As summer winds down, it’s time to prepare for the spooky season! Each fall, Carson City becomes a haven of hauntingly delightful events and experiences for all ages. Whether you love history, classic trick-or-treating, or admiring the fall foliage, Nevada’s capital has something special for everyone.

Carson City Ghost Walk

Where can you immerse yourself in the storied history of Carson City, hear urban tales about key figures from the state’s past, see beautiful architecture, and be a part of a theatrical performance? The Carson City Ghost Walk! For three decades, this event has been a crowd favorite, especially around Nevada Day.

 

During your 90-minute walk around Nevada’s capital, you will enjoy five skits performed by Madame Curry and her Spirit Wranglers as well as visit up to five of the preserved 1800s-era Victorian-style homes in the area. Popular landmarks walkers visited in the past include the Governor’s Mansion and the Christmas Card House.

Kit Carson Trail

Perhaps you want to explore Carson City’s historic district, but aren’t available for the ghost walk events. That’s no problem at all. Stroll down or bike the Kit Carson Trail the next time you’re in town. You can go at your own pace, thanks to our audio tour option. This 2.5-mile path features nearly 50 landmarks, including the Victorian homes featured on The Carson City Ghost Walk, museums, and churches.

Here are a few of the haunts you’ll hear about on this trail:

  • The Ferris House: The Ferris House is well-known because of its residents (the man who invented the Ferris Wheel) and because of its paranormal activity. People have seen a woman in a wedding dress and smelled a strong scent of aftershave, which the homeowner was said to have worn.
  • The Bliss Mansion: It’s said that the spirit of Duane Bliss, the original homeowner and a prominent businessman, still wanders the building’s halls. Some believe it’s because the home was built on land that once had a cemetery. Today, you might catch a glimpse of him moving the curtains, looking out the window, or standing in the yard in full view of the living.

Prison Tours

Did you know that the first Nevada Territorial Legislature was hosted at the Nevada State Prison in 1862? Yep! There was also an inmate-run casino operated there from 1932 to 1967 and a quarry that supplied sandstone for some of Carson City’s most iconic buildings, like the Capitol.

You can learn about these facts and more during a guided, 90-minute tour at the Nevada State Prison. Choose between an intriguing history-focused tour that happens during the daytime or an evening ghost walk. The latter is perfect for spooky season adventures! Along with the eerie atmosphere of the premises, people noticed floating orbs and heard a gravelly voice, urging them to get out.

Since being closed in 2012, many people have worked diligently to ensure this site was preserved as an educational landmark. Their efforts paid off in October 2015, when this prison was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Come check it out! See available times and buy tickets.

Governor’s Mansion Trick or Treating

Astronauts, fairies, and superheroes—oh my! Trick or treating is a beloved memory for many and a current favorite activity during Halloween. Carson City takes it up a notch by hosting a huge event at the Governor’s Mansion. Every year on October 31st, hundreds of trick-or-treaters show up—dressed to the nines—to accept candy from the governor and first lady. Around 800 pounds of candy were handed out in 2022, all of which were donated from local grocery stores and other businesses. 

Trick or treating at the Governor’s Mansion is truly a one-of-a-kind experience! It’s possible because of the cozy, connected community that makes up Carson City.

While you’re in town for this event, plan to attend the other Nevada Day festivities. 

Harvest Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum

Trains aren’t just a lost relic from the wild, wild West. You can actually ride them in Carson City! Try it for yourself this fall; take the Harvest Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. It’ll be a 30-minute steam train ride featuring historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad equipment. 

This event usually takes place during the second weekend of October, and the train leaves the station every hour between 10:15 am and 3:15 pm. Keep in mind that tickets are not sold in advance. When you purchase a ticket for the Harvest Train, you also get admission to the rest of the museum, which is great for history buffs and families alike.

Admire the Colors of Autumn

If you brought your hiking boots (or just a pair of closed-toe shoes), be sure to go sightseeing while you’re in Carson City. The locals love visiting these spots:

  • Carson River Park: There’s plenty to explore in this 40-acre park, which is well-known for its easy hiking trails and fishing piers. The red and yellow hues reflected in the Carson River is quite the view—and a great picture for your Instagram account, if we do say so ourselves.
  • The Capitol Campus: The Capitol building itself is worth visiting any time of year, but it’s especially beautiful in the fall. This landmark is surrounded by colorful foliage, including 17 different trees, each representing a different county in Nevada.
  • Mills Park: This is one of the largest parks in Nevada’s capital city, where you can gaze at the stunning cottonwood trees and check out a mini railroad.
  • Ash Canyon: Fall is the perfect time for playing outdoors. Park on the dirt road and head up further to a better vantage point, where you can take in the changing leaves of the entire city. The .5 mile Creek Trail is lined with Aspens for epic golden photo ops. If you’ve brought gear for a longer trek, the Creek Trail connects to the Ash to Kings Trail, which takes you past a waterfall as you explore seven miles (one-way) worth of the Sierra Nevadas.

Fall in Love with Carson City

With the scorching heat of summer simmering down, people are able to do more outside. More than that, spooky season in Carson City is the time for so many exciting events. If you’re planning a getaway and want more trip inspiration, check out our itineraries! You can even sign up below for our newsletter to get details sent straight to your inbox.