Ride the Virginia & Truckee Railroad (V&T) for an unsurpassed Comstock Era experience. Our recent family trip to Carson City included a 28 mile roundtrip train excursion through the heart of the Comstock Lode to Virginia City on the “Queen of the Shortlines”.
The trip began just a few minutes east of Carson City along Highway 50 at the Carson East Gate Depot. Future plans call for the extension of the line into downtown Carson City, but for the interim this depot includes a small gift shop, and plenty of parking. We boarded the train and were welcomed by an enthusiastic staff dressed in Comstock Era attire. Shortly thereafter our narrated trip through 140 years of mining and railroad history began.
The recently restored tracks follow the historic railroad that transferred billions of dollars of ore from the Comstock mines and transformed Nevada into the Silver State. The scenic route winds it way up Virginia Range through two restored tunnels and skirts the old mining areas of Mound House, Silver City, American Flats, and Gold Hill. Artifacts of the mining area including abandoned equipment and mine shafts abound along the route and all was colorfully described by our entertaining narrator.
At the Virginia City Station we disembarked and walked up the hill to the main street. You’ll find a plethora of antique shops with treasures and can spend hours touring the shops and museums. You can also find leather goods, jewelry, and even everyday clothing while shopping and getting an old-fashioned portrait is popular. There are plenty of diners, ice cream and candy shops, and saloons to find what you need to satisfy your appetite, as well as some spots to gamble as well! The scenery was just as good as the ride up but was greatly enhanced by a herd of 7 wild horses grazing right next to the tracks. The nice breeze through the open air windows will lull your little ones to sleep on the ride back, maybe even you!
Relaxing and interesting, this ride is definitely the way to visit Virginia City. Our group included kids, parents and grandparents and we all had a great time on the train and in Virginia City. We recommend bringing snacks and cold drinks along for the train ride and make sure to get your tickets ahead of time due to the popularity of this excursion. The train isn’t air-conditioned and the summer time can be warm, dress appropriately, alternate sunny window seats, bring some cash for ice cold water bottles sold on the trip. Seats are first come-first served on both the trip over and back, and I suggest you don’t leave anything behind once you reach Virginia City. Be sure to visit virginiatruckee.com for the latest schedule, fares and special events.
Out trip tickets were hosted in exchange for our honest review.
