Virginia City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo by Dieselgeek

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 artefacts and preserved architecture. Ride the historic train, try your luck panning for gold, get involved in exciting live theatre 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 colourful stories come to life with a performance by the Virginia City Players in the historic old theatre. 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 kilometres) 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
The price is ฿5,023 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿5,023
฿6,076 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Virginia City. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and concierge services. Popular attractions Ranks Drug Store Museum and J. Spencer ...
9/10 Wonderful! (163 reviews)
"Old hotel, but quaint. Fine for one night. Room 10 is haunted so…."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

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 their reviews. Popular ...
"Love thos place. Staff is awesome and our cabin was amazingly great. Plan to return"

Reviewed on 24 Dec 2024

Nevada City Hotel
Red Bear Inn

Red Bear Inn

2.5 out of 5
204 N Main St, Ennis, MT
The price is ฿4,955 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿4,955
฿5,539 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Ennis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (469 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful. Check in and out was very smooth."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Red Bear Inn
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.
Mountain View Retreat

Mountain View Retreat

2 out of 5
1 Mountain Vw Rd, Ennis, MT
Stay at this aparthotel in Ennis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Wildlife Museum of the West and Spirit of the North Sled Dog Adventures ...
2/10 (1 review)
"Residential only, no rooms"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Mountain View Retreat
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.

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