Carson City – Experience History and Nature

Carson City combines the history of silver coinage with a historic walking tour and a variety of activities along the Carson River. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on museums and architecture, cultural history, or outdoor activities. Attractions range from the historic Mint and a route with nearly 50 stops to parks, waterways, and trails.

Coinage History and Historic Sites

A total of 57 silver issues were minted at the historic Carson City Mint between 1870 and 1893. Each bore the distinguishing mint mark “CC.” The Nevada State Museum is located in the historic former U.S. Mint building downtown. Another opportunity to experience coinage history is to watch demonstrations of Coin Press No. 1 at the historic Mint, held every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you plan to attend a demonstration, it’s best to check the event calendar in advance.

The Nevada State Capitol has been the seat of Nevada’s government since 1871 and is considered the second-oldest capitol building west of the Mississippi. On the second floor is Battle Born Hall, a 2,000-square-foot museum that opened in October 2018. It explains Nevada’s path to statehood and the origin of the nickname “Battle Born State.” The Nevada State Railroad Museum is another historic stop; its collection includes 65 locomotives and railroad cars.

The 2.5-mile Kit Carson Trail winds through Carson City’s historic district. Its 48 stops span several blocks, and nearly 50 points of interest lie along the route. A customizable, self-guided audio tour can be used with a smartphone or another device. The walking tour connects individual stops with the opportunity to explore the neighborhood at your own pace.

The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum offers a different perspective on history: it preserves the complex history of the school and celebrates the rich heritage of Indigenous communities. The 110-acre campus has 65 stone buildings constructed by Hopi stonemasons and Stewart students. A free outdoor audio tour shares stories from former Stewart students. Hundreds of dancers perform at the Stewart Indian School’s Father’s Day Pow Wow, which also features Native American art and crafts and Indian tacos.

A 90-minute guided historic tour of the Nevada State Prison also focuses on history. It ends at the site’s museum and gift shop. Lone Mountain Cemetery is the final resting place of Nevada governors, railroad magnates, and other pioneers who helped establish the state.

Trails, Water, and Landscapes

Several areas along the Carson River offer different ways to spend time outdoors. The 264-acre Ambrose Carson River Natural Area has unpaved trails and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. Carson River Park covers 40 acres and offers direct river access, multi-use trails, an accessible fishing pier, and mostly level walking paths. Silver Saddle Ranch on the Carson River is also suitable for hiking and bird-watching.

The sections of the Carson River Aquatic Trail also differ considerably: Eagle Valley is 4.4 miles long and has Class I rapids suitable for most non-motorized watercraft. The 9.3-mile Carson River Canyon section has Class II and III whitewater and is intended for experienced rafters and kayakers. The length and difficulty rating can help you compare these two options when planning your trip.

Prison Hill is a 2,500-acre public recreation area with opportunities for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road driving. The Capital-to-Tahoe Trail is 9.8 miles long and open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The shorter V&T Trail is level and paved: it runs along the west side of Carson City, is 0.75 miles long, and is designated for non-motorized traffic. Mexican Ditch Trail is an easy route for hiking, running, cycling, and horseback riding.

For a short outing, a 0.25-mile hike from the Kings Canyon Trailhead leads to the 25-foot-high Kings Canyon Waterfall. Trout fishing is possible at Baily Fishing Pond for most of the year, and there is also an ADA-compliant accessible fishing pier. Carson Hot Springs has four pools filled with hot spring mineral water: two swimming pools and two hotter hot tubs. The Jack C. Davis Observatory has indoor and outdoor telescopes for observing the moon, stars, and planets; it also hosts a regular lecture series throughout the year.

Events and Excursions in the Surrounding Area

The Nevada Day Parade has been held annually in Carson City since 1938. It celebrates Nevada’s heritage and its statehood on October 31, 1864. Taste of Downtown is a summer event established in 1995. It showcases restaurants, local shops, galleries, and live music. If you’re planning your stay around an event, it’s a good idea to check the dates in advance.

For an excursion, the reconstructed V&T Railway offers scenic round-trip or one-way rides from Carson City toward Virginia City. Lake Tahoe is about 30 miles from Carson City; the surrounding region offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and snowshoeing. The Carson City Visitor Information Center provides visitor information as well as local and state maps. The BAC Satellite Gallery features rotating art exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Carson City, Washoe, Clark, Nye, White Pine County, Lincoln County, Elko County, Lander County

For the main travel overview: Nevada.