Carson City Ghost Walk begins season June 1

The 27th season of the Carson City Ghost Walk begins with an opening walk June 1 and offers Saturday evening walks. Additional evening walks are 7 p.m. June 22, 29, July 4, 13, 27 and Aug. 17, 24, 31; and 6 p.m. Sept. 14, 21 and 28. There will be an all-day October Ghost Walk 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19.

Carson City’s rich and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in the seasonal evening walking tours led by Madame Curry, a spirited and historically fictional character named after the widow of Carson City’s founder, Abe Curry.

This year’s theme explores “In the Shadows” of Carson City. The evenings are a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian era and diverse history. Hear about lingering spirits of the long-ago centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and gossip from the past. This is a spirit-led, guided walking tour of the downtown district’s west side historic homes and businesses.

These scheduled tours leave, rain or shine. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins. Dress for the weather and for the walk. Bring a light source if we lose daylight. These tours are family-friendly.

All tickets are $15 in advance with an additional online fee. The cost is $20 at the door. Tickets in advance are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by mail. Call 775-348-6279 for information. Email ghostwalkingtour@gmail.com.

Tours depart from the McFadden Plaza on Curry Street adjacent to the St. Charles Hotel (the Fox BrewPub).

May to August tours depart 7 p.m. September tours depart at 6 p.m.

The west side of Carson City was settled in the late 1850s at the beginning of the largest silver rush in history. It was a time of great prosperity, discovery and excitement as Nevada became the “Battle Born” state in 1864.

There are several outside stops along the tour. The Bliss Mansion, a three-story, 8,500-square-foot mansion that was completed in 1879, built by millionaire Duane L. Bliss to become his dream home. The Ferris Mansion is home of George Ferris, Jr., inventor of the Ferris Wheel for the Chicago World Columbian Exposition in 1893. The Governor’s Mansion is situated on the beautiful Mountain Street, or as Madame Curry calls it, “Celebrity Row.” In 1907, the “Mansion Bill” and neighbor Mrs. T.B. Rickey made this residence possible 40 years after Nevada became a state. There are many spirits linked to this mansion and area. Rinckel Mansion was built by the fortune of Mathias Rinckel, a forward-looking meat magnate who struck it rich supplying Gold Rushers and Lake Tahoe lumbermen.