Incline Village: 5 Things To Do In Summer
Incline Village, an upscale area located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, often gets overshadowed by the south shore of the lake. Many don’t realize that Lake Tahoe...
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Incline Village, an upscale area located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, often gets overshadowed by the south shore of the lake. Many don’t realize that Lake Tahoe is actually located within two states, California and Nevada.
While the California side often gets the lion’s share of the attention, the Nevada side of Tahoe is more than worthy of your vacation time as well. Incline Village, which is on the Nevada side, has many popular activities to keep you busy. Some argue that it even rivals the California side.
So what are the top things to do in Incline Village during summer? There’s plenty of hiking trails, water activities, beaches, and local restaurants to choose from, but which ones are the top attractions? In this post, I’ll present to you five activities that I feel you would enjoy most.
Products I recommend for a visit to Incline Village
1) Hit the Hiking Trails
If there’s one thing any shore of Lake Tahoe isn’t lacking, it’s hiking trails. Many regard Incline Village, and the north and east shore of Tahoe in general, as the “hikers sides” of the lake since they have a heavy concentration of trails.
A few of these include the historic Stateline Lookout, Folsom Camp Loop, and Mount Rose Peak (just a ten minute drive from Incline Village). The most popular hiking trail in Incline Village proper, though, has to be Monkey Rock.
Monkey Rock is a relatively short trail, clocking in at just 2.6 miles, out and back, that leads to a granite rock that strongly resembles that of a monkey. Additionally, the views of the north and east shores of the lake from there are outstanding.
The trail isn’t difficult but because of the incline segment of the final push, I would rate it as moderate for some, but easy for those who hike a lot. If you’ll be visiting Incline Village, hiking to Monkey Rock is a must as it’s one of the premiere hikes in the area.
READ ALSO: Hike to Monkey Rock for Incredible Views of Lake Tahoe
2) Enjoy a Tasty Meal at Several Local Restaurants
While not generally known as a culinary mecca, Incline Village does have its fair share of wonderful, locally-owned restaurants. Many of which are directly next to many hiking trails, beaches, and the like.
A few that receive high praise from visitors and locals alike include FUMO Cafe, Crosby’s Tavern, Inclined Burgers and Brews, Sage Leaf, and Tunnel Creek Cafe. The latter of which is a personal favorite of mine, due to its relaxed atmosphere, service, and tasty food.
It’s located next to two insanely popular trails in Incline Village, the above mentioned Monkey Rock and the soon-to-be-discussed Tahoe East Shore Trail. This alone makes it a super convenient spot to grab a pre or post-hike meal.
READ ALSO: Enjoy a Post-Hike Meal at Tunnel Creek Cafe
3) Take a Clear Kayak Tour of the East Shore
Kayaking has always been a popular activity in Lake Tahoe. In fact, I had my first experience doing so kayaking out to the Fannette Island Tea House in Emerald Bay. In recent years, what’s known as “clear kayaking” has grown in popularity, particularly on the lake’s east shore.
Clear kayaking enables you to fully enjoy the lake’s crystal clear waters by looking straight down through your kayak. A company called Clearly Tahoe conducts regular tours from Incline Village, leading kayakers through the popular east shore of the lake and out to famed Bonsai Rock. If you’re interested, you can contact them here.
4) Spend a Beach Day at Sand Harbor State Park
Just a five-mile drive from the center of Incline Village, Sand Harbor State Park is the crown jewel of the Nevada State Park system and is easily one of the top destinations in all of Lake Tahoe. So much so, that it’s often in contention with California’s Emerald Bay in terms of popularity.
You could carve out an entire day to spend at Sand Harbor since there’s so much to do there. Most people set up their beach tents or umbrellas and just relax, jumping in and out of the cobalt blue waters to cool off. There’s also an on-site restaurant, a nature trail, and boating opportunities.
Since Sand Harbor is mega-popular destination, the park will often close due to full capacity within a couple hours of opening, particularly during the summer months. Due to this, a new reservation policy was implemented in 2024 for weekends, with the full, daily requirement rolling out in 2025.
Given its popularity, reservations are going to be competitive. To avoid having to worry about it, simply take the East Shore Express shuttle, which picks up in Incline Village and drops off at Sand Harbor. If you go this route, you won’t have to worry about obtaining a reservation.
5) Walk or Bike the Tahoe East Shore Trail
Just a few miles outside of Incline Village proper is the trailhead for the Tahoe East Shore Trail. It’s a three-mile long, paved trail that hovers above the gorgeous east shore stretch of Lake Tahoe, and terminates at Sand Harbor (though there is currently construction underway to expand the trail beyond Sand Harbor).
Visitors of the trail can walk or bike this path, and along the way to Sand Harbor are many offshoot trails leading to several coves and beaches that were once difficult to dangerous to access. Some of these include Hidden Beach, Granite Cove, Mountain Vista, and Sunset Cove.
In addition to the shuttle mentioned above, walking this path into Sand Harbor is another way to avoid the reservation policy. Though it is a three mile trek from the parking lot to Sand Harbor so to save time (and energy), you can purchase a bike rental at Flume Trail Bikes. They have regular pedal bikes in addition to e-bikes.
No visit to Incline Village would be complete without experiencing this gorgeous trail. Even if you don’t walk or bike the entire thing, it’s an experience all its own and it’s always one of my top recommendations for things to do in Incline Village, and Lake Tahoe in general.
READ ALSO: How to Hike the Tahoe East Shore Trail
PROVERBS 3:23
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!
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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.
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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
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Thanks for reading and safe travels!
10 Unique Places to Visit in Nevada
When thinking about Nevada, if you’re like most people, you’ll generally think of labels like “weird” or “haunted” when describing its wide variety…
When thinking about Nevada, if you’re like most people, you’ll generally think of labels like “weird” or “haunted” when describing its wide variety of destinations. However, us locals tend to prefer referring to our state as “unique”, more than anything.
Don’t get me wrong, we do have some arguably weird things here. Additionally, with our history being intertwined with the pioneer days, wild west, and early mining efforts, we definitely have our fair share of haunted buildings.
In my opinion, though, those myths or beliefs (whatever you want to call them) only add to the overall uniqueness of this state. If you look outside of Las Vegas and Reno, I believe you’d be genuinely surprised at all of what Nevada has to offer (I know I was when I first moved here nearly twenty years ago).
If you’re eyeballing Nevada for your 2025 family travel plans but want to get the true experience, read on to see my recommendations for ten unique places to visit in Nevada. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a great place to start. Let’s get into it!
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) Fly Geyser
It doesn’t get much more unique than Fly Geyser. Situated right outside the tiny town of Gerlach (near where the annual Burning Man Festival is held), is an ever evolving, sulphuric formation that was initially and accidentally created by humans, but over time has been formed and perfected by nature.
Currently, Fly Geyser is only accessibly via a tour with the Friends of Black Rock, a local non-profit. Included in your tour is a visit to historic Fly Ranch, which has numerous art installations from Burning Man on display. You can read more about the tour in the post below.
READ NEXT: “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Fly Geryser”
4) Pyramid Lake
If you’re an avid fisherman, there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard of Pyramid Lake. Located on Paiute Tribe land, and not very far from Reno and Carson City, this beautiful desert lake is home to some of the best fishing in the state.
If fishing isn’t your thing, then it’s gorgeous landscape, captivating sunsets, and eye-catching geology will leave you wanting to return again and again. Photographers, drone operators, kayakers, history buffs, and more, will love recreating here.
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!
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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
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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.
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