Carson City is a small town with a big museum scene. What’s more, most of the museums are concentrated on downtown’s main thoroughfare, making it easy to go to multiple museums in a day. As we move into the winter and early spring months in northern Nevada, there will be plenty of cold and gloomy days ahead. Museum hopping is an excellent activity to get you out of the house and into a change of scenery, with glimpses into the world of the past.
Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada
For those with little ones who have pent-up energy, the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada is the ideal place to take them for a couple hours. Situated in the historical Civic Auditorium, the brick building brims with multiple play spaces – a grocery store, a plane and shuttle, a jungle gym and slide, dinosaur and taxidermy animals, a rock wall, a prison, a construction site and more. The front of the museum includes historic items and a toy store. If you live close by, consider an annual membership to avoid paying per visit; it is well worth it if you can go often.
Playing at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada
Nevada State Museum
If you have time for only one museum in Carson City, the Nevada State Museum should be at the top of your list. The upstairs of this museum has historical artifacts from prehistoric periods to the Wild West. Below the museum is a labyrinth section of mine that you can walk through for a spooky, thrilling adventure that will help you experience the hard life of a miner. At ground level is the real-life United States Mint, where you can purchase some freshly minted coins and observe the minting process. This really only scratches the surface, though, and you can spend a whole day at the Nevada State Museum without getting bored.
Down in the mines at the Nevada State Museum.
Nevada State Railroad Museum / Carson & Mills Park Railroad
Railroad lovers rejoice – there is an entire museum at the south end of town dedicated to the historical railroads of northern Nevada. At the Nevada State Railroad Museum, numerous old engines and trains are kept in pristine condition and on display. You’ll be able to spend hours looking over steam engines and railroad cars from the 1800s and 1900s.
To take a ride on a small train and see even more railroad exhibits, head to the Carson & Mills Park Railroad, though keep in mind that train rides are seasonal and best experienced in the warmer months of the year, especially during events at Mills Park.
All aboard at the Carson Mills & Park Railroad!
Governor’s Mansion
While not technically a museum, the Governor’s Mansion is a sight worth seeing in Carson, even if you are just strolling by it from the outside. It is a testament to the enduring quality of neoclassical architecture and an icon of Carson City’s gilded past from the age of silver and gold mining. For a closer look at the mansion, attend one of the many events that take place there throughout the year, such as the Ghost Walk in the fall.
Even More Museums
Beyond these, Carson City has the Nevada State Prison Historic Site, where you can tour the gloomy remains of an old jail. At the Warren Engine Fire Museum, you can hear history and see artifacts about the fire companies of the region. And the Foreman-Roberts House Museum lets you experience a historic Victorian home full of paraphernalia from the time period.
Despite having fewer than 60,000 people, Carson City boasts numerous museums for you to enjoy year-round, especially in those months when you want to stay inside.
