Only The Brave Visit One Of The Best-Preserved Haunted Ghost Towns In The Wild West

Just 40 minutes southeast of Reno, some claim that Virginia City is perhaps the most paranormally active place in the U.S. An old mining town with a rich history, this hillside city in Nevada is an absolute must-visit for those who love the Wild West or a good ghost story. After the largest discovery of silver in American history was made in Virginia City in the 1860s, thousands flocked there to try and get in on the action. The city's boom drew miners, businessmen, vagabonds, and an array of other characters, all searching for a piece of the developing American Dream. The uncovering of the Comstock Lode transformed the region, and the influx of economic activity it produced enabled most of the entire western United States to come to fruition.

From the wooden sidewalks to the bustling saloons, this Virginia City is certainly not lacking in character. Dare to hunt for haunted experiences here? Careful if you do, because you might not like what you find. If haunted places are your vibe, this trip is a bucket-list must.

If you've ever watched a reality TV show about ghosts, chances are you already have Virginia City on your radar. The city's famous Washoe Club & Haunted Museum has been featured on just about every paranormal activity TV show, some more than once. This mysterious club and museum offers "overnight investigations" that allow visitors to spend the night in the museum, with access to all three floors. This includes the longest freestanding spiral staircase ever built, which, of course, has its own resident ghost. She goes by the name of Lena, if you want to make your acquaintance.

Mackay Mansion Museum is also well-known as one of the most haunted houses in the area. Home to seven ghosts (that we know of), two of which are said to be bandits that unsuccessfully tried to rob the mansion and were shot dead on discovery. Mackay Mansion has attracted many paranormal investigators and also appeared on the reality TV show "Ghost Hunters." 

If you're in town purely for the chills, you can visit the Mansion and Washoe Club as part of the "Bats in the Belfry" guided tour. Before booking, note that tours are $20 per person and are (unfortunately) not wheelchair accessible. Due to the spooky nature of the tours, children under the age of 13 are not admitted.

To get even more acquainted with the local lore, head to Silver Terrace Cemetery to contemplate mortality and walk amongst the spirits of Virginia City's past. On a steep, windswept hillside, this burial ground is the resting place of immigrants from all over the world who came to Nevada in search of the American Dream. With archetypal Victorian-era fenced-off plots, this eerie cemetery might lead you to believe that the dead still wander.

There's no better place to end a long day of ghost-hunting than at the Bucket of Blood saloon. Despite its intimidating name, this classic saloon is a charming watering hole that has been serving booze since 1876. Built after a massive fire in 1875 over the remains of the preceding Boston Saloon, there's a strong chance this place is also haunted. Make sure to take home some Cemetery Gin, the official spirit of Virginia City, that donates $1 for every bottle sold to the restoration efforts of the Comstock Cemetery Foundation.

If you're brave enough to stay the night at a haunted hotel, book a room at the Silver Queen Hotel. Offering brass beds and scenic views, this hotel dates back to the 1870s and also has its own ghosts. The hotel has a ceremonial crypt-turned-wedding-chapel downstairs if you'd like to give yourself nightmares. For the ultimate creep factor, ask to stay in room 11, which is supposedly the resting place of Rosie's ghost, the so-called "Silver Queen" herself.