Let’s Go Back to School, Carson City!

Let’s make your next cruise around town an educational one.

They’re the words kids across the country have been dreading: summer vacation is coming to an end. The new school year is about to begin and, unbelievably, fall is not far off.

But perhaps you, a parent, are pumped for the kids to spend the daytime hours away from the TV or computer at home. Maybe you’re already over the scorching hot days. Maybe, like me, you just can’t wait for the fall season.

Well, after many of the past weekends featuring jam-packed, boozy social events, let’s take this weekend to appreciate another of Carson City’s many sides. And it seems only appropriate that, while kids are going back to school, we take our own educational tour of Nevada’s capital.

I hear one or two virtual groans — but didn’t you know learning can be fun? Carson City is one of the most historic and storied spots on the West Coast, and it's so full of learning opportunities. At worst, you’ll have a few facts you can use to impress friends at your next party. At best, you’ll discover a whole new way of looking at Northern Nevada.

Nevada State Museum

First off, Nevada history is integral to the Carson City experience. It is, after all, an old town rich with stories of the Wild West, the industrial revolution and beyond. So why not start off our tour at the epicenter of Nevada history: the Nevada State Museum on Carson Street. Here, in the building that is itself historic as a former U.S. mint, you’ll find many incredible displays featuring the history of Nevada’s Native American tribes (including rich exhibits that detail the lives of Nevada’s first residents complete with actual woven baskets and weapons).

Learn about the animals, past and present, that would roam the desert and mountains. Discover the history of the mint itself, featuring coins made during its years of operation and see the machinery used to make them as well. There’s also the story of modern Nevada, with early slot machines and casino memorabilia. Don’t forget to tour the authentic underground mine shaft and view the silver service collection from the USS Nevada Battleship (made from silver and gold mined from Tonopah and Goldfield).

Oh, and of course, behold the largest Columbian mammoth displayed in America; it was found in the Black Rock Desert.

Photo: Nevada State Museum Facebook

Nevada Railroad Museum

From there, take a dive into another facet of Nevada history at the Nevada Railroad Museum. If you live here, I’m sure you’re aware of how railroad systems like the V&T were a huge part of Northern Nevada’s mining history and growth. There’s a collection of various locomotive artifacts and photos that document the interesting stories of westward expansion, the gold and silver rush and all about how Nevada trains fit into the narrative.

Plus, the museum is always having events, and you absolutely must ride the steam train that loops around the museum. By the time you leave these two museums, you’ll be a Nevada history buff AND a steampunk connoisseur.

Photo: Nevada State Railroad Museum Facebook

As much as Carson City loves to celebrate its history, what about the story beyond? Not just beyond Nevada — I’m talking about beyond even planet Earth!

Jack C. Davis Observatory

That’s right. Just up the hill above Western Nevada College is the Jack C. Davis Observatory. The college’s state-of-the-art facility houses three fascinating telescopes — including a robotic one for studying sunspots — and a research-grade weather station.

Every Saturday night the observatory is open to the public for free Star Parties. Dive deep into the observatory’s research and learn all about astronomy and the cosmos through lectures, a tour of the grounds and open use of the facility’s telescopes. You’ll see — seemingly close enough to touch — the planets of our solar system. I guarantee you, the first time you check it out, it will blow your mind! Plus, the nearby planetary walkway offers a beautiful view of the valley and the mountains; you’ll feel light years away from Carson City!

Blue Line Tour

Finally, the richness of Northern Nevada begins with the stories of the people who made it what it is. In my opinion, one of the best things you can do on any late-summer evening is take a walk along downtown Carson City’s Blue Line Tour. Apart from experiencing the incredible Victorian architecture of the homes of Carson City’s west side, there are so many historical markers along the self-guided tour that will give you the chance to learn about the notable figures of the city in the exact places they once lived or work — making for a truly singular, almost living and breathing, tour of Northern Nevada’s exceptional people.

There’s the Curry House, named for one of the town’s founders, Abe Curry, and built from sandstone taken from the original Nevada State Prison. Or the Ferris House, where there once lived the man who would go on to invent a certain popular carnival and boardwalk ride you may have heard of, named after him of course. And there’s the Governor’s Mansion, an icon of Carson City. With each notable building there’s a marker, worth a read to get to know the people who helped shape Nevada.

Photo: Facebook - The Littlest Things

And, like a scavenger hunt, the educational journey starts with these spots around Carson City and leads to a new place, a new well of information. Jump right in, get learning — it’ll be well worth your time.

For other events happening around Carson City this week, check out our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages as well.