Southwest Montana’s Premier Frontier-Era Destination
As you arrive in frontier-era Virginia City, Montana, you will instantly feel that you have stepped back in time.
Virginia City is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of American mining camps from the 1860s and is the site of the richest placer gold strike in the Rocky Mountains.
A little bit about Virginia City…
Not long after gold was discovered in 1863, Virginia City was designated as the new Territorial Capital of Montana. People seeking gold flooded Virginia City and the surrounding area of Alder Gulch, creating what became known as the “Fourteen Mile City.” Throughout the late 1860s and early 1870s, Virginia City served as a transportation hub and social center for the region.
There was an estimated $100 million worth of gold extracted, some of which contributed to the national economy during and after the Civil War.
While the population of Virginia City and neighboring Nevada City is much smaller today, many people work hard to preserve and share this unique townsite with visitors all summer long! There are a variety of attractions, excellent restaurants, cozy accommodations and interpretive sites for you to enjoy.
Travel Note:
While visitors can drive through historic Nevada City and Virginia City all year, most attractions, accommodations, businesses, and restaurants are open Memorial Day through Labor Day, so a summertime visit is recommended.
So Many Things To Do And See!
Nevada City Museum & Music Hall
Hosting one of the largest collections of Old West artifacts outside of the Smithsonian, the museum is home to over 100 historic buildings and thousands of antiques from the frontier era. The museum comes alive on weekends throughout the summer as Living History volunteers demonstrate a variety of trades with period-accurate tools and attire.
Nevada City Museum & Music Hall
The Music Hall has a collection of unique music machines and player pianos, several of which still work today! Bring a handful of quarters to listen to the magic of these treasured pieces..
River of Gold – Gold Panning
Learn more about the historic gold mining operations in the area from panning to dredging and then try your hand at panning for gold!
Gypsy Arcade
Experience entertainment machines of the past including a collection of penny arcade games and a rare fortune telling gypsy as the centerpiece.
Live Performances - Virginia City Players
Attend a family friendly vaudeville show or play performed by the talented Virginia City Players at the Virginia City Opera House.
Live Performances - Brewery Follies
Attend an adult-oriented comedy variety show at the site of the oldest brewery of the Montana Territory - the Gilbert Brewery (now a theater venue).
Live Performances - Elling House Arts & Humanities Center
Attend a musical performance and view an exhibit of visual art made by a local artist.
Old-Time Photo with your friends and family
Stop by Montana Picture Gallery or the Wallace Street Photographic Emporium to get an old time photo with your friends and family, complete with costumes and era-realistic backgrounds!
Virginia City Tours & Museums
Bring Virginia City to life by digging into the incredibly rich history of the area on one of a number of available tours! As the site of one of the largest gold strikes, Virginia City has a colorful history marked by immense fortunes, vigilante justice, and incredibly hard work. The knowledgeable tour guides will bring history to life as you traverse the bustling townsite.
Walking Tour & Virginia City Boardwalk
Wander around town and look at the businesses of a time gone by. Set up with real artifacts from the late 1800s, visitors can stand in the doorways of a variety of businesses and view the artifacts from viewing platforms.
Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad
All aboard! This train carries passengers along Alder Gulch between Virginia City and Nevada City. During this scenic ride, passengers will also learn more about Alder Gulch and gold mining operations in the area.
Free Museum – Thompson – Hickman Museum
A small museum with interesting Virginia City artifacts, including an extensive photo collection, rare guns, geological rock samples and more!
Free Museum – Charles A. & Sue Ford Bovey Visitor Center
Learn more about the significant role the Boveys played in preserving Virginia City for future generations.
Historic Tour Company of Virginia City - Fire Truck Tour
Climb aboard a classic 1941 fire truck and be driven around Virginia City during this live, informative and entertaining tour.
Vigilante Carriages - Stagecoach Tours & Horseback Rides
Enjoy a ride around town in a real horse-drawn stagecoach!
Ghost Tours
Join an evening ghost tour to learn about the more eerie and chilling side of Virginia City.
Walking Tour Map
Take a self-guided walking tour around Virginia City and Nevada City using these maps. There are printed versions available around town for free as well.
Download Map PDFTravel Specials
The Montana Heritage Commission offers several packages and specials, some of which include accommodations. For more information, please visit the Montana Heritage Commission website
More InformationVirginia City Accommodations
While visitors can see several highlights of this unique town within a few hours before heading on to their next destination, we recommend that those interested in this era consider staying overnight to have more time to explore and experience all that this town has to offer.
