If you’re planning a visit to Virginia City, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad is an absolute must-experience. Take a short train ride to Gold Hill Hotel while taking in the views (mustangs included if you're lucky) and the incredible history of the town that helped put VC (and neighboring towns) on the map. This charming, magical town, just a short drive from Reno, makes for the perfect day trip. I'm here so often that I practically feel like a local, lol. Throughout the year, the railroad offers a variety of awesome event trains, including:
-Gold Hill Excursions - This is their main train that operates daily during the summer, May - October
-Pumpkin Patch & Electric Train O' Lights (October)
-Father's Day Train (June) & Mother's Day Train (June)
-Murder Mystery Train (August)
-Civil War Battle Train (late September)
-The Polar Express & Candy Cane Express (December) - your only chance at landing tickets for the Polar Express train is to stay up to date with the news via newsletter. Subscribe on their homepage. Tickets usually become available sometime in the summer.
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Rates as of 8/2024
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Virginia City is like stepping into the "Wild Wild West." This charming little town is packed with wooden pathways, historic saloons, and that rich history that just pulls you in. I fell in love with it the first time I visited, and the railroad is just one of the many things I keep on coming back for.
If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss out on all the amazing things Virginia City has to offer. From the lively cowboy culture to the unique shops and year-round attractions, including beloved annual events, there’s so much to explore. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to get all the info you need for your trip, including lodging, restaurants, tours, and more.
My family has taken the Candy Cane Express several times, and we’ve also loved the everyday 35-minute round-trip ride up to Gold Hill. You even have the option to hop off and explore the hotel before catching another train back to the station. Each ride is an absolute blast, with the staff going above and beyond to make everyone feel the magic of VC, especially during the holiday season.
The ride to Gold Hill on the V&T Railroad feels like stepping into a storybook. As the train winds through the hills, a kind and knowledgeable conductor shares the rich history of this legendary railway. You’ll pass by remnants of old mines, sunbaked rock formations, and patches of sagebrush. It's the kind of scenery that stops you in your tracks. Keep your eyes open; wild mustangs are known to roam these parts, and spotting one feels like pure Nevada magic. No matter the season, this ride is sure to deliver.
Candy Cane Express Train
(November & December)
-50-minute round trip to Gold Hill with a brief stop at the "North Pole" to see Santa and his elves in action.
-During the ride, they read *'Twas the Night Before Christmas.*
-Enjoy hot cocoa or apple cider, cookies, and candy canes.
-Snap pictures with the cheerful Candy Cane Sisters.
-Santa comes out for photos at the end of the ride.
-Sing along to Christmas carols, and they even give a shout-out to December birthdays.
-The train cars and depot are beautifully decorated, and the indoor cars are heated for comfort.
-They keep things fresh by changing up the ride every year.
I absolutely LOVE the Candy Cane Express because it’s pure holiday magic. The Candy Cane Sisters are always full of cheer, and the whimsical train and depot are impossible to skip during the holidays.
*Before you head out, check AccuWeather for weather updates. 40°F with wind can feel pretty biting. Dressing the right way can be the determining factor for a good trip.
*For train rides, arriving about 15 minutes early is usually enough time to check in at the gift shop
*V&T also offers a longer 1.5-hour ride to Carson City if you’re up for a longer adventure.
*Purchase tickets in person to avoid online fees & save money
*Subscribe to Virginia City's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest events and happenings.
***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.
Photography
Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.
