Big Things Happening at the Sutro Tunnel
If you haven't visited the Sutro Tunnel lately, there's a lot happening both underground and above ground.
Restoration work inside the historic tunnel has now reached approximately 315 feet into the Dayton adit, an impressive milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve one of Nevada's greatest engineering achievements. While tunnel work is temporarily paused, Simerson Construction is building a new protective support structure, known as a "turtle," that will allow restoration crews to safely continue their work deeper into the tunnel.
Even after more than 150 years, Sutro Tunnel remains an active drainage system, with roughly 100,000 gallons of water flowing from it each day (during initial construction, four million gallons were drained daily).
The site itself is continuing to grow as a destination for visitors. Restoration of the Schulz Victorian is nearing completion and is expected to open later this year. This beautiful building will house offices, a gift shop, kitchen facilities, and a research library, adding even more opportunities for guests to explore and learn about Comstock history.
Visitors will also soon notice new signage throughout the property, welcoming guests as well as telling the story of the tunnel, the Comstock, and the people who built them. Kustom 2 U donated new welcome and parking signs plus the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation (JASHP) donated nine interpretive site displays. New internet service and expanded security systems are also being added as the site continues to improve.
Looking ahead, the next major preservation project will focus on restoring the property's large 1872 warehouse, which is planned to become an indoor event space.
The Friends of Sutro Tunnel team is also preparing for the Nevada Builders Alliance Meat & Drink event on Sept. 10. Guests will enjoy an evening of history, exhibits, activities, and entertainment while exploring the historic property. Adding to the atmosphere, members of the Never Too Late Barbershop Quartet will be strolling the grounds and performing throughout the event. For tickets and details, visit bit.ly/4ieEdTW.
The tunnel's popular self-guided tours continue to attract visitors from across the region, and the site plans to remain open year-round for self-guided visits and private tours, weather permitting. The last public tours of the 2026 season will take place Sept. 16 and 19.
As work continues underground and improvements take shape above ground, the Sutro Tunnel remains more than a relic of the past. It is a testament to the people who created it, and to those who are working today to ensure its legacy endures for future generations.
