Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City

Overview

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.

Itinerary

1. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

2. Pass by the Carson Valley Monument, a landmark that commemorates the natural beauty and historical significance of the Carson Valley region.

   · Non-stop passage

3. Genoa

   Cruise through the charming Town of Genoa, one of Nevada's earliest settlements, and soak in its historic ambiance as you journey through.

   · Non-stop passage

4. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

5. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

6. カーソンシティ

   Pass through Carson City, the vibrant state capital of Nevada, and catch glimpses of its historic landmarks and cultural attractions from the road.

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7. Nevada State Capitol Building

   Drive past the Nevada State Capitol Building, symbolising Nevada's governance and political heritage.

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8. Admire the Sears-Ferris House, an architectural gem that reflects Carson City's Victorian-era elegance.

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9. Pass by Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, a historic place of worship that adds to the cultural tapestry of Carson City.

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10. Catch a glimpse of the Orion Clemens House, associated with the famous Clemens family, including Mark Twain.

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11. Drive by the Krebs-Peterson Mansion, a stately home that embodies Carson City's affluent past.

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12. Drive past the Nevada Governor's Mansion, a grand residence that has housed the state's governors throughout history.

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13. See the Bliss Mansion Historic Marker, which commemorates the historical significance of the Bliss Mansion in Carson City.

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14. Drive past the Nevada State Museum, where exhibits showcase the diverse cultural and natural history of Nevada.

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15. Catch a glimpse of Donovan Mill, a historic industrial site that played a vital role in Nevada's mining heritage.

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16. Drive through Silver City, a historic mining town that bears testimony to Nevada's silver mining legacy.

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17. Pass by Devil's Gate, a geological formation that adds intrigue to the landscape along your driving route.

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18. Drive through Gold Hill, another historic mining town that contributes to the rich tapestry of Nevada's mining history.

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19. Drive through Virginia City, a charming silver rush town that transports you back in time to the heyday of the Comstock Lode.

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20. Pass by Chollar Mansion, a historic residence that reflects the opulence of Virginia City's prosperous era.

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21. Catch a glimpse of Chollar Mine, an iconic mining operation that played a significant role in Virginia City's mining industry.

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22. Drive past the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a well-preserved schoolhouse that offers insights into Nevada's educational history.

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23. Drive by the Mackay Mansion Museum, a historic landmark associated with one of Nevada's prominent mining magnates.

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24. Pass by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, a historic railroad that once connected Virginia City to the rest of Nevada.

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25. See Saint Mary In the Mountains, a historic church that stands as a testament to Virginia City's religious heritage.

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26. End your tour at the Virginia City Visitor Center, a hub of information and resources for visitors exploring the historic town.

    · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Ticket handed over by the operator on site

VOICEMAP CODE
 ───
 Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.  DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── 1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: 2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app 3. Create an account 4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes 5. Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE
 ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT
 ───
 For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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.

Travelers

Pricing per vehicle (up to 15 people).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 110804P679

Activity offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours via Viator.