The short answer
Virginia City is about 67 miles (1 hour 20 minutes) from Bozeman, over the hill from Ennis. Born in the 1863 Alder Gulch gold rush and once Montana’s territorial capital, it and neighboring Nevada City preserve dozens of original buildings, with summer theater, stagecoach rides and a short-line train.
What to do
Top things to do at Virginia City & Nevada City
Historic Main Street
Boardwalks and false-front buildings from the gold-rush era.
Nevada City open-air museum
A collection of historic buildings just 1.5 miles down the road.
Alder Gulch Short Line
A seasonal train between Virginia City and Nevada City.
Summer theater
Long-running summer stock and comedy shows.
By van
Getting there in a van
Drive to Ennis via MT-84 and US-287, then head west over the pass on MT-287 for about 14 miles.
- The pass from Ennis is steep with curves; use lower gears on the descent.
- Street parking is plentiful outside peak summer weekends.
- Many businesses close after mid-September — check hours before an off-season trip.
Pack list
What to bring to Virginia City & Nevada City
- Comfortable shoes for boardwalks
- Cash for small shops
- Sun hat
- Light jacket for evening shows
FAQ
Virginia City & Nevada City: common questions
Is Virginia City open year-round?
The town is, but most attractions, shops and the train operate roughly late May through mid-September.
Can you do Virginia City and Ennis in one day?
Easily. They’re 14 miles apart, and a loop from Bozeman via Norris and Ennis is a relaxed day trip.
Things to do here
Road trips that stop here
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