19 Best Things To Do In Virginia City, Montana

Things to Do in Virginia City
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 9 min read

Nesting on the Madison County, Montana, Virginia City is a town with fascinating history, rich heritage, and a beautiful landscape. It has lots of natural wonders and exudes a peaceful countryside vibe that is ideal for tourists who want some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. While in Virginia City, be sure to check out the historic site of Montana Heritage Commission. You should also visit the Thompson-Hickman Museum and marvel at the interesting vintage artifacts. You may also enjoy a relaxing time at the breathtaking Twin Lakes. For a more detailed guide, here is a list of things to do in Virginia City that you should try when you visit. Feel free to browse below.

1. Get in touch with the city's history at Thompson-Hickman Museum

Thompson Hickman Museum, Virginia City, Montana USA 7/30/2017

Posted by Mike Gordon on Monday, 31 July 2017

Whether you are a hardcore history buff or a regular curious Tom, Thompson-Hickman Museum is one of the many fascinating museums in Virginia City that you should not miss when you visit the town. This museum features a stunning stone building that has been long-standing since the 1920s. It is home to a lot of interesting artifacts, war weapons, geological rock examples, and a lot more trinkets with great significance to the history of Virginia City.

Thompson-Hickman Museum

Address: 220 Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Thompson-Hickman Museum

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2. Check out the heritage sites preserved by Montana Heritage Commission


Marvel at the beauty of Virginia City with old town vibes and fascinating architecture by checking out the establishments and properties covered by the Montana Heritage Commission. They include the Gilbert Brewery, McFarland Curatorial Center, a 19th-century dance hall, preserved stores, and lots of galleries and interesting exhibits. Their top priority is preserving the town’s heritage sites while opening the public’s eyes to its importance and beauty.

Montana Heritage Commission

Address: 300 W Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Montana Heritage Commission

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3. Take in the beauty of the view from Boot Hill

Boot Hill, Virginia city Montana
Source: Photo by user Basenjik used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you like the idea of visiting cemeteries and spending some peaceful time there, visit the Boot Hill in Virginia City. Aside from the tombstones, you will also get to see scenic views that will add to the relaxing vibes. Plus, this place is of great significance to the history of the town. The place is always clean and it is never crowded and touristy. If you are experiencing a writer’s block, this place might be of help to you. Come alone or with friends, and enjoy the view from above.

Boot Hill

Address: Virginia City, Montana

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free entry

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4. Feel the cultural vibes at Virginia City Players

things to do in virginia city | feel the cultural vibes at virginia city players
Source: instagram

If you are thinking of a place to bring your family or friends in Virginia City with great entertainment value, Virginia City Players might pique your interest. They showcase amazing live performances and theatre acts that will make your heart cry happy tears. Some of them are the iconic Alice in the Wonderland, Zorro, the Stygian Amulet, and a lot more. Always check their website to be updated about the events and performances, and see which one interests you. Visit Virginia City Players and enjoy a great time filled with delightful entertainment.

Virginia City Players

Address: 388 W. Wallace St., Virginia City, MT 59755, United States

Website: Virginia City Players

Price: 12 USD onwards

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5. Marvel at the eclectic collection of J. Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum

Museum
Source: Pixabay

Virginia City is a fascinating town with a rich heritage and interesting culture. If you want to know more about this town, visit the J. Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum and enjoy a day filled with knowledge and facts about Virginia City. It houses exhibits, galleries, and objects that relate to the miners, ranchers, farmers, and pioneers of the town. In the museum, you will get to see old print shop displays, clothing, old weapons, a complete pharmacy, and others.

J. Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum

Address: 219 West Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755

Website: J. Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum

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6. Learn about Virginia City's rich mining history at River of Gold museum

Gold-plated electrical connectors
Source: Photo by user Cjp24 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the foundations of Virginia City’s heritage is its mining industry. If you are into the history and culture of the town, you should check out the River of Gold Museum in Nevada City and know more about the ins and outs of the industry. You will get to see fascinating equipment, gold mines, museum exhibits, and the famous big mining dredge. Bring your family and friends and together, get to enjoy this delightful experience that is one for the books.

River of Gold museum

Address: Mining Museum Nevada City, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: River of Gold museum

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

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7. Go horseback riding with Vigilante Carriages


Experience the old-town living at Virginia City through a horseback riding city tour. If you like the idea, Vigilante Carriages offers carriages, wagons, stagecoach, and slay for your touring needs. They are also available for important occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and others. Go through their website and experience this unique adventure with your family or friends. Take as many pictures as you can, and enjoy marveling at the beauty of Virginia City sights.

Vigilante Carriages

Address: 344 E Wallace, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Vigilante Carriages

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily, mid-May - mid- Sep)

Price: 10 USD onwards

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8. Laugh your head off at Brewery Follies


If you have spare time while in Virginia City and in the mood for some great time, you might want to check out the Brewery Follies. It is a charming pub-style bar that features comedic live performances from resident acts. They guarantee their customers of a wacky and fun-filled experience that will make your stomach hurt for hours of laughing and giggling. Not to mention, they offer a wide selection of delightful local and premium beers to make your time more enjoyable.

Brewery Follies

Address: 200 Cover St, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Brewery Follies

Opening hours: Matinees: 4pm; Evenings: 8pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

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9. Participate in ghost tours at Bale of Hay Saloon

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

After a long week, this is exactly where you want to be.

Posted by Bale of Hay Saloon on Friday, August 16, 2019

Bale of Hay Saloon encourages their guests to visit them and step back in time for a unique experience they will never forget. This restaurant offers ghost tours that you will surely enjoy. Not to mention, the experience comes with mouthwatering lite bites and flavorful old-town cocktails. We suggest that you visit with your family because this experience will definitely be one for the books. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture every moment of it.

Bale of Hay Saloon

Address: 344 W E Wallace, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Bale of Hay Saloon

Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)

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10. Hunt for gold with Gold Rush Mining Adventures


If you are thinking of a unique and exciting adventure, why don’t you book a package with the Gold Rush Mining Adventures and enjoy an afternoon with magical rocks, fascinating minerals, fossils, and geodes from all over the world? Their activities are guaranteed ideal for any age. What’s cooler about this activity is that no participant will go home weepy without stuff in their bags. And no bags of treasure contain similar gems. You can collect gems and turn it into lovely jewelry with the Gold Rush Mining Adventures.

Gold Rush Mining Adventures

Address: 211 Wallace St, Ennis, MT 59729, USA

Website: Gold Rush Mining Adventures

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

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11. Stroll though the Virginia City's boardwalk

C Street Boardwalk
Source: Photo by user Brent Cooper used under CC BY 2.0

here’s no better way to immerse in the town’s culture and to know its untold history than by strolling across its boardwalk. Virginia City boardwalk features stores, excellent restaurants, and other well-visited establishments. You can shop until you drop, gourmandize on excellent eats to your heart’s content, or make friends with the locals and get your fill with the town’s most interesting facts and trivia. This is surely a wonderful experience for you if you like city walks ad touristy stuff.

Virginia City's boardwalk

Address: 165 F Street, Virginia City, NV 89440

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12. Tour the city on a historic truck


One interesting way to tour the town and marvel at its heritage sites, as well as natural wonders and scenic views, is by booking an exciting tour package with the historic tour company of Virginia City. Guests will be guided to a safe and comfortable historic and classic 1941 truck and will be toured throughout the town. You will definitely love seeing the most remarkable landmarks of town as well as the whole experience itself. You will also get to meet new people and make friends while on the tour.

Virginia City historic truck

Address: Virginia City, Montana

Website: Virginia City historic truck

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13. Enjoy a delectable steak at Wells Fargo Steak House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Not only is Virginia City a town filled with majestic views, rich culture, and charming sounds, but it is also a paradise of delectable eats. Whether you are celebrating an important milestone or just in the mood for some premium steaks, Wells Fargo Steak House is a must-visit fine dining restaurant in Virginia City. They guarantee that their food is made and prepared from locally sourced organic ingredients and quality meat. Plus, they have a wide assortment of drinks from craft beers to mocktails and cocktails to Montana Spirits and imported wines.

Wells Fargo Steak House

Address: 314 West Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Wells Fargo Steak House

Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm (daily)

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14. Sip on great cocktails at Pioneer Bar

Posted by Pioneer Bar on Friday, 20 November 2015

Whether you are in dire need of alone time to blow off some steam or looking for a place to be the venue for a friends’ get-together, Pioneer Bar is a fantastic spot for some premium drinks and a great time. Featuring a relaxed interior and laid back ambiance, you will surely find yourself finishing bottles and bottles of beers or glasses of your favorite mixed beverage. Plus, the interior design of the place adds charm to it as it displays old photographs with relevance to the history of the town.

Pioneer Bar

Address: 210 W, E Wallace, Virginia City, MT 59755, United States

Website: Pioneer Bar

Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)

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15. Stop by Ranks Mercantile for authentic 19th-century clothing

Posted by Ranks Mercantile on Monday, 18 February 2019

If you want to do some last-minute shopping of interesting stuff, visit the Ranks Mercantile. They sell charming 19th-century clothing, rare books, trinkets, scented candles, and a lot more fascinating stuff. It’s been standing since 1864, and one of the oldest stores in town. Visiting the store is like directly traveling back to the old times and it is a wonderful experience that you will surely love. You may also take pictures if you wish to.

Ranks Mercantile

Address: 211 Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Ranks Mercantile

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)

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16. Go camping at the Rambling Moose Campground


Nesting in the heart of Montana near the historic Virginia City, the Rambling Moose Campground is a perfect destination for people who like outdoor adventures. It features vast lands of campgrounds with lush greeneries and roaming friendly fellows, your time in Rambling Moose Campground will definitely be one for the books. In here you will be reconnected with nature and you will have all the peace and quiet that you need. Whether you camp with your friends or alone, you will maximize the experience.

Rambling Moose Campground

Address: 1302 East Warren Street, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA

Website: Rambling Moose Campground

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 40 USD onwards

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17. Shop sugar-free candies or sweets with local flavors at Cousin's Candy Shop

Fresh Fudge of every flavor imaginable every day!

Posted by Cousin's Candy Shop on Tuesday, 16 July 2019

A trip to Virginia won’t be complete without a visit to its most popular candy store: Cousin’s Candy Shop. Here you’ll find a variety of confections that will bring back memories from your childhood; a lot of the candies are from the yesteryears! Sugar-free treats are also available and one new feature is watching them hand-dip chocolates. Their homemade fudge has rave reviews and chocolates are easily a fan favorite. Don’t forget to try their saltwater taffy – it’s their first product since the store began operating in the early ’90s. Their candies are perfect souvenirs, especially with the availability of local flavors. But quite simply, because Cousin’s cute and cozy candy shop has established itself as a homegrown brand loved by people of all ages, especially kids!

Cousin's Candy Shop

Address: 213 W. Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755

Website: Cousin’s Candy Shop

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18. Treat yourself to ice cream at Virginia City Creamery

✨? Chocolate + Raspberry Cheesecake❤️?

Posted by The City Creamery on Wednesday, 4 September 2019

One recent review rated them as having the “best ice cream ever”. Virginia City Creamery offers homemade ice cream using rock salt and ice and that which comes out from an antique freezer. You may also get to watch your chosen flavor being churned out. But perhaps the secret to the delicious and remarkable ice cream tastes lie in the fact that their recipe is from an old cookbook, from the White House itself. Imagine eating ice creams designed for the elite! They have a lot of flavors to try: huckleberry, lavender honey, butterscotch caramel, cowboy coffee, licorice, the usual favorites: chocolate and vanilla, and many more! So if you need to take a break from exploring the Old West, this creamery is the ideal go-to place, especially on a hot day.

Virginia City Creamery

Address: 205 Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755

Website: Virginia City Creamery

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19. Shop for candies at The Grande Yum Yum House [CLOSED]

Posted by The Grande Yum Yum House and The Torch Theatre, Goods and Gallery on Friday, 24 June 2016

If you are looking for a place in Virginia City that the whole family will definitely enjoy, it is the Grande Yum Yum House. When you visit the store, you will be bombarded with delightful treats like you are living off a day in Hanzel and Gretel’s life. From a wide variety of candies to handmade popcorns to canned goods and desserts, there are a lot of treats for the whole family. Even the popcorns have a wide range of flavors from Butterfinger candy to bread and butter pickles to Huckleberry and more.

The Grande Yum Yum House

Address: 124- 126 West Wallace, Virginia City, Montana 59755

Website: The Grande Yum Yum House

Opening hours: 10am - 6:30pm (daily)

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Beautiful Virginia City

With lots of natural wonders, historic sites, and fascinating attractions, your vacation in Virginia City will definitely be worthwhile. Not to mention, it is far different from the busy city life. You will have the relaxation and peace that you long for. You can try out the eats and marvel at the beauty of its sights. If you plan to spend some quality time in Virginia City any time soon, let this article guide you in organizing a fun-filled vacation. Have a wonderful holiday ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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