Carson City Top Five
We took a day trip to Carson City Nevada from Lake Tahoe, which I highly recommend. If you have more time to spend in Carson City, that’s even better. Hopeless fully, you can hit most of my Carson City top five picks when you go.
1. CARSON CITY HAS GREAT MUSEUMS
Nevada State Museum
Carson City has an incredibly interesting history with much of it preserved in their museums. Learn all about Nevada’s origins as a territory (Carson City was the capital of the territory prior to statehood too), how all that silver was found and it’s part in the Civil War, about the Carson City Mint and so much more at Nevada State Museum.
Nevada State Railroad Museum
Who doesn’t love trains? At the Nevada State Railroad Museum you will learn, not only about trains, but the significant role they played in the early Carson City history. See restored trains here from the Virginia and Truckee Railway.
2. NEVADA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING
The Nevada State Capitol Building was constructed between 1869-1871 and is still in use today, housing the governor’s office. The address is 101 North Carson Street, but you will be lured to it from a ways a way by its impressive silver colored dome. When you get to the area you’ll be able to enjoy the peaceful shady grounds and surrounding State Legislative, Supreme Court and Library. The Attorney General Building is across the street and the Nevada State Senate is just down the street. The Nevada State Capital Building is the showstopper among all of them. Inside on the 2nd floor is yet another museum too-Battle Born Hall.
3. BOB MCFADDEN PLAZA
We ate at The Fox Brewery and Pub, which was very good with friendly staff. Here, we realized we were in Bob McFadden Plaza with the side street closed to vehicles so visitors could walk around and enjoy the splash pad, restaurants, music venue, etc. Besides Fox Brewery and Pub located at the Historic St Charles Hotel, other restaurants in the plaza include Scoops Ice Cream and Soup Bar, Piazza and Mom & Pop’s Diner. I noticed Bespoke Studio, highly rated Comma Coffee and Kaleidoscope in the area too.
4. VIRGINIA AND TRUCKEE RAILROAD COMPANY
With all of the silver being discovered and mined in Virginia City, they needed a means other than wagons to haul it to the Carson River mills for refining. The Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company was born and served that purpose. Now you can take a day trip on this historic train from Carson City to Virginia City, viewing old mine shafts & mills while learning the history. In addition to the mountain, tunnel, and mining views, maybe you’ll get to see the wild horses in the area. You will spend time in Virginia City for exploring, shopping and dining before returning to Carson City. There are other shorter V&T routes from Virginia City too.
5. BEAUTIFUL LAKE TAHOE
Carson City actually stretches all the way to Lake Tahoe. The lake is maybe 30 minutes from downtown. You don’t want to miss this huge and absolutely gorgeous lake while you are here. Depending on what time of the year you are visiting, there are many outdoor activities awaiting. You could plan on hiking, boating, swimming, snow skiing and more. Or less, if you are like us, we just enjoyed driving around the lake, getting our feet wet in the cold water occasionally and taking in the incredible views.
What a fun an interesting place to explore! The history, the beauty, the people, the food and the activities are just a few mentionables to enjoy. And my Carson City Top Five are just some of the awesomeness to experience. Let me know if you have been or if you go and what your top picks are.
While in the area, we highly recommend Virginia City too.