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Historic Carson City to Virginia City V&T Railroad summer season begins Memorial weekend

When the whistle blows Memorial Day weekend it will be full steam ahead this summer aboard the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Nevada's authentic train ride through the 1860s Comstock-era Wild West.

Steam train enthusiasts can step back in time beginning Saturday, May 23, for round-trip and one-way rides. Running Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 18 from Nevada's capital, Carson City, to the 1860s boom-era mining town of Virginia City, passengers will experience Old West history and lore, spectacular scenery, dining and shopping opportunities. An added steam train trip will roll every Friday — nine in all July 3 through mid-October.

Retracing the famous Comstock-era right-of-way, the historic V&T trains travel the same 16-mile silver route. Scenic vistas of the Carson River and the majestic Sierra Nevada appear as engines chug through two tunnels and past abandoned mine shafts and old cemeteries, through countryside where sightings of wild mustangs are routine.

The Memorial Day weekend kickoff will feature entertainment and champagne mimosas, celebrating the unofficial arrival of summer. Weekend trains feature a 1916 Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0 or a 1914 Baldwin-Built Mikado 2-8-2 steam engine leading three 1914 Pullman cars.

Trains depart Carson City Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Friday steam trains run from July 3 to Aug. 28, departing Carson City at 10:00 a.m. Round trip steam train tickets are $52 for adults, $32 for children ages 3 to 16 (toddlers and infants are free) and $48 for seniors 65 and older. Tickets are available online at www.vtrailway.com or (877) 724-5007.

There is a Father’s Day train weekend, June 20-21 and a special July 4 steam train celebration ride. Round trip Toast of the Canyon wine and appetizer train rides from Carson City through nearby scenic canyons will run the last Saturday of each month beginning June 27 through Oct. 18. It’s a vintage forty-five minute train ride down into the canyon among spectacular high desert scenery paired with appetizers and a glass of wine.

In addition to the V&T’s Carson City-Virginia City Sisters in History excursion, a 4-mile, 35-minute Historic Route loop through Virginia City and Gold Hill is offered. The V&T initially reopened the Historic Route in 1972 under the ownership of the Gray family, who preserved the railway’s heritage. With their help the reconstruction project between Virginia City and Carson City became a reality for future generations. For Historic Route schedule and ticket prices visit www.virginiatruckee.com or call 775-847-0380.

Discounted private group charters are also available. For group fares and special excursion trains contact Candace Duncan at (775) 721-6255 or (775) 291-0208. Email candy@vtrailway.com.

Tickets for the Polar Express aboard the V&T go on sale Aug. 20 with 60 rides planned for the holiday season beginning Nov. 19. The one-hour round trip journey to the North Pole has consistently sold out since debuting five years ago and is expected to draw record numbers again this holiday season.

The Carson City passenger station is located at Eastgate Siding on Flint Drive off U.S. Highway 50 East. To keep the memories rolling passengers can stop by the station’s gift shop stocked with V&T souvenirs. For the latest train updates or to purchase tickets visit www.vtrailway.com call (877) 724-5007.

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