Overview

Carson City, Nevada is nestled in the midst of some of the most historic and scenic areas in the United States. Within thirty minutes from the City, you can visit Lake Tahoe, Reno, and the Wild West wonders of Virginia City. Although Carson City is small with regard to population, it is large when measured by the fun-filled activities found in and around the town.

Location

Carson City can be found in the southwestern portion of Nevada. There is no freeway access to the city. It has two main roads US Route 395 and US Route 50.

Lodging and Services

Carson City has nearly 2,000 rooms available in all types of lodging facilities from bed and breakfasts to more economical hotels and motels. Because gambling is legal in Nevada, nearly everywhere you stay in town is close to casinos and various attractions.

In town you will find fine dining, coffee houses, restaurants, cafes, steak houses and more. Regardless of your taste, your appetite, or your budget, you’ll find just the right fit in Carson City.

Activities

Plan a vacation to Carson City and enjoy the wonderful amenities offered by this historic town still filled with the same western hospitality of its early days. Close by you will find great skiing, antique trains, western memorabilia, and mountain biking and endless trails for hiking.

Carson City is the perfect hub of a wheel from which to take extended day trips to explore this entire region of southwestern Nevada. This is the prime base for sightseers and adventure enthusiasts. In addition to museums, historical buildings, and other attractions right in town.

Attractions

• Kit Carson Trail
  For a great start to Carson City vacations take a hike, or drive the 2.5 mile Kit Carson Trail which showcases more than 60 historic buildings, many constructed in the 1860s and 1870s.
• Nevada State Museum & Mint
  Explore Nevada’s natural and cultural history. Discover a life-size Columbian Mammoth, Datsolalee American Indian baskets, ghost town, and a walk-through mine known worldwide for its authenticity. View the dazzling beauty of the USS Nevada Silver Service. See the historic Carson City Mint, featuring the original Coin Press No. 1, which stamped millions of gold and silver coins from the rich ores of the Comstock Lode. Shop the museum store for memorable books and Nevada gifts.
• Nevada State Railroad Museum
  Considered one of the finest regional railroad museums in the country, it includes five steam locomotives and several restored coaches and freight cars. Most featured equipment is from the Comstock Era's Virginia & Truckee Railroad, America's richest and most famous short line.
• The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada
  Hands-on, interactive learning for kids of all ages. Stroll down the keyboard of a giant piano or dig for ancient Egyptian artifacts. where discovery and fun go together!
• Nevada State Capitol
  Guided tours of the State Capitol may be requested by calling the Education Program at the Nevada State Museum at 775-687-4810, ext. 237. Guided tours require at least two weeks notice and are subject to the availability of volunteers.
• Foreman-Roberts Museum
  An outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture, believed to have been shipped from New England to San Francisco, then transported here in 1873 by V & T flat car. Plans to raze it drew a public outcry fierce enough to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for refurbishment.
• V & T Railroad
  Ride the historic steam powered or diesel powered train the 14 miles distance between Carson City and Virginia City through the Flowery Mountains.

Getting Here

Head south of Carson City to highway 50 where you will turn to the west and travel a few more miles to the shore of Lake Tahoe. There you will travel further south hugging the beautiful shore of the lake until you reach Tahoe Village on the border between California and Nevada. It is a scenic trip that will take you about 45 minutes.