Wake up early; there is a lot of history to cover in Carson City!

9am to 10am
After breakfast take a stroll on the Kit Carson Trail.  A blue line is painted on the sidewalks, perfect for a self guided walking tour.  Maps and a Talking House CD are available at the Visitors Center, or you can download the podcasts from our Kit Carson Trail page.  You will pass the home of George Washington Ferris, father of the inventor of the famous wheel.  Other famous homes include the Orion Clemens House, Territorial Secretary and brother of Samuel;  and the Krebs-Peterson House, site of John Wayne’s last movie, the Shootist.  Two and one half miles on flat ground, the trail will take you by over 100 historic homes and churches.

10am to 11:30am
Your walk will take you down Robinson Street to the Nevada State Museum, former Carson City Mint where over $49 million in silver was coined.  Now a regional museum, you will also see a replica of a ghost town, a wooly mammoth, an extensive geological exhibit and an underground mine, just to name a few of the many exhibits. (Locals hint: if you go on the last Friday of the month, you will get to see the mint in operation)

11:30 to 12:30
If you have kids in your party, be sure to take them across the street to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada where you will find hands-on interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. 

12:30 to 1pm
A short walk south on Carson Street will take you to the Nevada State Capitol.  Open 7 days a week and free to the public, you will see portraits of all the Nevada Governors as well as historic exhibits.  Who knows, you might even meet the Governor!

1pm to 2pm
You surely have walked off that big breakfast!  Now is time for lunch in a true historic building.  The St. Charles Hotel, built in 1862, now houses Carson City’s only English Pub, The Firkin & Fox.  There is an extensive menu that will satisfy everyone’s appetite.

2pm to 3:30
Take a drive south on Carson Street to the 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 and Truckee Railroad. 

4pm to 6pm 
If you are still in the mood for more history, now would be a good time to take the short drive to Carson City’s Sister City, Virginia City.  Just 15 miles east on Hwy 341, this 1860’s mining metropolis was once known as “the richest place on earth.”  Facing the wooden boardwalks in this mountainside town are museums, restaurants, old west saloons, and the historic V&T Railroad – all surrounded by old-west balconies, antique shops and historic mansions.  Our travel specialists can help you with maps and coupons for activities.  The whole family will love Virginia City.

6pm to 6:30 
Drive back to Carson City and get ready for a great dinner.

If you are with kids, Reds Old 396 Grill is a great place for the family.  The atmosphere is casual and the food is plentiful.  Lots of great artifacts to look at, too.

If you are looking for a gourmet experience, don’t miss Adele’s.  You will be talking for weeks about your meal in this Victorian Mansion.  Adele’s is destination dining, for folks as far away as the Bay Area (and beyond!)  The food is 5 star and the welcome is always warm.  (Locals hint:  a great place to make an impression on that special someone, and be sure to save room for desert!)