Chollar Mine Tour - Virginia City, Nevada

Exit Z.

This was a fun experience for the three of us. We arrived after the rain fall. The ground is thick mud. Be sure to have proper boots on. That just added character for the experience. The mine tour its self is not very long in terms of the walk. 400+ feet long into the earth. What makes this tour fun is the guide. He was passionate for the mine. An excellent storyteller of the history of this mine. There are some interesting old tools and minerals to look at as you wait to enter the mine. You are provided with hardhats which you definitely need. Without it I would’ve had a massive headache after pumping my head five times in the narrow, low tunnel. If you’re in the area, I definitely recommend taking in the experience.

Elias G.

Fabulous mine with tons of cool facts and machinery. The guide was very funny and will make you laugh with the facts that he shares and he leaves you always remembering one thing that you will all but guarantee you will never forget the image. Very exiting place, definitely a must do to in Nevada

Wendy A.

What a unique and fun experience! This is a privately owned mine from the 1860s, with fascinating history regarding the Comstock Load. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all of our many questions. If you happen to go on this tour the day after it has snowed, arranged, be sure to wear hiking boots, or shoes to wear in the event the area is muddy. Would absolutely go back and highly recommend to anyone in the Reno or Virginia City area visiting.

Christian C.

We took a tour at the end of April and it was fantastic! Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and very affable. We went with our six year old that had the best time of his life. Getting to go a couple hundred feet into a mine is pretty cool, including watching all the snow melt drain through the mine's floor! Really recommend to anyone who visits Virginia City. Just remember to bring cash, they don't take cards!

Eliza P.

My family (4yr old, 7yr old, 67yr old and me) went on the Chollar mine tour on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I think tours start every hour on the :15 past; ours started at 2:15 and we arrived with no tickets and had time to look at some artifacts and maps at the start and chat with the fascinating owner. the owner is keeping alive this mine to teach about the history since it is an original Comstock mine, unlike the mine tour in downtown Virginia city.

I had thought my rambunctious 4yr old might be bored with all the details of the tour, and while he did whisper constant questions, he highly enjoyed the 40min tour. I appreciated that they gave us hard hats because I bonked my head many times but my kids walked through easily. the guide also engaged the kids especially.

The mine is a bit of walk down a road from downtown in the sun, so if you are elderly or have little ones, I recommend driving there.

Bill S.

Virginia City is full of tourist trap activities, but the Chollar mine isn't one of them. It's a real mine, a real part of history and a part of how the USA became the country it is today. The tour guide John Tyson, is a local legend too, a real cowboy, a real lawman, a real soldier and an amazing story teller. Show up with cash, the only electric power is for light and ventilation in the mine shaft, not for credit card machines. Adults will need to walk in a crouched position for about 100 feet, great for kids . If you only do one thing in Virginia City, visit Chollar Mine.

Ed T.

Fantastic tour of the last operating silver mine in Virginia City. The tour guides were very knowledgable - it was kind of hard to digest it all but the key points came across - like it pretty much sucked to be a miner in Virginia City! The tour itself is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Not to be missed and highly recommended for most. Note there were several young children who had to leave - so it can be a bit scary for those that have a hard time with tight, enclosed spaces.

Colton D.

Loved this tour, the 79 year old tour guide John Tyson was amazing and very considerate of all their customers. We called beforehand to make sure we could get the tour and had no problems on the tour! Very informative and overall an amazing experience! All proceeds they earn go towards keeping the mine open and maintained. Ceiling is pretty low so if you have problems bending over then be careful. Had absolutely no issues and had a wonderful time! Will definitely be coming back when I get the chance!