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.
- Experience authentic Hawaiian flavors with local food expert Lanai Tabura
- Get off the beaten path and find the best spots for delicious Hawaiian food
- Taste poke, manapua, Spam musubi, and other local culinary treats
- Make the most of limited time with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
Carson Valley Monument
Pass by the Carson Valley Monument, a landmark that commemorates the natural beauty and historical significance of the Carson Valley region.
• Admission Ticket Free
Genoa
Cruise through the charming Town of Genoa, one of Nevada’s earliest settlements, and soak in its historic ambiance as you journey through.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
Nevada State Capitol Building
Drive past the Nevada State Capitol Building, symbolising Nevada’s governance and political heritage.
• Admission Ticket Free
Sears-Ferris House
Admire the Sears-Ferris House, an architectural gem that reflects Carson City’s Victorian-era elegance.
• Admission Ticket Free
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church
Pass by Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, a historic place of worship that adds to the cultural tapestry of Carson City.
• Admission Ticket Free
Orion Clemens House
Catch a glimpse of the Orion Clemens House, associated with the famous Clemens family, including Mark Twain.
• Admission Ticket Free
Krebs-Peterson Mansion
Drive by the Krebs-Peterson Mansion, a stately home that embodies Carson City’s affluent past.
• Admission Ticket Free
Nevada Governor Mansion
Drive past the Nevada Governor’s Mansion, a grand residence that has housed the state’s governors throughout history.
• Admission Ticket Free
Bliss Mansion Historic Marker
See the Bliss Mansion Historic Marker, which commemorates the historical significance of the Bliss Mansion in Carson City.
• Admission Ticket Free
Nevada State Museum
Drive past the Nevada State Museum, where exhibits showcase the diverse cultural and natural history of Nevada.
• Admission Ticket Free
Donovan Mill Museum
Catch a glimpse of Donovan Mill, a historic industrial site that played a vital role in Nevada’s mining heritage.
• Admission Ticket Free
Silver City
Drive through Silver City, a historic mining town that bears testimony to Nevada’s silver mining legacy.
• Admission Ticket Free
Devils Gate
Pass by Devil’s Gate, a geological formation that adds intrigue to the landscape along your driving route.
• Admission Ticket Free
Gold Hill
Drive through Gold Hill, another historic mining town that contributes to the rich tapestry of Nevada’s mining history.
• Admission Ticket Free
Virginia City
Drive through Virginia City, a charming silver rush town that transports you back in time to the heyday of the Comstock Lode.
• Admission Ticket Free
Chollar Mansion
Pass by Chollar Mansion, a historic residence that reflects the opulence of Virginia City’s prosperous era.
• Admission Ticket Free
Chollar Mine
Catch a glimpse of Chollar Mine, an iconic mining operation that played a significant role in Virginia City’s mining industry.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
Mackay Mansion Museum
Drive by the Mackay Mansion Museum, a historic landmark associated with one of Nevada’s prominent mining magnates.
• Admission Ticket Free
Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company
Pass by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, a historic railroad that once connected Virginia City to the rest of Nevada.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants must sit on laps
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
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.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Include
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Exclude
As this is a self-guided driving tour, transport isn’t included
Food and drink
Smartphone and headphones
Parking Fees
Max group – 15
