original stage.
Theater
Chollar Mine Tour
A 400-foot level walk underground.
Mine
Virginia And Truckee Railroad
Narrated train rides to Gold Hill.
Rail
Annual Events
The International Camel and Ostrich Races are in September. The Tourism Commission also lists Chili on the Comstock and the World Championship Outhouse Races (a free event) among its annual events; 2027 dates are not confirmed. The calendar has what is dated.
Getting Here
The Tourism Commission puts Virginia City about 35 miles southeast of Reno, in the Virginia Range below Mount Davidson; the park service says it lies midway between Reno and Carson City. By our estimate it is about 45 minutes from Reno (our estimate, no live traffic). Visitor information: 86 South C Street, 775-847-7500.
Legends And Lore
Stories people tell about this place, each labelled and checked against the record.
- The Washoe Club Ghost StoriesLegend. Virginia City’s most haunted bar, according to its tour guides. The stories have tellers but no independent proof.
- The Gold Hill Hotel GhostsLegend. A cigar-smoking spirit named William and the ghosts of miners. Told by the hotel and its tour hosts.
On The Map
What We Could Not Confirm
These items were not read on an official page when we checked, so we do not state them as fact. Who can confirm each one is named.
- Winter road conditions and the safety guidance for old mine sites.
- The district’s designation year (Wikipedia says 1961).
- Drive time (our estimate).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Virginia City from Reno?
The Tourism Commission says about 35 miles; we estimate about 45 minutes by car.
Is Virginia City a National Historic Landmark?
Yes. The National Park Service lists the Virginia City Historic District as a National Historic Landmark.
Sources
- National Park Service: Virginia City Historic District (official)
- Virginia City Tourism Commission (official)
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Virginia City and The Comstock,” itsreno.com, checked November 2, 2026.
Events in The Next 45 Days
Candy Cane Express
Nov 29 - Dec 20
Virginia City Depot, 166 F Street · Virginia City & The Comstock
Holiday train ride run by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The organizer lists November 29 - December 20, 2026. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: Run days, departure times and fares were not shown on the page we read.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Electric Holiday Train of Lights
Nov 29 - Dec 19
Virginia City Depot, 166 F Street · Virginia City & The Comstock
Lighted holiday train run by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The organizer lists November 29 - December 19, 2026. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: Run days, departure times and fares were not shown on the page we read.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 2, 2026 on the organizer’s page
2 events listed here, read on 1 organizer and venue websites. Every row shows the day we checked it. Dates change: check the organizer’s page before you go, and tell us if something is wrong.