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Carson City is the capital of Nevada, a city of about 58,000 people in the Eagle Valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, about 30 miles south of Reno and a short drive from Lake Tahoe. Founded in 1858 and named after the Carson River, which honors frontiersman Kit Carson, it became the territorial and then state capital as the Comstock silver boom made nearby Virginia City rich.
The silver-domed Nevada State Capitol, completed in 1871, stands at the center of a compact downtown. The old Carson City Mint now houses the Nevada State Museum, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum preserves locomotives of the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad. The Kit Carson Trail leads walkers past Victorian mansions on the historic west side.
The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center tells the story of a former boarding school for Native American children, while the Brewery Arts Center hosts concerts and classes. Outdoors, Washoe Lake State Park, historic hot springs and the trails and beaches of Lake Tahoe are all close by.
The Nevada State Capitol, completed in 1871 of local sandstone and topped by a silver-colored dome, still houses the governor's office. Visitors can walk in for free to see the historic legislative chambers, now a small museum with exhibits on Nevada history. The surrounding park has monuments and shady lawns.
The official residence of Nevada's governors, completed in 1909 in Classical Revival style, with tall white columns and a wide porch on Mountain Street. It sits along the Kit Carson Trail, and the house is open for public tours only on select dates, usually during holidays and special events. Check the schedule ahead.
Housed in the former Carson City Mint, which struck silver coins from Comstock ore from 1870, this museum displays the original Coin Press No. 1, natural history exhibits, Native American culture and a re-created underground mine tunnel. Coin minting demonstrations are held on some days. Plan about two hours.
A museum dedicated to Nevada's railroads, especially the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, with restored steam locomotives, coaches and freight cars in an indoor gallery and restoration shop. On selected weekends in season visitors can ride a historic train or motorcar around the grounds. Check the schedule first.
A museum on the campus of the former Stewart Indian School, which operated as a federal boarding school for Native American children from 1890 to 1980. Exhibits share the experiences of students in their own words, and a walking trail passes the distinctive stone buildings. It is a moving and important visit.
A self-guided walking trail marked by a blue line on the sidewalks, leading past the Capitol and dozens of 19th-century homes, churches and mansions in Carson City's historic west side, including the Bliss Mansion. Pick up a map or use the audio guide. The loop takes about two hours at an easy pace.
A hands-on museum for young children in downtown Carson City, with interactive exhibits on science, music, building, art and pretend play spread across a large open hall. It is a good rainy-day or hot-day stop for families, and most visits last one to two hours. Check opening days, as hours are limited.
A community arts center set in the historic Carson Brewing Company buildings downtown, offering concerts, theater, art exhibits and classes in ceramics, painting and more. Its outdoor summer concert series is popular with locals. Check the calendar for shows and bring a chair to the outdoor performances.
A state park on the shallow Washoe Lake between Carson City and Reno, framed by the Sierra Nevada and the Virginia Range. It offers windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, sand dunes, equestrian trails, camping and good bird watching, with wild horses sometimes seen nearby. Afternoon winds can be strong.
A long-running hot springs resort on the north side of Carson City, where natural mineral water fills outdoor pools and private indoor tubs at different temperatures. It is a relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing or skiing. Expect day-use fees, bring a towel and check whether reservations are needed for private soaks.
A heritage railroad running seasonal excursion trains on the historic V and T route between Carson City's Eastgate Depot and Virginia City, through desert canyons and past old mining sites. The round trip takes several hours with time to explore Virginia City. Book in advance and check which days the train departs from Carson City.
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