Virginia City Region

Sometimes, the Old West was every bit as tough as the stories make it out to be. In just one month in 1864, vigilantes hung 24 suspected road agents, including five in Virginia City whose graves rest in Boot Hill Cemetery. There was also John Colter's famous escape from Indian capture when he hid in a beaver colony on the Madison River, then proceeded to travel 300 miles across the prairie to safety. He was naked for the whole journey. Today you'll find the area around Virginia City and Ennis to be much safer. But no less interesting.

Historic Attractions | Scenic Opportunities | Outdoor Activities | More Attractions

THE BIG DISCOVERY

Gold was first discovered in Virginia City on May 26, 1863 by five prospectors camped along a small stream. When their first pan turned up $2.40 worth of gold, they knew the gulch had great potential. Word spread like wildfire with miners covering the hillsides with tents, brush shelters and crude log cabins. By June 16, the town was platted. And just one year later, Virginia City was home to 5,000 people - the largest town in Montana Territory and named its first territorial capital.

HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

MUSEUMS, SHOPS, ACCOMMODATIONS In Virginia City, you can shop, dine and sleep without leaving the atmosphere of the 1890s. You'll find fascinating nuggets of history and memories to treasure. The restoration of the town began decades ago, and the state of Montana recently purchased both Virginia City and Nevada City so that the preservation can continue.

Alder Gulch, Short Line
Take the train from Virginia City to Nevada City on this authentic narrow-gauge railroad, Montana's only operating steam locomotive.

Opera House
The Virginia City Players' variety productions in the style of 19th century entertainment amuse and delight visitors. Virginia City offers the oldest continuously operating summer stock theater west of the Mississippi. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for a schedule of shows.

Nevada City
A town-size open-air museum with over 100 buildings from the gold rush era. Open seasonally, the town is being preserved by the State of Montana.

Laurin
This little agricultural community north of Nevada City was founded in the late 1860s as a stagecoach route trading post on the banks of the Ruby River.

Robber's Roost
This roadhouse was the hangout for famous outlaws. According to local legend, the bad guys would come here to plan their next stagecoach hold up. Travel Highway 287, south of Sheridan; the roads are safer now.

SCENIC OPPORTUNITIES

Madison River Valley
A trip to Ennis (Highway 287) earns excellent views of the Madison Range and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness on the east.

Earthquake Area Visitor Center
In 1959, an earthquake caused a massive landslide to block the Madison River and created Quake Lake. A memorial and visitor center is open seasonally 30 miles south of Cameron.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Off I-90 east of Cardwell, Montana's first state park offers year-round cabin rental, camping and picnicking. May-Sept. daily guided tours to the lighted caves.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Ennis
The fly-fishing capital of the world. Ennis is the center for activities on the Madison River, which is world-renowned for its first rate wild trout fishing. The town is also the home of the Ennis National Fish Hatchery.

Alder
West of Virginia City, Alder has a gem mine open to the public. Folks go south of town to search for garnets and other stones.

MORE ATTRACTIONS

Festival Of Times
A celebration of the Victorian era held in July in Virginia City. Events include after-noon teas and a Grand Ball where guests attend in period costume.

Brewery Follies
Relax with a libation at Montana's first brewery, the H.S. Gilbert Brewery, and enjoy a performance of the Brewery Follies Players. Virginia City.

Whitehall
Fish the Jefferson or Boulder Rivers near here, or stop at the Whitehall city park for a picnic. Visit the Jefferson Valley Museum full of artifacts and memorabilia depicting the history and heritage of the Jefferson Valley Area. Whitehall is also home to a half dozen Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Murals, depicting scenes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the Jefferson River Valley.

Sheridan
In the heart of the Ruby Valley, this town was founded by Civil War veterans who were attracted to gold mines in the area. Today it's an uncrowded picturesque place surrounded by mountains with numerous outdoor activities in the area.

Twin Bridges
A town grew up in the special place where the Ruby, Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers meet. The Winston Rod Flyfishing Museum features displays of fly-fishing in the west. The Twin Bridges Historical Museum depicts the settling of the area from the days of Native Americans to the present.

FREE Gold West travel info - call 1-800-879-1159 or request online
1105 Main Street - Deer Lodge, MT 59722
For information on linking to Gold West Country see our Links information.
If you know the name of the business or event you are looking for click below:
1 - F | G - L | M - S | T - Z