Storey County became known across the region in 1859 with the discovery of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City. Its mining history can be explored in different ways: rides on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad lead into the hills of a former gold and silver mining community; mine tours, exhibits, and historic buildings offer other perspectives. The county also offers numerous recreational opportunities across 16,000 acres of public land.
Mining History in Different Formats
Railroad rides lead into the hills of a former mining community and focus on the landscape associated with this historic story. Underground, the tours differ in their focus. The Chollar Mine offers a 30-minute tour along a 400-foot route through an old mine tunnel. At the Best & Belcher Mine at Ponderosa, a tour illustrates the complete mining operation. These offer two different ways to explore the mines: at Chollar, the duration and route through the tunnel are specified, while the Best & Belcher tour focuses on the mine’s operations.
Schools, Theater, and Historic Buildings
The Fourth Ward School was built in 1876 as a four-story building and could accommodate more than 1,000 students. The Fourth Ward School Museum adds to this historical connection with programs, rotating galleries, and engaging exhibits on the history of Virginia City and the Comstock Lode. Another glimpse into the town’s history can be found at the Storey County Courthouse: it was built in 1876 after being destroyed in the great fire of 1875. The courthouse is the oldest continuously operating one in Nevada. St. Mary in the Mountains is Nevada’s oldest active Catholic church.
Piper’s Opera House combines historical significance with an active cultural program. The theater is listed with the League of Historic Theaters and is considered one of the most significant historic theaters on the West Coast. At the same time, it is an active performing arts center, with theater productions, concerts, and events hosted by nonprofit organizations. Those interested in the performing arts will find both theater history and an ongoing events program here.
Museums, Exhibits, and Events
The visitor experience at the Marshall Mint Museum is housed in a historic assay office dating to 1861. There, you can see how coins are minted and jewelry is made in the pressing and assembly rooms. The St. Mary’s Art Center features exhibitions in seven galleries across four floors of a historic building constructed in 1875. While the Mint Museum showcases production processes, the Art Center offers a different perspective on art and exhibitions through its galleries.
The events calendar also has some distinctive highlights. The Virginia City International Camel Races take place annually in September on the weekend after Labor Day. Every year on July 4, Storey County holds a parade and fireworks to celebrate American Independence Day. At the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, amateur and professional chefs prepare Rocky Mountain oysters using their own recipes. If you’re traveling specifically for an event, check the date before making plans. This lets you match recurring celebrations and events with your preferred travel dates, without assuming a specific date for the current year.
For a trip that isn’t focused exclusively on cultural sites, the 16,000 acres of public land offer many other recreational opportunities.
The Virginia City Visitor Center can book various tours in town directly. Since booking arrangements can change, it’s a good idea to check current options before your trip. This will help you choose between railroad rides, mine tours, and other excursions based on your interests. Discover more destinations: Dayton, Washoe, Nye, Douglas County, Carson City, Churchill County, Lyon County, Lincoln County.
For the main travel overview: Nevada.
