Historic Carson City in autumn will take your breath away no matter how you spend your trip. Explore beautiful parks, where the views are nothing short of mesmerizing, go on a spooky (and educational) ghost walking tour of downtown or enjoy a local brew. We’ve compiled a list of must-do fall activities in Carson City, so grab a warm jacket and get ready to discover the Comstock region.
City Parks
Whether you decide to go for a peaceful walk along the Ambrose Carson River or enjoy a warm cup of cocoa as you picnic at Mountain Street Trailhead, your visit to Carson City will be one for the books. While it may be a little chilly outdoors, this is the last time of the year you’ll have the opportunity to bike ride in this bucket list destination before winter arrives. Pedal your way through the Sierra Nevada mountains on the Ash to Kings Trail. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, choose a challenging trail like the Brunswick Canyon and the Carson River. We’re positive you’ll fall in love with the sagebrush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in any or all of our city parks throughout the seasons. Our favorite park to leaf peep at is Carson River Park.
Nevada Museums
If you want to explore Nevada then the Nevada State Museum should be your next stop. There are many exhibits you can enjoy throughout the year. If you like learning about cool objects, minerals, and rocks, the Nevada State Museum has anything and everything for historical and cultural enthusiasts. The museum is a mix of Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage — engaging to both children and adults. Don’t miss out on seeing the Coin Press No.1 in action. There is a fee of $10 for adults, but it is free for anyone 17-years-old or younger.
If motors, trains, and railroads are your thing, add the Nevada State Railroad Museum to your itinerary. What better way to celebrate the fall season than with a ride on the Harvest Train? You won’t want to miss the steam train, food truck, and pumpkin patch fun. If you’d like to explore more, permanent exhibits include the Jack and Marge Gibson Collection, Communication Exhibit and the Transcontinental Railroad: What A Difference It Made.
The Arts
Paint, laugh or enjoy some sweet tunes at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City. This arts center is your one-stop for all things art, music, and comedy. Enjoy their Adult Paint and Sip every Friday night at 7pm from now until October 28th or check out their current exhibit: Part of the Machine- An Exhibition from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Brewery Arts Center is the place you want to be in to enjoy a fun night indoors away from the cold.
Are you interested in exploring the night sky or do you enjoy looking up at the stars? Discover the beautiful Nevada sky with one of the astronomers at the Jack C. Davis Observatory. The observatory hosts free star parties on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month year-round. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from an astronomer and you’ll be on your way to an evening of stargazing.
Fun Fall Activities
Downtown Carson City Wine Walk
Stroll Downtown Carson City and enjoy wine poured from participating businesses. This is a perfect opportunity to experience everything the Downtown has to offer while participating businesses present special deals, entertainment and a variety of wines.
Get ready to meet the ghosts of Carson City’s past in this one-of-a-kind guided tour of the supernatural. The Ghost Walk Tour will be guided by Madame Curry, a well-known Carson City ghost expert, who will take you through all the historical (and haunted) homes of the state capital.
Mary Bennett leads the Carson City Ghost Walk on the historical west side of the city. Photo by Candice Nyando/Nevada Momentum
Ride the V&T Railway
Dare to take a journey back in time on the V&T Railway. Take the Vintage Steam Train Ride from Carson City to Virginia City or take to the open air on the Carson Canyon Railbike Tour a one of a kind attraction for the whole family. Don’t worry, the motor-assisted bikes make it a breeze back up to the station.
You don’t want to miss out on the largest state-held celebration in the nation — Nevada’s birthday! The event will be held on October 27-29, 2023. It begins at the intersection of William Street and N. Carson Street and ends at the intersection of Stewart Street and South Carson Street.
