The Nevada State Museum in Nevada's capital, Carson City, is an entertaining and condensed way to understand the history of this Wild West state. Each exhibit in the museum will take you from native pre-history to Nevada's gaming, military and nuclear history. The most popular exhibits include the large Native American section with priceless basket art, the John C. Fremont exhibit, an intact wooly mammoth, and taxidermy of Nevada's wildlife-including several large mountain lions and bears.
How to get to the Nevada State Museum
The museum is located in the middle of downtown Carson City, about 30 minutes from Reno. Take Interstate 580 south from Reno and get off at Business 395 South in Carson City. The museum is located on 395 between Washington and Robinson Streets.
Best and worst time to go to the Nevada State Museum
Some of the best times to go to the museum are when they first open up in the morning. The museum is less crowded and the entire museum will only take you about two to three hours to view-leaving you the rest of the day to explore Carson City. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Must see/do at the Nevada State Museum
The most popular part of the museum for both adults and children is the underground mining and ghost town that features working ore cars, mining shafts and spooky buildings with sound effects. Another interesting exhibit is the history of gaming in the state with various working slot machines. If you like firearms, check out the Gatlin gun on display.
Admission to the Nevada State Museum
The museum costs under $10 for adults and children under age 18 can enter for free.
Parking and public transportation to the Nevada State Museum
There is some street museum parking, but it is only available for two hours at a time. The local bus (JAC) #3 stops in front of the museum entrance.
Food at the Nevada State Museum
There are no restaurants in the museum, but just outside the museum are several places to eat including the Nugget Casino and The Basil, which serves excellent Thai food.
Insider tip for visitors to the Nevada State Museum
Visit on the last Friday of each month to watch the museum's Historic Coin Press No. 1 the old press mint new silver coins that are actually used.
Author's bio: Christina Nellemann is a writer and blogger who covers the Reno/Tahoe area for USA Today/10Best and 7x7SF. She still loves the underground ghost town at the Nevada State Museum.