Montana's Gold Rush revisited. Two historic, authentically restored Old West towns with entertainment, shops, a working railroad, and accommodations.

Montana's historic Alder Gulch, once the capital of Montana Territory, is widely respected for the authenticity of the restoration work carried out by the Charles Bovey family. Each year Virginia City and Nevada City attract thousands of visitors traveling between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.

Located only a mile apart on MT 287 in southwest Montana, Virginia City and Nevada City are 85 miles—about an hour and a half—north of Yellowstone.

Original buildings, dating from the Territorial days, are filled with merchandise and implements used when gold camps flourished in the West. Boardwalks, mechanical music machines, a penny arcade, antique automobiles and even a two-story outhouse add to the Old West atmosphere. An old livery stable has been converted to an opera house where the illustrious Virginia City Players, Montana's first and foremost professional summer troupe, bring the house down every summer evening with 19th century melodrama and the Brewery Follies Cabaret Show. During the third weekend of July, Virginia City hosts the Victorian Ball, complete with instruction on the dances of the Victorian era.

Travel between the two mining camps on the Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad. At the Nevada City end of the line, visit the Alder Gulch Short Line Steam Railroad Museum with its collection of equipment and stock from railroading's gold rush era.

Dine in the Wells Fargo Coffee House or the Star Bakery and bend an elbow in the Bale of Hay Saloon or Gilbert's Brewery. Modern, overnight accommodations in a charming, 19th century atmosphere are available.

General Information

Virginia City and Nevada City are open for tours between late May and mid-Sept. For overnight stops, groups are advised to arrive between 2:00 and 4:00pm and can be on their way by 8:00am the following day. All groups are greeted by a tour hostess. Minimum time: Two hours per city. Luncheon tours need 3 hours. Admission charged.

Limited services for travelers available on location. Full services available in Bozeman, Butte, and Dillon.

For more information:

Montana Heritage Commission
PO Box 338
Virginia City, MT 59755
406-829-2969 or 406-843-5247
Website: http://www.virginiacity.com

Gold and Garnets

Pan for gold or pick garnets aided by an experienced assistant. $12/bucket, good for a small group. Also displayed is a gold dredge and numerous other mining relics. Located just east of Nevada City. Open mid-May to late September, 9:00am to 7:00pm. Museum admission free.

Alder Gulch River of Gold
406-843-5526 (summer)

Home | Additional Vacation Info |