Places To Ride Trains in Nevada Historic Railroads

Trains have been integral to Nevada’s history since the early days of mining silver and gold. Steam locomotives were utilized to transport ore and building materials. Nowadays, numerous historic Nevada railroads continue to offer passenger excursions. Additionally, several museums in Nevada aim to preserve the state’s railroad heritage. If it operates on rails in Nevada, you’ll find it here.
Southern California Trains – Northern California Trains

Virginia & Truckee Railway Long Line

The Virginia & Truckee Railway is considered the best train ride in Nevada. This train follows the original route of the Queen of the Short Lines, from just east of Carson City to the historic Virginia City. Passengers can enjoy a 14-mile journey through the Virginia mountain range, with steam and diesel-powered locomotives pulling passenger cars. The ride to Virginia City takes approximately 1.5 hours, while the trip back to Carson City (downhill) takes 1 hour and fifteen minutes. There’s a three-hour stopover in Virginia City, so if you decide to take this trip, plan for a full day.

Virginia City-Gold Hill Short Line

If you happen to drive to Virginia City, don’t miss the chance to ride a train! The Virginia City-Gold Hill train departs from the Original V&T 1870 Depot and takes you on a 30-minute round trip to Gold Hill station and back. During the trip, you will see several mines through a tunnel. Both open and closed passenger cars are available for your comfort. The Virginia City-Gold Hill Short Line is open daily from May to October.

Nevada Northern Railway Museum

Train excursions are offered on weekends from April through January, with daily service between Memorial Day and the end of September. Suppose you want to do more than ride the train. Nevada Northern Railway offers several unique packages that let you operate the train. Visitors to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum can walk around the grounds and check out the shops where locomotives are serviced and restored.

Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City

If you’re searching for an enjoyable day trip from Las Vegas, consider visiting the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City. Be sure to plan your visit on a weekend when the museum operates excursion trains along the Boulder City branch line. Additionally, every other weekend, they offer complimentary miniature train rides.

Las Vegas Rail Bike Tours

This might be as close as you ever get to driving a train engine. During the tour, passengers use pedal-powered rail carts to move around. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers a section of rail that was once used in the construction of Hoover Dam. The carts travel a total of eight miles round-trip. For an effortless experience, the pedal cars are power-assisted.

Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City

Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City features Nevada’s railroad heritage. It offers visitors unique hands-on experiences, from operating historic railroad equipment to train rides aboard historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad equipment and fascinating visual exhibits.

Nevada Railroads for Kids

Idlewild Park Reno Miniature Train

Idlewild Park in Reno features a miniature train that offers rides during the summer. Tickets are only a few dollars per person. Idlewild Park provides much family fun, with a large playground and two small lakes for fishing. 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, NV.

Carson & Mills Park Railway

The Carson City Railroad Association runs a miniature train through Mills Park in Carson City. The ride lasts about 10 minutes and is open on weekends in the summer. Mills Park also has a skate park and aquatic facility. 851 E William St, Carson City, NV.

Nevada Monorails

Las Vegas Monorail

Fast, affordable, but unfortunately, not always convenient. The Las Vegas Monorail runs four miles from the MGM Grand to just short of the Stratosphere. Most of the stations require a long walk to the strip. However, staying at a hotel near the monorail is a great way to avoid the traffic. Several extensions have been planned, but none have ever completed construction. Las Vegas Monorail has five stations. A one-way ride costs $5.00. Considering the cost of a taxi in Las Vegas, it’s a deal. $1.00 tickets are available with a Nevada driver’s license. Locals only.

Bonnie Springs Ranch Railway

Bonnie Springs Ranch is no more. Bonnie Springs Ranch near Las Vegas was a fun little train that adults and children will enjoy. The train trip lasts about twenty minutes and takes passengers on a loop around the ranch. Spectacular desert vistas are just one of the Bonnie Springs Ranch Train highlights. Gone but not forgotten.

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Things To See and Do In Nevada

Remo Day Trip Ideas

Carson City Day Trip

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