Places to go in Carson City

Carson City is the capitol of Nevada and has a very colorful history.   Carson City was founded in the 1850’s by a New York business man.  Carson City has many great historical attractions to offer its visitors.    It is also located near many other great places like Lake Tahoe, Reno and the historic Virginia City. When you visit Carson City you must visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum.  Northern Nevada had a very rich railroad history.  The Railroad museum has a good selection of railroad equipment from this era. There are exhibits that show how the hostile territory of Nevada was transformed into a civilized area. The Virginia and Truckee Railroad helped get Nevada to be known as the “Silver State.”  “From the mountains of silver to the silver screen, the railroad cars and locomotives on display at the museum have a rich and colorful history.”  The Nevada Museum is considered one of the finest railroad museums in the country with its 5 steam locomotives and several restored coaches and freight cars on display.  One of the engines on display is the Inyo which is one of the oldest operating steam engines in the U.S.   The Inyo appeared in 29 movies and it was also used in the Wild, Wild West T.V. series.

You can take a ride on the V & T Railroad.  The trip runs 14 miles each way between Carson City and Virginia City.  The route goes through the Flowery Mountains and the he train takes the Comstock era route.  You must keep on the look out for mines, and silver ore veins.  You can even see wild mustangs that make Nevada their home.

Carson City also has several other museums like the Nevada State Museum and Mint which is well worth a visit.  When you take in the Nevada State Museum you will get an insight into Nevada’s natural and cultural history.  You will see exhibits like the Columbian Mammoth, Datsolalee American Indian baskets and a ghost town.  You can take a walk through a mine that is very authentic.  You can see the historic Carson City Mint where you will see original Coin Press No. 1 on exhibit.  This press stamped millions of gold and silver coins using the rich ores from the Comstock Lode.  You can check out the museum store.

 Another very popular Carson City attraction is the capital building which was built in 1870 and is still in use today.  The capital building is constructed of native sandstone.  The building is located in the center of the city.  Many other buildings now occupy the area also.  This is a very important attraction and well worth a visit from you.

Another Carson City attraction is the Dake Hawkins House which was built in the 1870’s.  The house is built in a Gothic Victorian style and is said to be one of the oldest houses in Nevada.  There are many interesting exhibits you can take in here.

The Mackey Mansion is also another popular attraction.  The mansion was built in the 1860’s for John Mackey who was known as “King of the Comstock.”  There are mining artifacts, original furnishings and Tiffany silver on exhibit.

Carson City has much more to offer.  There are Casinos that you can visit.  You can go shopping at Carson City’s many fine stores.  Carson City has fabulous Antique Shops for you to check out.  Carson City has many more historical sites for you to visit and enjoy.

Article sources:

http://www.go-nevada.com

http://www.museums.travelnevada.com

http://www.visitcarsoncity.com