Eureka Underground Tunnel

As one of the richest mineral producers of the 1800s, it’s safe to say Eureka solidified Nevada’s sterling reputation and place in the history books. Now home to one of the most well-preserved, not to mention wildly photogenic 18th century Old West towns in all of Nevada, making time to explore the Eureka Historic District should be part of every Loneliest Road tripper’s itinerary. And that’s just what you’ll see above ground.

Like many other historic boomtowns across Nevada and the West, Eureka, NV had quite the boomin’ downtown district, along with a myriad of tunnels that connected many businesses below the surface. From bootlegging activity, to ensuring regular deliveries of beer during stormy, high desert winter months, to theories about Nevada Governor Reinhold Sadler having the underground tunnels made as a way of avoiding interacting with townspeople on his way to work, there are quite a few legends about how this “Underground Cathedral” came to be.  

Some of the underground tunnel systems in the state were meant for liquor and food deliveries and other commerce, but also for anyone who wasn’t white to get around town, below the main street level. Matter of fact, historians have speculated Eureka’s Underground Tunnel was built by the Chinese, who made the passageway to avoid being harassed, carry out social activities, and create community. 

Most of the 150+ year old tunnel has long since collapsed or have been filled in, though several large chambers remain and have attracted some of the most famous ghost hunters around, including Zak Bagans’ “Ghost Adventures,” which investigated reports of a malevolent spirit lurking within the Eureka Underground Tunnels.

Eureka Underground Tunnel Tours

History lover or ghost hunter, there’s no Nevada tour quite like the Eureka Underground Tunnel. Made by appointment only, this is the only way to see the last remaining chambers of what was once a 2-mile tunnel system throughout historic downtown Eureka.