Storey County: Mining History and Culture

Storey County gained attention beyond the region in 1859 with the discovery of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City. Its mining history offers a tangible starting point for planning your trip: you’ll encounter it on underground tours, in historic school and courthouse buildings, in museums, and on stage. At the same time, 16,000 acres of public land offer plenty of opportunities for recreation.

Experience Mining History in Different Ways

Those interested in mining can explore it from several perspectives. Rides on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad take you into the hills of a former gold- and silver-mining community. The Best & Belcher Mine at Ponderosa offers a tour that illustrates the complete mining operation. The tour of the Chollar Mine lasts 30 minutes; a 400-foot path leads through an old mine tunnel. The train rides thus offer a different experience from visits underground.

Museums also explore the history of the Comstock. The Fourth Ward School Museum offers programs, rotating galleries, and engaging exhibits on the history of Virginia City and the Comstock Lode. The Fourth Ward School building was constructed in 1876 as a four-story schoolhouse and could accommodate more than 1,000 students. At the Marshall Mint Museum, located in the historic 1861 Assay Office, you can see how coins were minted and jewelry was made in the pressing and assembly rooms.

Historic Buildings, Art, and Performances

Several distinctive buildings tell different chapters of the region’s story. The Storey County Courthouse was built in 1876 after being destroyed in the Great Fire of 1875. It is considered Nevada’s oldest continuously operating courthouse. St. Mary in the Mountains is the state’s oldest active Catholic church.

The St. Mary's Art Center presents exhibitions in seven galleries across four floors of a historic 1875 building. Piper's Opera House is listed with the League of Historic Theaters and is considered one of the most significant historic theaters on the West Coast. It is also an active performing arts center, hosting theater productions, concerts, and events by nonprofit organizations. The cultural offerings therefore range from galleries and historic collections to performances and concerts.

Events and Trip Planning

Annual events include the Virginia City International Camel Races, held in September on the weekend after Labor Day. A parade and fireworks are held every year on July 4 for American Independence Day. At the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, amateur and professional cooks prepare Rocky Mountain oysters using their own recipes. If you want to plan your trip around a particular festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

As of September 4, 2026, renovations were underway at the Territorial Enterprise and Mark Twain Museum; it was scheduled to reopen in fall 2026. If you plan to visit the museum, check whether it is open before your trip. You can book various tours in town directly at the Virginia City Visitor Center. Since booking arrangements may change, check the options in advance as well.

These different themes offer a tangible starting point for shaping your stay in Storey County around your interests.

Discover more destinations: Dayton, White Pine County, Elko County, Nye, Lyon County, Douglas County, Churchill County, Humboldt County.

For the full travel overview: Nevada.