Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City

Overview

Explore the mineral-rich towns that were at the center of Nevada‘s Silver Rush at your own pace. On this self-guided driving tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, you’ll travel back in time to the second half of the 1800s to find out how silver changed these towns’ fortunes forever.

Starting in California, a short drive from the state line, this tour crosses high over Kingsbury Grade, and drops down into Douglas County, Nevada. Dramatically framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, this county is home to the quaint town of Genoa, one of Nevada‘s first permanent settlements. From Genoa, you‘ll drive through Carson City, the state‘s capital, and pass one of Nevada‘s oldest towns, Silver City, before finishing our tour in the charming silver rush town of Virginia City.

By the end of this tour, you‘ll have gained an understanding of the historical moments that shaped this industry and Nevada’s Silver Rush while driving through the sparkling landscape of the Silver State.

City: Lake Tahoe

Sat 14 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

Sat 14 Jun

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This 50-mile driving tour can be completed in about 2 hours without any stops.
You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want.
You can take this tour at any time, but daytime hours are best for this tour.

What To Expect

South Lake Tahoe

As you start this driving tour, you'll begin in the picturesque surroundings of South Lake Tahoe, nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

Genoa

Cruise through the charming Town of Genoa, one of Nevada's earliest settlements, and soak in its historic ambiance as you journey through.

Mormon Station State Historic Park

See the Mormon Station State Historic Park from the road, a site that preserves the rich history of early Mormon settlers in the region.

Nevada State Railroad Museum

Drive by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, where vintage locomotives and railroad artifacts tell the story of Nevada's railway history.

Carson City

Pass through Carson City, the vibrant state capital of Nevada, and catch glimpses of its historic landmarks and cultural attractions from the road.

Nevada State Capitol Building

Drive past the Nevada State Capitol Building, symbolising Nevada's governance and political heritage.

Nevada State Museum

Drive past the Nevada State Museum, where exhibits showcase the diverse cultural and natural history of Nevada.

Silver City

Drive through Silver City, a historic mining town that bears testimony to Nevada's silver mining legacy.

Virginia City

Drive through Virginia City, a charming silver rush town that transports you back in time to the heyday of the Comstock Lode.

Chollar Mansion

Pass by Chollar Mansion, a historic residence that reflects the opulence of Virginia City's prosperous era.

Historic Fourth Ward School Museum

Drive past the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a well-preserved schoolhouse that offers insights into Nevada's educational history.

St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church

See Saint Mary In the Mountains, a historic church that stands as a testament to Virginia City's religious heritage.

Virginia City Visitor Center

End your tour at the Virginia City Visitor Center, a hub of information and resources for visitors exploring the historic town.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City

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