Railroad Journeys of Nevada

Day 1

Arrive at Sacramento Airport Transfer to Old Town Sacramento and check in at your hotel. Enjoy a memorable visit to California State Railroad Museum to see railcars used on Nevada’s V&T Railroad and the Central Nevada Railroad. Learn about construction of the transcontinental railroad across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Overnight in Sacramento.

Day 2

Transfer to Amtrak Station to board the California Zephyr 11:00 AM departure. View the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains and travel through the many tunnels over the pass that are considered staggering feats of engineering along this historic rail route into Nevada. Arrive into Reno’s Amtrak station at 4:00 PM. Transfer to your hotel in Carson City. Enjoy dinner at Reds Old 395 Grill or one of Carson City’s restaurant options. Overnight in Carson City.

Total Travel Time: 30 mins

Day 3

This morning visit the renowned Nevada State Museum and see the original coin press, one of the historic federal mint locations and other Nevada treasures. Learn of Nevada’s railroad history at the Nevada State Railroad Museum including seeing the rare and newly restored McKeen Motorcar. Enjoy an afternoon in Virginia City, one of the gems of the Old West. Walk the plank boardwalks, browse the shops and saloons, and ride on the Historic V&T Railroad to experience real history. Overnight in Carson City.

Total Travel Time: 1 hr

Day 4

Today drive up the mountains to stunning Lake Tahoe for the views of a lifetime. At South Lake Tahoe board the M.S. Dixie II or the Tahoe Queen for your relaxing Lake Tahoe Cruise the views of the lake and mountains. Drive around the lake to the North Shore and onto Sparks. Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum to tour trains, visit Nevada’s Chinese railroad worker monument and learn about the railroad history of the Truckee Meadows. Board your 4:00 Amtrak train from Reno. Enjoy Dinner on the train on your way to Elko, the heart of Cowboy Country. At 9:30 PM arrive Elko and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Elko.

Total Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Day 5

This morning visit the new California Trails Center, which presents the history of the Gold Rush, Western Migration, Pioneers and the Donner Party. Next visit historic downtown Elko to see amazing saddles and leather creations at Capriola’s Saddle Shop. Experience the sights and sounds of the Western Folklife Center and learn more of cowboy poetry and song. Enjoy lunch at a Basque eatery such as The Star. Depart Elko and travel east on I-80 to the old railroad town of Wells and visit the Trail of the 49ers Interpretive Center. From Wells, travel south on US 93 to McGill to tour the McGill Drug Store, a small town establishment frozen in time. Continue on US 93 to Ely, have dinner in a jail cell at Cell Block Steak House at the Jail House Casino Motel. Check into historic Hotel Nevada or one several comfortable lodging options. Overnight in Ely.

Total Travel Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Day 6

Ride the rails this morning on Nevada Northern Railway, also known as the Ghost Train. Explore the East Ely Railroad Depot museum and home to Nevada’s Official State Locomotive Engine #40. Depart Ely and head south on US 93 to Cathedral Gorge State Park, for some fun adventure in exploring the slots and caves of the park. Continue to Caliente, the “Railroad Town” of Lincoln County and stop for a visit at the historic mission style Caliente Railroad Depot. Continue on toward Las Vegas for a fun evening with dinner and a show. Overnight in Las Vegas.

Total Travel Time: 4 hrs 45mins

Day 7

This morning head for charming Boulder City, and ride the Nevada Southern Railway, part of the route the supported the building of the Hoover Dam. Have lunch at the Boulder Dam Hotel and enjoy a tour of the magnificent Hoover Dam. Depart Boulder City for Las Vegas for additional days or your departure from Las Vegas Airport.

Total Travel Time: 1 hr

This road trip was provided by Travel Nevada.

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