Visiting Montana’s Virginia City

In the spring of 1863, a party of six prospectors took off from Bannack and headed to the Yellowstone Valley on a mission to find gold. Their trip was long and arduous and resulted in them being captured by the Crow Indians. As legend goes, and as you may hear on the Alder Gulch Shortline, which runs between Virginia City and Nevada City, one of the men, Bill Fairweather, proved to have no fear and maybe even special powers after he survived a dance with rattlesnakes. Impressed, the native peoples let the men go with the condition that they would return from whence they came.

On their way back to Bannack, the men camped in what we now know as Virginia City, and while two of them set up camp, the others made their way down to the stream to see what they could find, hoping for nothing more than a little tobacco money. When their first pan turned up $2.40, they knew they had struck it rich. That was May 26, 1863.

Low on supplies, the men had to return to Bannack, but planned to leave under the cover of night and return to their claims shortly after. There was only one problem; the gold these men were spending frivolously in town looked a little different than the gold coming out of Bannack’s Grasshopper Creek. Whatever the case, the people of Bannack were watching and when Fairweather and his party made their move, they were followed.

The news of the claim spread like wildfire, and soon miners and their crudely built shelters covered the hills around Virginia City. In fact, Virginia City became one of nine cities along the creek, a settlement known as the 14 Mile City.

The area was lucrative and quickly became a massive population hub in the state, making it the perfect location for Montana’s second territorial capital. It is estimated that nearly $90 million in gold came out of Virginia City (estimates actually range from $50 to $150 million). In today’s value, that would be $1.95 billion. As with any boom town, Virginia City experienced its share of lawlessness, was home to some colorful characters, and forever left its mark on the country.

As they say, “some folks made a fortune here, but what they left behind was priceless.”

And that brings us to today, where visitors can immerse themselves in Montana’s history, stepping into what life was like in the late 1800s, when Virginia and Nevada Cities were at their prime.

A Trip to Virginia City, Montana

Something about Virginia City, Montana, has caught your attention. Maybe it is the history, the live performances, the candy shop, or the ghost stories. Whatever the case, you’ve decided that it’s worth the trip. From experience, a trip to Virginia City and Nevada City will not disappoint! (*As long as you plan your trip during their season, Memorial Day through Labor Day).

If you make it to Virginia City, here are some of our favorites!

1. Nevada City Living History Museum & the Virginia City Boardwalk

For Living History, the Nevada City Living History Museum and Music Hall is the place to be! Nevada City, Montana, is known for its collection of historic buildings that have been brought together to tell a story of local history. A few of the historic buildings are original to Nevada City, while many came from across Montana to form the streets of the open-air Nevada City Museum, reminiscent of a 19th-century mining town. Every weekend during the summer season, the museum offers living history events. Interpreters in period-accurate clothing fill the buildings at the museum, bringing the historic mining town to life!

2. Old Time Photos – Montana Picture Gallery and the Wallace Street Photographic Emporium

Along the boardwalk in Virginia City, you will find two old-time photo studios where you and your group can dress up in period clothing and have a photoshoot. Of course, you get to leave with the photo, making it the perfect Old West souvenir.

3. Live Performances: Brewery Follies and The Virginia City Players

Live performances are central to the Virginia City experience! There are two groups in town, the Virginia City Players and the Brewery Follies. The Brewery Follies are better suited to an adult audience. The Follies describe themselves as “risque, bawdy, and can involve social and political commentary. We don’t have any violence in the show, there’s no nudity, and we don’t use the most offensive four-letter words. However, we don’t tell people that our show is squeaky clean. We don’t try to be ‘folksy’ or family-oriented.” A show at the Brewery Follies is a hilarious and entertaining way to spend an evening! The Virginia City Players are absolutely family-friendly, and the group was founded back in 1948! That makes the Players the oldest continually operating professional summer theatre company in the entire Northwest. The Players perform seven shows a week, Memorial Day through Labor Day, at the Virginia City Opera House, right next door to the Bale of Hay Saloon.

4. Lodging – Airbnb and the Fairweather Inn & Nevada City Cabins

Looking for lodging for your weekend away in Virginia City? Check out the Alder Gulch Accommodations, which include the historic Fairweather Inn and Nevada City Cabins. Another option is the Airbnb’s hosted by the Montana Heritage Commission, check out these listings: The Governor Meagher Cabin, Daems and Corbett, and the Historic Bonanza Inn.

5. Cousins Candy Shop & the Ice Cream Creamery

Established in 1926, Cousin’s Candy Shop has been serving sweet treats for nearly a century to everyone who has walked through its doors. Cousin’s Candy Shop makes chocolate and fudge onsite daily and offers a variety of other wrapped candies and delicacies. The Virginia City Creamery is another favorite offering real homemade ice cream. Visitors get to watch the ice cream get made in an antique ice cream freezer before placing their orders!

6. Alder Gulch Shortline

In 1964, Charles Bovey built the Alder Gulch Shortline to connect Virginia City and Nevada City. Today, visitors can hop aboard from the Virginia City Depot for a short ride to Nevada City. Along the way, a narration provides snippets of the area’s history and explains some of the mining remnants still found in the landscape. The ride is a mile and a half, lasting about 15 minutes one way, and is the perfect addition to any afternoon!

7. Firetruck Tour

Virginia City is packed full of history, much of which you would miss if attempting to explore the town by yourself. The Firetruck tour is an excellent opportunity to sit back, relax, and take it all in. Firetruck tours typically depart on the hour every day during the summer season and last about 35 minutes. Tickets for the tour can be purchased inside the Indian Trading Post. Whether you choose to explore the area by train or on a vintage firetruck, you’ll be met by knowledgeable guides and an unforgettable experience.

8. Ghost Tours Leave Nightly from the Bale of Hay Saloon and Pioneer Bar

In a town with such a robust history and one of immense lawlessness, the paranormal energy is undeniable. Each night at 9 pm, tours meet outside the Bale of Hay Saloon; at 4 pm and 8 pm, tours leave from the Pioneer Bar.