Virginia City Ghost Tour
Meeting point
Public boardwalk at 201 South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly at 8pm
Ticket Price
Adults from $26; Children (6-12) from $17
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
Overview
Step back in time to the grit and glamour of the Old West on a Virginia City ghost tour that unearths the spirits of the world-famous Comstock Lode. Perched high in the High Desert mountains of Nevada, Virginia City was once a booming silver metropolis where fortunes were made and lives were lost in the blink of an eye.
On this haunted history tour, you will walk the same wooden boardwalks where legendary figures like Mark Twain once tread, but you’ll be looking for the residents who never checked out. This ghost walk takes you through the most active paranormal corridors of this "Living Ghost Town," where the thin mountain air seems to vibrate with the energy of the past.
As the sun sets over the Sierra Nevada, your expert guide will lead you on a haunted Virginia City walk that blends the town’s rough-and-tumble mining history with chilling accounts of modern-day hauntings.
From the echoes of tragic mining accidents to the lingering spirits of the Red Light District, this experience is a must for anyone seeking paranormal tours near Reno or Lake Tahoe. You will discover why Virginia City is consistently ranked as one of the most haunted locations in America, offering a unique look at the paranormal activity that still haunts its saloons, hotels, and opera houses.
What to Expect
Your journey into the supernatural begins on C Street, the heart of the historic district. This haunted walk covers approximately one mile of the town’s most legendary and notorious sites.
- The Washoe Club: Stand outside the most haunted building in the West. Learn about the "Millionaire’s Club" and the tragic spirits said to inhabit its three floors, including the infamous "Lady in Blue."
- The Silver Queen Hotel: Hear the spine-tingling accounts of the restless entities that roam the halls of this 1876 landmark, known for the mysterious sounds of tapping and phantom footsteps.
- Piper’s Opera House: Discover the theatrical ghosts that still linger in the wings of this world-renowned venue, which has survived multiple fires and a century of turmoil.
- Mackay Mansion: Explore the history of the "Silver Kings" and the spirits of servants and children that have been reported by countless visitors and paranormal investigators.
- Physical Requirements: Please be prepared for a moderate walk on uneven wooden boardwalks and steep mountain streets. The high elevation (6,200 feet) can be taxing; we recommend bringing water and wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
- Atmospheric Details: Tours are held after dark, providing a haunting view of the town’s Victorian architecture. The lack of modern street lighting in certain areas makes this one of the most immersive ghost tours near you for capturing potential paranormal evidence.
Whether you are a believer in the afterlife or a fan of Western history, this haunted history tour offers a compelling glimpse into the souls that refused to abandon the silver mines.
Public lots at F Street or E Street; street parking is limited and often timed. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms on the tour route; Visitor Center facilities may be closed. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Partially accessible; expect steep hills and uneven historic wooden boardwalks. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pet-friendly! Your leashed four-legged friends are welcome to join the ghost walk. (for more info contact tour operator)
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly; a great way for kids to learn about the Wild West’s spooky side. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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More Ghost Tours in Nevada
Virginia City Ghost Tour
Public boardwalk at 201 South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440
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Lake Mansion Arts and Cultural Center. 250 Court St, Reno, NV 89501
Vegas Ghost Tour
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas