Overview
Explore the mineral-rich towns that were at the center of Nevada‘s Silver Rush at your own pace. On this self-guided driving tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, you’ll travel back in time to the second half of the 1800s to find out how silver changed these towns’ fortunes forever.
Starting in California, a short drive from the state line, this tour crosses high over Kingsbury Grade, and drops down into Douglas County, Nevada. Dramatically framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, this county is home to the quaint town of Genoa, one of Nevada‘s first permanent settlements.
From Genoa, you‘ll drive through Carson City, the state‘s capital, and pass one of Nevada‘s oldest towns, Silver City, before finishing our tour in the charming silver rush town of Virginia City.
By the end of this tour, you‘ll have gained an understanding of the historical moments that shaped this industry and Nevada’s Silver Rush while driving through the sparkling landscape of the Silver State.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
As this is a self-guided driving tour, transport isn't included
Food and drink
Smartphone and headphones
Parking fees
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
This tour starts at the Starbucks parking lot (4000 South Lake Tahoe Blvd).
End point
This tour ends at the public parking lot of the Virginia City Visitor Center.
Good to know
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
What to expect
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South Lake Tahoe
As you start this driving tour, you'll begin in the picturesque surroundings of South Lake Tahoe, nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.
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Carson Valley Monument
Pass by the Carson Valley Monument, a landmark that commemorates the natural beauty and historical significance of the Carson Valley region.
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Genoa
Cruise through the charming Town of Genoa, one of Nevada's earliest settlements, and soak in its historic ambiance as you journey through.
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Mormon Station State Historic Park
See the Mormon Station State Historic Park from the road, a site that preserves the rich history of early Mormon settlers in the region.
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Nevada State Railroad Museum
Drive by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, where vintage locomotives and railroad artifacts tell the story of Nevada's railway history.
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Carson City
Pass through Carson City, the vibrant state capital of Nevada, and catch glimpses of its historic landmarks and cultural attractions from the road.
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Nevada State Capitol Building
Drive past the Nevada State Capitol Building, symbolising Nevada's governance and political heritage.
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Sears-Ferris House
Admire the Sears-Ferris House, an architectural gem that reflects Carson City's Victorian-era elegance.
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Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
Pass by Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, a historic place of worship that adds to the cultural tapestry of Carson City.
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Orion Clemens House
Catch a glimpse of the Orion Clemens House, associated with the famous Clemens family, including Mark Twain.
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Krebs-Peterson Mansion
Drive by the Krebs-Peterson Mansion, a stately home that embodies Carson City's affluent past.
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Nevada Governor Mansion
Drive past the Nevada Governor's Mansion, a grand residence that has housed the state's governors throughout history.
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Bliss Mansion Historic Marker
See the Bliss Mansion Historic Marker, which commemorates the historical significance of the Bliss Mansion in Carson City.
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Nevada State Museum
Drive past the Nevada State Museum, where exhibits showcase the diverse cultural and natural history of Nevada.
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Donovan Mill Museum
Catch a glimpse of Donovan Mill, a historic industrial site that played a vital role in Nevada's mining heritage.
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Silver City
Drive through Silver City, a historic mining town that bears testimony to Nevada's silver mining legacy.
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Devils Gate
Pass by Devil's Gate, a geological formation that adds intrigue to the landscape along your driving route.
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Gold Hill
Drive through Gold Hill, another historic mining town that contributes to the rich tapestry of Nevada's mining history.
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Virginia City
Drive through Virginia City, a charming silver rush town that transports you back in time to the heyday of the Comstock Lode.
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Chollar Mansion
Pass by Chollar Mansion, a historic residence that reflects the opulence of Virginia City's prosperous era.
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Chollar Mine
Catch a glimpse of Chollar Mine, an iconic mining operation that played a significant role in Virginia City's mining industry.
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Historic Fourth Ward School Museum
Drive past the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a well-preserved schoolhouse that offers insights into Nevada's educational history.
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Mackay Mansion Museum
Drive by the Mackay Mansion Museum, a historic landmark associated with one of Nevada's prominent mining magnates.
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Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company
Pass by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, a historic railroad that once connected Virginia City to the rest of Nevada.
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St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church
See Saint Mary In the Mountains, a historic church that stands as a testament to Virginia City's religious heritage.
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Virginia City Visitor Center
End your tour at the Virginia City Visitor Center, a hub of information and resources for visitors exploring the historic town.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).
Additional Information
- You can take this tour at any time, but daytime hours are best for this tour.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City
Can I cancel Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2–3 hours.
Where does it start?
This tour starts at the Starbucks parking lot (4000 South Lake Tahoe Blvd).
What's included?
- Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
What's not included?
- As this is a self-guided driving tour, transport isn't included
- Food and drink
- Smartphone and headphones
- Parking fees
Which places does it visit?
It visits South Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley Monument, Genoa, Mormon Station State Historic Park, Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, Nevada State Capitol Building, Sears-Ferris House.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours
