Virginia City, MT
Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad
5.0· 4 Google reviews
At a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-25- TypeSeasonal 30-inch narrow-gauge narrated ride between Virginia City and Nevada City
- LocationVirginia City, MT
- Rating5.0 ★4 Google reviews
- UpcomingWed, Aug 26
About Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad
Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad is a seasonal, state-owned 30-inch narrow-gauge visitor railroad connecting Virginia City and Nevada City, Montana. The official 2026 schedule runs daily from May 23 through September 7 with limited capacity. The narrated trip takes about 15 minutes, and round-trip passengers choose both their departure and return times when buying same-day tickets in person.
Plan the Alder Gulch Ride
Choose the visit that fits your groupVisitors based in Virginia City
Start in Virginia City
Buy at the depot, choose the return time, and depart at the top of the hour from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Visitors pairing the ride with Nevada City
Start in Nevada City
Buy at the museum and Music Hall entrance, then cross to the Bovey Visitor Center for half-hour departures.
Travelers with a coordinated shuttle or pickup
Ride one way
Use the published one-way fare only when you have a safe plan for returning between towns.
History-focused visitors and mixed-interest groups
Walk the Virginia City district
Use the free internal guide for maps, outdoor interpretation, access cautions, and timing around a reserved return train.
Current Operating Status
Complete official operating-status check
Daily 2026 Alder Gulch Shortline service
The operator publishes one daily operating season rather than separate special events. Every remaining date after the August 25 source check through the September 7 season close is transcribed. Departure times repeat daily, capacity is limited, tickets are same-day and in-person only, and bad-weather cancellations remain possible. Check official operating status ↗
Plan Your Visit
- 2026 seasonDaily May 23-September 7, weather permitting
- Ride timeApproximately 15 minutes each way with narration
- Virginia City departuresEvery hour from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- Nevada City departuresEvery half hour from 10:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m.
- Adult fare$10 round trip or $8 one way
- Youth and senior fareAges 4-11 and 65+ pay $8 round trip or $6 one way
- Young childrenAge 3 and under ride free
- GroupsGroups of 6 or more pay $8 each round trip
- Ticket ruleSame-day, in-person, first come, first served; no phone or online reservations
- Round-trip timingChoose both departure and return trips when purchasing
- WeatherThe train does not run in bad weather
- RestroomsPublic restrooms at the Virginia City depot and near the Bovey Visitor Center in Nevada City
- Mobility accessNo current train-specific boarding guarantee is published; call before relying on a particular accommodation
Find the Depot
The Trains
The public line uses 30-inch narrow gauge over the 1.5-mile corridor. The official history records two coal-fired Davenport “Dinky” locomotives in the 1964-69 era, a small gasoline-powered work train from 1972, and reconstruction beginning in 1998 for a large 1910 Baldwin locomotive. Current state tourism information describes that Baldwin as a display piece and the 2026 train page does not promise motive power, car assignment, steam operation, or a particular boarding configuration. Plan around the published ride, not a specific locomotive.
History
Charlie Bovey built the 1.5-mile visitor railroad between Virginia City and Nevada City.
Deteriorated used ties ended operation of the heavy Davenport locomotives.
Service resumed with a small gasoline-powered work train and gang cars.
An August 16 roundhouse fire destroyed the work train and damaged equipment and artifacts.
The State of Montana purchased the Bovey properties in Virginia City and Nevada City.
Rebuilding began with roughly 4,000 new ties, curve work, and a wye at each end.
Governor Marc Racicot drove the rededication golden spike on September 10.
The official season runs daily May 23-September 7, subject to weather and capacity.
See full history
Charlie Bovey built the railroad in 1964 to connect Virginia City with Nevada City after mainline railroad service had historically stopped about ten miles away at Alder. Worn ties ended the first heavy-locomotive era in 1969; a lighter gasoline work train returned in 1972. A 1991 roundhouse fire destroyed the work train and damaged railroad artifacts and locomotives. After Montana acquired the Bovey properties in 1997, crews rebuilt the 1.5-mile line with thousands of new ties, and Governor Marc Racicot drove a ceremonial golden spike for the September 10, 1999 rededication.
Around the Depot
The free Virginia City Historic District walk begins around the Virginia City endpoint and works as a genuinely separate public-town experience. It is not included admission, and individual businesses and indoor attractions set their own hours, prices, and access rules.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Compare the attraction location with your airport or lodging before deciding whether a rental car fits the trip.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Virginia City
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve Alder Gulch train tickets online?
No. Tickets are sold only in person on the day of travel, first come and first served. Phone reservations are not offered.
How long is the ride?
About 15 minutes each way, with narration.
When does the train depart?
Virginia City departures are hourly from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.; Nevada City departures are on the half hour from 10:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m.
Do I need to choose a return time?
Yes. Round-trip passengers choose both departure and return times when buying tickets so a return seat can be held.
Does the train run in rain or bad weather?
The operator says it does not run in bad weather. Check locally when conditions are uncertain.
Is the current ride steam powered?
Do not assume it is. The current schedule does not promise a specific locomotive, and state tourism material describes the historic 1910 Baldwin as a display piece.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The current train page does not publish a train-specific boarding guarantee. Call 406-843-5247 before depending on a particular mobility accommodation.
Where are the restrooms?
At the Virginia City depot and near the Bovey Visitor Center on the Nevada City side.
Can I buy tickets in Nevada City?
Yes. Buy at the Nevada City Museum and Music Hall entrance, then board across the highway at the Bovey Visitor Center.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 25, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official train page for 2026 dates, departures, fares, capacity, weather rule, depots, restrooms, and railroad history
- Official Montana Heritage Commission FAQ for same-day sales, selected return times, ride duration, and seasonal context
- Official plan-your-visit page for depot addresses, ticket locations, boarding point, restrooms, and regional distances
- Montana Department of Commerce page for state acquisition and current commission stewardship
- Visit Montana listing for 30-inch gauge and current Baldwin display distinction
- Wikimedia Commons Virginia City category for exact route-context images and file-level licenses