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Want to visit Nevada City, Montana on your road trip?
Have a little extra time on your Yellowstone itinerary? This old Montana ghost town has become a somewhat famous tourist attraction over time, along with its sister city of Virginia City, Montana. If ghost towns are you're thing and you want to take a break from the best hikes in Yellowstone and enjoy some history instead, then you should definitely visit these spots.
Here's some on the Nevada City Ghost Town that can help you plan a trip there.
Nevada City: FAQs
Here are some frequently-asked questions I often get when visitors want to check out the Nevada City ghost town!
Map of Nevada City
What is Nevada City, Montana?
Nevada City, Montana is a historic ghost town located in Madison County in Southwestern Montana. It was once a booming gold mining town during the late 1800s.
Many of the original buildings are still standing, making this one of the best-preserved, untouched ghost towns in the state.
How do I get to Nevada City?
To reach Nevada City, you can fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which is the closest major airport. From there, you can rent a car and drive approximately 1.5 hours to reach Nevada City.
RENT YOUR CAR FOR NEVADA CITY HERE
What are the main attractions in Nevada City?
Nevada City offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the Nevada City Hotel, the Nevada City Music Hall, and some other of Nevada City's buildings. You can also explore the gold rush history by visiting the Nevada City Museum and the Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad.
What is the best time to visit Nevada City?
The best time to visit Nevada City is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather during this period is pleasant, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the town comfortably.
Can I pan for gold in Nevada City?
Yes, visitors can pan for gold in and around Nevada City. There are designated areas where you can try your luck at finding gold, providing a unique and immersive experience into the town's gold rush history.
Can I take a tour to Virginia City and Nevada City?
Yes! In fact, I think this is the best way to experience these incredible spots is by taking a tour. You can book one from Gardiner, Montana that will take you to both sites for the day. This allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip in the Rocky Mountains without having to drive there yourself.
BOOK VIRGINIA CITY AND NEVADA CITY GHOST TOWN TOUR HERE
Things to do in Nevada City
Here are some of my recommended options for things to do while you are in Nevada City.
White water rafting
Try white-water rafting on the nearby rivers for an adrenaline rush. The expert guides will help you navigate the waters safely, while you enjoy the natural beauty around you. This is a great way to experience some of the nature just outside Yellowstone National Park on the Yellowstone River.
BOOK WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIP HERE
The Alder Gulch Train Ride
The Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad offers a scenic train ride connecting the historic towns of Nevada City and Virginia City. This nostalgic journey not only provides stunning views of Montana's landscapes but also serves as a tangible link to the past, tracing the same route that miners would have traversed during the Gold Rush era.
It's an unforgettable experience, especially for history buffs and train enthusiasts, combining the thrill of a classic train ride with the captivating backstory of these famous ghost towns.
Museum and Music Hall
The outdoor historical museum in Nevada City is a treasure trove of memorabilia, housing one of the most extensive collections of such Old West artifacts outside of the renowned Smithsonian. Its display includes an impressive range of structures, with one hundred buildings dating from 1863 to the early 1900s.
The entrance to the museum in the Nevada City Music Hall itself presents an intriguing spectacle, with a variety of automated music machines greeting visitors.
Engaging every sense, the numerous exhibits and artifacts immerse you in the atmosphere of early Montana, offering a vivid understanding of its culture, era, and locale. This immersive experience allows for a deep dive into the region's rich history and customs.
Living history tours
Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend during the summer season, the Nevada City Museum features living history interpreters every Saturday and Sunday who provide a narrated tour. This ghost town vibrantly reenacts the gold rush era, allowing visitors to mingle with the interpreters and get a glimpse of life during the 1860s.
The schedules for the Living History events are updated weekly on the museum's Facebook page. It's important to note that the activities can vary from week to week, depending on the weather conditions and the number of available volunteers.
Historic buildings
If you're interested in history, visit the local museums and historical sites. They offer an in-depth look at the region's past, from the first settlers to the gold rush era. Each exhibit provides an interesting insight into Nevada City's history. I offer more information on these structures below.
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Historic structures
Nevada City, Montana is not just a destination, but a time machine, whisking visitors away to an era long past with its numerous historic buildings as an outdoor museum.
The city's historic jail, dating back to the 1800s, serves as an atmospheric window into the raw, untamed spirit of the Wild West. Visitors can walk the same cold, iron-bound floors that notorious outlaws once tread, and pore over the many artifacts and relics preserved in their original state, each one a testament to a bygone era of sheriffs and horse-drawn carriages.
Step into the world of the early settlers of Nevada City by visiting the meticulously preserved log, pioneer cabins. These simple but sturdy structures offer a unique perspective into the daily life and struggles of the first pioneers who dared to settle in this wild territory. Each log, each weather-worn corner has a story to tell - a story of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
A trip to Nevada City wouldn't be complete without a visit to the 1871 schoolhouse. This humble structure, with its original wooden desks and antiquated teaching materials, stands as a proud testament to the importance of education in the frontier mining town.
Moreover, the business building is a striking symbol of Nevada City's thriving, prosperous past facilitated by the Conrey Placer Mining Company. This impressive edifice once housed a bustling hive of original Nevada City buildings from lively saloons that served up whiskey and entertainment, to general stores filled with the goods and hopes of a burgeoning city.
Virginia City
Just a stone's throw away from Nevada City, Montana, lies its sibling ghost town, Virginia City. Unlike its companion, which has been preserved in a near-pristine state to mirror its yesteryears, Virginia City has evolved.
You also can't miss the opera house, where live shows are still held. From comedies to dramas, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The historic settings of the theaters add an extra bit of charm to your experience. Many visitors I've chatted with loved seeing the Virginia City Players.
While retaining its old-time charm and historical allure, this town offers a blend of the past and present. Walk down the wooden sidewalks, and you'll be greeted by charming stores selling antiques and collectibles, quaint eateries offering delicious fares, and other modern amenities tucked into 19th-century structures.
Where to stay when visiting Nevada City and Virginia City
Here are some of my recommended hotels in Gardiner, Montana that give you easy access to Nevada City and Virginia City.
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BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS: COWBOY'S LODGE
BEST FOR COUPLES: RHODOPA LODGE
BEST FOR FAMILIES: YELLOWSTONE VILLAGE INN AND SUITES
BEST FOR INSTAGRAM: YELLOWSTONE GATEWAY INN
BEST FOR ADVENTURERS: 406 LODGE AT YELLOWSTONE
BEST AIRBNB: NEW TO THE GARDINER MARKET
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Tips for visiting Nevada City
Here are some of my recommended tips for first-time visitors to this amazing ghost town.
- Plan your visit: Nevada City Ghost Town is most lively during the summer months when reenactments and other interactive displays are running. Check the schedule online or call ahead to make sure you're visiting during operating hours.
- Immerse in history: Visit the Nevada City Museum while you're there. The Museum houses an extraordinary collection of antiques and artifacts, including one of the largest collections of old music machines in the world. Make sure to dedicate ample time to explore and understand the rich history of the Gold Rush era.
- Get involved: Don't just observe, participate! The town often hosts fun interactive events such as live reenactments, gold panning, and even an old-time music festival. Participating in these events will enrich your experience and give you a taste of life during the gold rush.
- Pack for the outdoors: Remember, you're in Montana. The weather can change quickly, and it's generally cooler in the higher elevations, even in summer. Pack layers of clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and be sure to bring along plenty of water and snacks.
- Extend your visit: Consider combining your visit with a trip to Virginia City, just a mile away. A historic train connects the two towns, offering a fun and convenient way to see both in one trip. You might even consider staying overnight in one of Virginia City's historic hotels to fully immerse yourself in the old west experience.
Conclusion
If you have some extra time on your Montana road trip, I highly recommend making the effort to checking out Nevada City as a fun activity that kids will love too. Not only will you get to see one of the state's most famous ghost towns, but you'll also get to step back in time, as well.
Have you ever made it to Nevada City? Let me know in the comments!
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