It's all aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railway later this month — with masks mandatory — for the first time in 18 months on the historic Engine No. 18 and passenger cars offering roundtrip rides from Carson City to Virginia City.
The V&T Railway typically operates in the summer months and during the December holiday season with a special schedule and Santa Claus on the Polar Express. But the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure before the 2020 summer season began.
Service returns on Aug. 28 with an opening ceremony at Eastgate Depot in Carson City. It will run Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31, followed by the return of the Polar Express this winter.
"We're very fortunate that our loyal supporters have been patient and persistent in supporting us through this last season," V&T Commission Chairman David Peterson said Friday. "We can't wait to get going again."
The train offers scenic views of the Virginia Mountain range on the way to the historic mining town, along with abandoned mine shafts, old mill sites and sometimes free-roaming mustangs.
Ticket prices range from $55 for adults to $35 for children ages 2 to 15.
Masks are required onboard the train and inside Eastgate Depot.
