Virginia City, MT

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
See a town that has stood still since 1863 and explore its heritage streets, complete with period shop fronts, historical monuments and intriguing museums.

Virginia City is a ghost town that is still very much alive. Designated a National Historic Landmark District, the small town is brimming with heritage artifacts and preserved architecture. Ride the historic train, try your luck panning for gold, get involved in exciting live theater shows and spend the night amid the atmosphere at a period hotel.

Stroll through the old-fashioned streets of Virginia City and experience life as it was in the Old West during the late 19th-century gold mining boom. This boomtown was at its peak in the 1860s, when it was home to great wealth and little law enforcement. See some of the town’s colorful stories come to life with a performance by the Virginia City Players in the historic old theater. Head to the Gilbert Brewery to enjoy locally brewed beer and a live cabaret show.

The little ones will love the River of Gold mining exhibit, where they can learn about the history of the gold rush in this area and try their luck at panning for the precious metal. Jump on board the Alder Gulch Shortline to visit the neighboring town of Nevada City, situated 25 minutes away on the scenic open-top train. In Nevada City, you can check out a fascinating historical museum and music hall. The scenery in between the two towns is stunning and you can see where the gold rush began nearby pretty Alder Creek, one of the richest gold strike regions in the Rocky Mountains.

Stay overnight in historic lodgings complete with period furnishings and beautiful antiques. Shop for interesting souvenirs and keepsakes on the town’s shopping strip or buy treats at old-fashioned confectionary shops. You can dine at a selection of local restaurants or pack a picnic to enjoy a meal with a view from Boot Hill, the old cemetery and park overlooking the town and surrounding area.

Virginia City and Nevada City are located in south central Montana. The nearest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, located 69 miles (111 kilometers) away. The region is best visited during the warmer months, as some attractions and hotels close during the winter period.

Fairweather Inn
Fairweather Inn
2 out of 5
307 West Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT
Stay at this hotel in Virginia City. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and concierge services. Popular attraction Brewery Follies is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (122 reviews)
"Fun to stay at a historic hotel that was decorated in the period of the town. Great location for walking all parts of the historic area. Very friendly staff."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

Fairweather Inn
Nevada City Hotel
Nevada City Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1578 US Highway 287, Virginia City, MT
Stay at this hotel in Virginia City. Enjoy free parking, concierge services, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (182 reviews)
"Rustic cabin is part of Virginia City Historical Association. It is situated across from a train depot that offers short trips into Virginia City. It is also part of a long line of cabins, attached and unattached to the rear as well as examples of a small gold mining town with recreations of each ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024

Nevada City Hotel
The Historic Harding House
The Historic Harding House
Virginia City
Stay at this vacation home in Virginia City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Brewery Follies is located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"The opportunity to stay in a historic home that has been beautifully restored was amazing. The home is clean and has everything you need. This home is on the ghost tour which was fun for us. The stairs to the two rooms upstairs are steep and narrow, but that was expected in an 1800's home. Our only ..."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024

The Historic Harding House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Historic Harding House
The Historic Harding House
Virginia City
Stay at this vacation home in Virginia City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Brewery Follies is located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"The opportunity to stay in a historic home that has been beautifully restored was amazing. The home is clean and has everything you need. This home is on the ghost tour which was fun for us. The stairs to the two rooms upstairs are steep and narrow, but that was expected in an 1800's home. Our only ..."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024

The Historic Harding House
Historic Bonanza Inn Room 6 in Virginia City
Historic Bonanza Inn Room 6 in Virginia City
Virginia City
Stay at this aparthotel in Virginia City. Popular attraction Brewery Follies is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
Grandma/grandson trip
"My 10-year-old grandson and I went on a two day trip. We had so much fun walking around town and checking everything out. The location was wonderful and the resident kitty was super sweet. It was a neat little hotel to stay in with great history. All in all, it was a wonderful time."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

Historic Bonanza Inn Room 6 in Virginia City
Historic Bonanza Inn Room 1 in Virginia City
Historic Bonanza Inn Room 1 in Virginia City
Virginia City
Stay at this aparthotel in Virginia City. Popular attraction Brewery Follies is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Excellence off the beaten path by
"Quiet lodging with just enough amenities."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2024

Historic Bonanza Inn Room 1 in Virginia City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Virginia City

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
15
" "5 - Excellent 78.94736842105263%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 15.789473684210526%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5.2631578947368425%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Virginia City and Nevada City are only open from Memorial Day thru Labor Day. We missed it all being open but saw most of both towns, luckily got a bite to eat too!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Virginia City was more for tourists. We really loved Nevada City, lots of historic sites.

5/5 - Excellent

Lucy

If you are interested in old west history, Virginia City area is the place to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing people who live, and work in Virginia City. Mark at The Bale of Hay Bar was a great guy. Louis the guide with the Ghost tour was very informative and really knew her history of the town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I'm not too sure that The Virginia City Players should have rewritten Alice in Wonderland. Strange rendition. Had dinner at Wells Fargo. Excellent.

4/5 - Good

Mellett

I love Virginia city. Have been going there yearly for quite a few years. I wish they kept some of the attractions open later. The town shuts down to early for a weekend

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