Carson City Museums

(Carson City, Nevada - NV, USA)

Considering that this is far from being a large state capital, Carson City manages to boast numerous quality museums and buildings of great historical significance.

Located on North Carson Street and backing onto the Silver Queen Inn, in the city center, the Nevada State Museum is to be found within the historic Carson City mint building, just four blocks to the north of the Capitol. This attraction is managed by the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs and contains a number of fascinating exhibits, such as one of the biggest Columbian mammoths on display in the world (discovered in the Black Rock Desert), an ancient North American mummy known as the 'Spirit Cave Mummy', an original coin press and countless old photographs.

Further related places of interest around the city include the Bowers Mansion, the Children's Museum of North Nevada, the Foreman Roberts House, the Nevada State Railroad Museum, the Stewart Indian School and Yesterday's Flyers, where the history of aviation is showcased for all to enjoy, not to mention its vintage aircraft.

Nevada State Museum

Address: 600 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada (NV), 89701, USA
Tel: +1 775 687 4810
Apart from its huge Columbian mammoth, additional highlights at the Nevada State Museum include the 'Explore Under One Sky' display, which focuses on the meagre existence of the Native American Indians who once lived in Nevada's section of the Great Basin. You can also take a stroll through a carefully thought-out Nevada timeline, exploring an underground mine before experiencing creatures of the desert, such as the Great Basin rattlesnake and the Desert tortoise. Of note, the mint itself is an especially grand building and dates back to 1870, being built at the very peak of the state's silver boom. An obligatory gift shop concludes your visit, suiting children looking to spend their pocket money.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 08:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, children 16 years old and under are free

Nevada State Railroad Museum

Address: 2180 South Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada (NV), 89701, USA
Tel: +1 775 687 6953
The Nevada State Railroad Museum is to be found on the southern side of the city, just off South Carson Street (Highway US-395). Actively preserving Nevada's important railroad heritage, the museum comes with meticulously restored historic locomotives and carriages, along with related railway memorabilia, gold rush and mining relics, working model railways and a train-related gift shop. Several seasonal themed events add further interest, and there is also a working steam train from the 1920s, complete with a period train station relocated from Wabuska, to take visitors on a short circular ride. Young children will enjoy playing with the Thomas the Tank Engine trains at the entrance, while knowledgeable guides are on hand to answer your questions. Be sure to sit down and watch the videos explaining the history of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company, and have a go riding on the hand-cars.
Open hours: Friday to Monday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, children 17 years old and under are free

Stewart Indian School

Address: 5500 Synder Avenue, Carson City, Nevada (NV), 89701, USA
Tel: +1 775 687 8333
Appearing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Stewart Indian School is of great historic significance in Carson City and opened in 1890, being named after the state's very first senator, William Morris Stewart. Although Federal budget cuts resulted in the school buildings being closed in the early 1980s, it is still possible to take a stroll around the grounds, admiring the historic architecture and horticultural excellence.
Open hours: self-guided tours, daily
Admission: free

Foreman Roberts House Museum

Address: 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada (NV), 89706, USA
Tel: +1 775 887 2174
Standing just across the road from the Quality Inn and boasting distinctive yellow and white Gothic Revival architecture, the Foreman Roberts House has led a particularly interesting life, since it was actually originally built in Old Washoe City. It was later relocated to San Francisco, before being rebuilt in its present setting in Carson City in 1873, after being transported here by railway. Guided tours provide an insight into the history of the building, while visitors can also enjoy picnics within the surrounding park, views of the Nevada State Capitol Building and regular yard sales. There are also exhibits of local archives and a small gift shop.
Open hours: Friday to Sunday - 13:00 to 15:00, guided tours available by arrangement
Admission: charge

Yesterday's Flyers

Address: Carson City Airport, 3020 Gravies Lane No 14, Carson City, Nevada (NV), 89701, USA
Tel: +1 702 883 1050
Yesterday's Flyers is an interesting aviation museum sited at Carson City Airport. Many old and important aircraft are on display here after being restored, a number of which actually flew in World War II. These planes include a Breese Penguin, two Curtiss-Wright Junior CW-1 planes, a Deperdussin Monoplane, a Santos Dumont XX Demoiselle, a Stinson SM-1F Detroiter and a Vultee BT-13A Valiant, amongst other aircraft.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00, other times by appointment
Admission: free

Children's Museum of North Nevada

Address: 813 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada (NV), 89701, USA
Tel: +1 775 884 2226
Some visitors would say that this museum is compact, others would simply call it small, especially when comparing it to the Terry Lee Discovery Museum in Reno. However, if you are in the area with young children, then it is well worth penciling in a visit to the Children's Museum of North Nevada. Youngsters will have lots of fun playing with the hands-on displays and interactive science exhibits, as well as capturing images of their shadows, and playing on the giant piano keys. There are often additional activities at the weekend, such as handicrafts and pottery.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children 14 years and under, children one year old and under are free

Bowers Mansion

Address: 4005 Old US Highway 395 North, New Washoe City, Nevada (NV), 89704, USA
Tel: +1 775 849 0201
Situated on the northern outskirts of Carson City, in the direction of Reno, the Bowers Mansion was constructed in the early part of the 1860s and is a classic example of the style of home built by new-money millionaires who made their fortunes during the highly prosperous Comstock Lode mining boom. This grand house was originally owned by one Sandy Bowers and his wife Eilley, although sadly following his unexpected death in 1868, the house was eventually repossessed due to mounting debts. Today, the mansion is owned by the Washoe County Parks Department and is furnished with period antiques and furniture kindly donated by literally hundreds of families across the state. Guided tours take place during the summer and fall seasons, when visitors can enjoy the landscaped grounds and outdoor natural pool, which is fed by a small stream.
Open hours: June to October, hours vary
Admission: charge