Here in Nevada, the Old West is still very much alive and kickin’, especially in places like Virginia City. After all, this town is home to century-old structures and historic saloons that look they’ve been frozen in time for the past 150 years. The saloon featured here is especially notable because it’s home to much more than good drinks and good company. This saloon is packed with history from top to bottom—literally. Underneath this old saloon is an old gold mine and you can even see it for yourself! This gold mine tour is a must anytime you find yourself in Virginia City, so be sure to check it out.
Virginia City is home to a variety of historic saloons, but Ponderosa Saloon may just be the most unique of them all. Home to over 150 years worth of history, this place is like a living, breathing museum.
The Ponderosa Saloon is much more than your typical watering hole. Along with boasting strong drinks and hearty meals, the saloon is home to a variety of century-old artifacts. Visiting this place is like stepping into a time capsule of Wild West memorabilia.
Perhaps the saloon's biggest attraction can actually be found underneath the beloved restaurant and bar. It turns out that the Best & Belcher mine shaft is just a short journey from the saloon. So naturally, the saloon's owners dug a tunnel to the shaft and began giving tours.
Today, visitors can drop in and enjoy a 25-minute tour as the guide leads you through the shaft's dark tunnels. Actually walking through the old mine shaft is a fascinating experience, but there's a lot more to the tour to check out.
The tour also includes a look at the 300 or so pieces of vintage mining equipment that are on display. It's crazy to think that all of these century-old antiques are sitting in a saloon of all places.
One of the most notable antiques is the old Bank of California vault from 1864. You can't help but wonder how much money this historic vault has held over the years!
It's places like this that prove that the days of Nevada's Wild West will never really be forgotten. If anything, we will be reliving them for years to come. Experience this unique gold mine tour for yourself and enjoy a hearty meal afterward! Visit the Ponderosa Saloon at 106 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440.
