Time travel to see camels in Virginia City, a Nevada town that offers families the chance to experience what life was like in a 19th-century mining boomtown. Yes, we said camels. We forgot to add ostriches and zebras, all of whom run in the annual, autumn International Camel and Ostrich Races.
And what about the mining? Silver was first discovered under Mount Davidson, Nevada in 1859. The largest silver ore deposit in North America became known as the Comstock Lode and drew thousands of fortune seekers from around the world. The town of Virginia City sprang up overnight.
Located just a 30-minute drive from Reno, Virginia City still welcomes all to step back in time. Kids of all ages enjoy watching other visitors roam the streets in cowboy and bar maid costumes. Together, mosey up to a saloon for a cool beverage, take a tour of a retired mine, wander into a dozen small museums and ride an authentic steam train.
To really get in the mood? Before arrival, stream episodes of the famous 1960’s TV show “Bonanza” set in Virginia City.
Did Mark Twain Invent The Camel Races In Virginia City?
We will let the tourism office’s press department recount the story of how the camel races came to be. The first camel race in 1959 was the result of a sort of rivalry, their story begins. The rivalry was between the Territorial Enterprise, Virginia City’s newspaper (known for being Mark Twain’s first writing job) and the San Francisco Chronicle.
According to legend, the editor of the Territorial Enterprise printed a fake news story about camel races in Virginia City. It was a hoax, but the editor of the Chronicle reprinted it without checking the facts. The following year, not happy about being made a fool, the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper office sent a team to race in Virginia City with a camel borrowed from the San Francisco Zoo. And a tradition was born.
How Do Camels And Ostriches Race?
Camel racing is a traditional sport in the Middle East, dating to the 7th century AD. In the Arab world, only the one-humped dromedary camel is trained for the sport. With a rider, a talented camel can gallop up to 25mph. Long-legged ostriches are surprisingly nimble and can top 40mph, about the same speed as zebras.
Interestingly, in nature, zebras (which some entrants ride) are considered symbiotic with ostriches. They depend on each other because zebras have poor eyesight and ostriches have poor hearing, so they work together to avoid predators.
Yes, watching them all race is great fun.
Catch Racing Camels In Virginia City
The International Camel and Ostrich Races attracts tens of thousands of spectators to watch novice jockeys race on camels and ostriches. The races span three days, and will take place this year from Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 10 in 2023.
Virginia City is entertaining anytime of year. (Just read our guide to the best of the Wild West in Virginia City.) However, the biggest annual event — no question — are these races. The races span three days, and will take place from Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 10 in 2023.
The festivities begin with Hot Camel Nights, a Friday evening race and night on the town for visitors. Saturday and Sunday, there are day races and Sunday is the designated Family Day. Expect to enjoy extra activities for your little ones.
The 64th annual edition will be held at the Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds. The new facility boasts more parking options, better visibility with a circular arena (versus the horseshoe previously used) and improved handicap and stroller access.
Trip Planning Details for the Camel & Ostrich Races
Stay longer than a weekend. Virginia City has more to see and do than you might expect, as you can tell from our roundup of Virginia City family attractions.
FTF writer Allison Tibaldi stayed at the Goldhill Hotel built in 1861, and enjoyed it and its long history. This place boasts that Mark Twain frequented its saloon and that rooms featured on the TV show “Ghost Adventures!” may have extra occupants. Gold Hill room styles range from tiny ones in the historic section to free-standing cabins sleeping six to eight. Of course, you’ll have to book ahead anywhere during the Camel Races weekend.
Ticket prices are fair. For 2023, general admission is $20, $30 in the shade and $13 for kids ages 3-12 and seniors. VIP admission ranges from $55 to $400 depending on the number of guests and meals served.
If watching racing camels in Virginia City are what you’ve come for, tickets for the event can be purchased online at VCCamelRaces.com.
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