Nevada County is blessed when it comes to fall. From eye-popping fall colors to an amazing list of things to do. But there’s one in particular you should include on your trip this autumn. Take in one of the many guided tours happening. Here’s some of the upcoming best tours this season.
Historic Cemeteries & Fall Colors Of Nevada City
October 24th, 2024
Nevada County is home to over 45 historic cemeteries, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history and scenic way to enjoy nature. The popular annual local history hike series, organized by the Folk Trails Hiking Club and the Inn Town Campground, provides a one-of-a kind way to take them in via their Historic Cemeteries tour. The free hike starts at the Robinson Plaza in downtown Nevada City, in front of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. At 4pm, you’ll set off on a lovely four-mile stroll through its historic cemeteries. This includes Pioneer Cemetery off West Broad Street, St. Canice Historical Cemetery, and Pine Grove Cemetery on Red Dog Road. Each of these cemeteries offer a glimpse into Nevada County’s past. Learn about individuals buried here and pay respects to those who have come before us. Visit the Inn Town Campground website for more about this hike and others.
To add to the experience, consider picking up a copy of “Cemeteries of the Western Sierra” by local historian Christopher Ward. You’ll find the book at Nevada County’s bookstores – Harmony Books.
Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour
October 17th & 18th, 2024
Truckee may be a lively town filled with upscale boutiques, wine shops, and award-winning fine dining, but it wasn’t always so. As part of the annual Historical Haunted Tour, you’ll experience its past through talented characters. Watch as they engage in rowdy tales of its history in seven historical sites located throughout downtown Truckee.
Note: The Historical Haunted Tour is so popular that it sells out the day tickets go on sale. If you want to join the fun, be sure to set a reminder that 2025 tickets go on sale July 4th at 8am.
Self-Guided Tour Of Truckee
Even if you can’t get tickets for this year’s haunted tour, there’s plenty of exploring to do on your own. Take in the history by going on a self-guided downtown Truckee historic tour and explore Truckee’s oldest buildings. Learn about its early settlers, the first transcontinental railroad, and discover the interesting stories behind Truckee’s landmark sites and historical buildings. For more Halloween fun, be sure to read Truckee’s Guide to Halloween.
Torchlight Tours
October 29th, November 6th & 8th, 2024
The gold mines of Nevada County left a significant mark on the region’s history. While they brought wealth, mining was also a tough and dangerous job. This led to many children becoming orphans. Fortunately, the nuns of Mount Saint Mary’s Academy played a vital role in educating and caring for the children and orphans in the settlement.
Today, the Convent building within the property houses the Grass Valley Museum & Cultural Center. During this unique tour, you’ll explore the museum and the rose garden, visit the basement (which is usually off-limits) via candlelight, and learn about the town’s history through the 1930s. This convent is the oldest women’s convent still standing west of the Rockies.
Haunted Nevada City Tours
Nevada City has a deep history literally and figuratively because of its Gold Rush era past. Explore the stories of the numerous spirts, apparitions, and specters that are known to frequent its historic buildings. Join actor, writer, and master storyteller Mark Lyon on a Haunted Nevada City historical walking tour in his Victorian gold rush era hometown. You’ll walk Broad Street and get highlights on local color, historic references, and history of buildings. And of course, tales of ghost and paranormal sightings that have happened over the years. Tours are available by digital download and can be purchased at the Nevada City Chamber office at 132 Main St.
Ghost Stories Await
In addition to his tours Mark Lyon will be hosting two events delving into the colorful history both local and abroad as part of a speaker series at local Nevada County libraries.
Haunted History with Mark Lyon
October 16th, 2024
This exclusive after-hours presentation will dive into the historic ghosts of the National Exchange Hotel, which was built in 1856 and has long been a central piece of Nevada City’s history—ghost stories included! Settle in and enjoy eerie local tales at our library branch, located just up the road from the National Exchange.
Haunted Histories of Leap Castle and Glamis Castle
October 22nd, 2024
Mark Lyon will present spooky stories of two famous castles, each steeped in history and legend. Leap Castle, located in Ireland, is often claimed to be one of the most haunted castles in the world, while Scotland’s Glamis Castle is known for its own share of frightening tales—and is famously said to be the inspiration for the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Or if you wish to experience Mark’s storytelling in person, private tours can be arranged by contacting him at mlyon@hauntedisles.com.
