Montana Ghost Towns – Nevada & Virginia City

 

Ghost Towns are something I have always found fascinating. To see how people lived in the past, to be able to walk through homes, businesses, and take a look at how things use to be, is history come alive right before your eyes. Montana ghost towns seemed all the more facinating so we visited 2 on our trip!

Montana has many ghost towns that you can visit. We decided to visit Virginia and Nevada City. These two towns are only a mile a part and just a short, one hour drive from Bozeman. The scenic drive through Ennis and Norris was one of my favorites.

Virginia City

Virginia City looks as though it is frozen in time. Although this town is partially a ghost town, several of the building are still occupied by local merchants and open for business: gift shops, restaurants, theater, bank, lodging and a brewery.  It is a remarkably well-preserved, old west Victorian gold mining town 90 miles west of  Yellowstone National Park.

While we were in Virginia City, we stopped in several of the local shops. Cousin’s Candy Shop was like being a kid again. There were so many different types of goodies. They have authentic salt water taffy, fudge and licorice, hard candy & sugar free candy. All so yummy! I recommend the cheesecake fudge, it was to die for!

Nevada City

Just down the road is Nevada City and the Ghost Town Museum. This is where you can get a true sense of the Old West and how things operated day-to-day. There is a cost of $8/per person to enter. This place was so fascinating. I was blown away by the preservation of these historical buildings. Churches, School House, Doctor’s Office, Tavern, Apothecary, Stable Repair, Blacksmith, Carriage house, Sheriff’s Station, Jail House, and much more. Plan to stay awhile and really take in all of the history and don’t forget your camera.

On our way home, we were quite hungry and stopped in Ennis and had a late lunch at a little diner called Sugar High. It was so good. Just like growing up and going to the local hamburger stand. Made to order hamburgers, fries, milkshakes, and more. So good after a long day of walking through the ghost towns. Ennis is also home to a gorgeous Lake if you have time to visit.

If you have any questions about any of the areas mentioned above, please feel free to comment below or email us directly.

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