Historic Weekend Getaways | Visit Carson City

Looking Back in Time

Your Guide to a Historical Trip in Carson City

3-Day Trip

Carson City is not only the historic capital of Nevada, but it’s also known for a plethora of other historical sites throughout the area! Between our historic railways, impressive museums, and nearly 50 landmarks, Carson City is the perfect destination for your next historic weekend getaway. We have the perfect itinerary to set you up for success on your three day getaway here in Nevada’s capital!

Day one of your historic weekend getaway is all about hitting Carson City’shistoric trails! Need to fuel up before you start your day? Try local favorite The Cracker Box for a stick-to-the-ribs meal. Looking for something lighter or a bakery item? L.A. Bakery, or Schatz Bakery are great options too. Once that caffeine kicks in, it's time to hit the trail. First up is the Kit Carson Trail, a historic walking or driving trail through Carson City's Historic West Side. It features stops at over 50 landmarks including 1800s-era Victorian-style homes, museums and churches. Each landmark helps tell the story of Carson City’s rich history along the trail. You can even follow our interactive audio guide to tour the trail however you’d like, as it’s customizable to you!

After the Kit Carson Trail, if lunch is needed, The Fox Brewery & Pub or The Nashville Social Club are perfect stops downtown before hopping in the car to hit your second trail., The Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail. A quick 5 minute drive from downtown. Along the way, on Kings Canyon Road, you'll see historic markers. Just before the trail head on the left, you'll see a beautiful valley and a historical marker of the original ranch & land that was purchased that began Carson City. The trail head starts a beautiful .25 mile easy hike to the 25-foot tall Kings Canyon Waterfall. There is also a mile loop, and a 3 mile loop for adventurous souls. This hike is a must-do while on your historic weekend getaway, as there’s no better way to learn about the history of Carson City than through the great outdoors!

For the last stop on day one of your historical getaway, hop in the car and head over to Stewart Indian School. For 90 years the school operated as a federal commitment to pursue American Indian education in Nevada. It has a dark but proudly reclaimed history that is displayed in the new cultural center and museum now open to the public. If weather allows, a self-guided cell phone audio tour is available anytime to tour the beautiful, well-preserved campus.

If leaving downtown isn't an option, take the short walk to the Capitol grounds to explore the beautiful trees or explore through the Battle Born Hall exhibit on the 2nd floor of the Capitol Building. It focuses on the historical events that helped define Nevada before and after its statehood and honors the remarkable people who helped us grow. Free tours are available on Saturdays.

All aboard! Day 2 of your historic weekend getaway is an adventure on the V&T Railway (runs May-Dec, Late Nov-Dec is Polar Express Only). Grab a quick bite at your hotel or head over to Old World Coffee for a coffee and pastry. Be sure to make it to the depot before the train leaves for Virginia City at 10am. This relaxing, all-day train excursion is fully narrated with historical facts and anecdotes. Departing from Carson City’s Eastgate Depot, the 24-mile round-trip tour includes a fun 3.5-hour stopover in historic Virginia City, where you can stroll the boardwalks and explore restaurants, shops, saloons, museums, mines, and more. One-way trips are based on availability. Enjoy the rolling hills and wild horses along the way.

Take some time to relax after the train by grabbing a beer at the award-winning Shoe Tree Brewery before having dinner next door at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. If the Hot Springs is your cup of tea, plan ahead and bring your suit to soak, as the Hot Springs share the same parking lot as Sassafras and Shoe Tree.

If you’re planning your historic getaway in January through early May when the V&T isn't running, the Nevada State Railroad Museum is another great option to get your train fix. With one of the most unique fleets in the world, it's a must-stop attraction during your historic weekend getaway in Carson City.

We also suggest wandering over to our neighbors in Carson Valley. Genoa is Nevada's first settlement, a beautiful town to wander around. You must stop at Genoa Bar, the oldest operating bar in Nevada. Carson City and Carson Valley are great areas for Antiquing as well, making it the best historic town to visit!

To start off day three of your historic weekend getaway, get fueled up at Mom & Pops Diner. We suggest their (huge) famous cinnamon rolls.

Next, pop over to the Nevada State Museum (closed on Mondays). It's a must-see for history buffs as kids and adults love the interactive exhibits while on your historic getaway. The NSM holds Coin Press #1 inside the original Mint building. Join them on Fridays and Saturdays for special demonstrations of the press as they celebrate the Mint's 150th anniversary.

If you have young children with you, the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada is the perfect attraction to let the kids and their imaginations run wild. The museum is located just a couple blocks north of the Nevada State Museum.

If you're looking to grab lunch afterward, Fox Brewpub is located in the very historical St. Charles Hotel building, one of Carson City's most beautifully preserved historic buildings. If you’re just looking for a coffee break, Comma Coffee just 2 doors down is one of Carson City's most eclectic restaurants. Carson City has no shortage of historic restaurants and dining options, making it the best historic town to visit!

At this point in your trip, if you haven't hit the Nevada State Railroad Museum or the Capitol building, we highly suggest making them a priority on your last day. For added history, the Battle Born Memorial and the Veterans Memorial sit just behind the Capitol Building on the capitol grounds.

Looking for dinner before you leave? Carson City’s newest restaurant downtown is Cucina Lupo is a unique and modern spin on Italian fare. What better way to end your historic weekend getaway in Carson City than with a belly full of delicious food?

Plan Your Historic Weekend Getaway to Carson City

We can't wait to host you on your historic weekend getaway in Carson City. Whether you’re a total history buff or just looking to have fun at our interactive exhibits and attractions, we have the perfect things to do for you. Be sure to browse our various lodging options for a place to lay your head after a fun-filled day of going back in time!