6 Lovely and Memorable Train Rides to Take in Nevada

Since the early days of silver and gold mining, trains and train rides in Nevada have been an important part of the state's history and heritage. After all, steam locomotives were used to haul out the ore and carry in the building materials. Today, there are several train museums located throughout Nevada that preserve this important part of history. And many of Nevada's historic railroads continue to carry passengers on excursions. Even a few of our finest parks offer scenic train rides in Nevada for adults and children of all ages. If you're a fan of trains, here are six train rides near Las Vegas that'll give you an unforgettable experience:

1. Virginia & Truckee Railroad

Passengers will enjoy this gorgeous scenic train ride in Nevada while taking in the views on the historic route of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. This train ride takes about 1.5 hours to reach Virginia City. During the ride, your conductor will share the story of the Comstock mines and how the railroad helped make Virginia City the most famous boomtown of the Old West. No trip to Virginia City is complete without a ride on this historic railroad. Learn more about what you can expect from a trip to the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

2. Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail, the very first driverless public monorail system in the world, is the ultimate way to get around if you're staying on the Las Vegas Strip. There are seven stations: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris Station, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The Linq, Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate Station, and SAHARA Las Vegas.

The traffic on the Las Vegas Strip is usually terribly slow, so why not take a ride on a monorail that'll take you to your destination at 50 mph in air-conditioned comfort without all the headache of traffic? Using this form of transportation for a train trip in Nevada along the Las Vegas Strip takes about 15 minutes. This is a huge deal when you consider how long it takes to drive or walk the Las Vegas Strip. Learn more about this train and other scenic train rides in the US.

3. Nevada Northern Railway

The Nevada Northern Railway Complex is considered "the best-preserved, least altered, and most complete main yard complex remaining from the steam railroad era. It was established in 1905 to support the area's booming copper mining industry." Today, guests will experience the early 1900s as they take a historic train ride in Nevada. On this train, you'll have the choice of coach or open-air seating, or you are free to roam between the two. The two most popular train rides are the Ghost Train and the Santa's Reindeer Flyer. These are both seasonal events that many people look forward to each and every year. The next time you're in the Ely area, be sure to stop by and take a ride on one of these historic trains. You'll really enjoy it! Get all the details about riding the Nevada Northern Railway.

4. Idlewild Park Train

The train ride in Idlewild Park is one of the park's many fun features. Passengers of all ages will enjoy riding the train as it meanders its way through the most scenic area of the park. This is one of the most peaceful Nevada train rides you can take, and the kids will love it. Read up on all the fun things you can do at Idlewild Park.

5. Nevada Southern Railway

When riding the Nevada Southern Railway excursion train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City, you'll be experiencing history dating all the way back to the 1930s. You'll also have the choice of either riding in an open-air car or an air-conditioned/heated Pullman coach. The train ride lasts approximately 35 minutes and is one of the most scenic train rides in Nevada. Visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum website for fares, events, and other information.

6. Carson & Mills Park Railroad

The entire family will enjoy riding the Carson & Mills Park Railroad. Passengers will have the opportunity to ride behind a replica diesel switcher engine and choose between an open gondola and a covered passenger car. This train ride will take you 1.25 miles through beautiful Mills Park and lasts about 15 minutes. Adults and children of all ages are invited aboard one of the most scenic train rides in Nevada. Head to the website for Carson & Mills Park Railroad to plan your visit.

Have you taken any of these train trips in Nevada? Are there any other scenic train rides in Nevada that are your favorite?

If you'd rather check out the scenery firsthand, hit the trails and try one of these scenic hikes in Nevada.