Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park – Gabbs, Nevada

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park – Gabbs, Nevada

Nestled at 7,000 feet on the western slope of the Shoshone mountain range this park provides a vast array of stimulating recreations opportunities.  Originally established to protect and display North America’s most abundant concentration and largest known Ichthyosaur fossils.  Also as part of the preservation effort is the turn of the century mining town of Berlin as well as the Diana Mine.

Berlin – The Ghost Town – The first essay report from the Berlin Canon was in 1869, but it wasn’t until 27 years later that the mine was actually established.  Between the towns of Berlin and Union (a mile east) there were approximately 200-250 people.  This included miners, woodcutters, charcoal makers, a doctor and nurse, a forest ranger and a prostitute.  Buildings included a 30 stamp mill, assay office, barn and corrals, union hall, store and post office, infirmary, state station and homes.  Many of the buildings still remain.  Some of the former residents are interred in the cemetery below the town.  Today you are welcome to walk through the old town site, read the numerous descriptive signs, peer into the windows and imagine life at this time.

The state park encompasses 1,540 acres.  The elevation ranges from 6,840 to a high point of 7,880 feet.  There is skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

The fossils of the Ichthyosaurs tell quite the story of the time.  The Ichthyosaurs were prehistoric marine reptiles ranging in size from about 2 to over 70 feet in length.  Ichthyosaur was the most highly specialized reptile for life in the ocean.  Very fish like in appearance and locomotion, the bore their young alive and had amazingly large eyes in relation to the rest of the body.  These carnivorous reptiles ate free swimming mollusks. Lie all reptiles, Ichthyosaur was air breathing and resembles modern day cetaceans in some of its characteristics.

The Diana Mine, began operation early in the 20th century concurrent with the boom at Berlin.  The mine is literally carved out of solid rock.  Visitors are allowed to go on tours of this mine when the rangers have deemed it safe.  If you get to tour you will see some of the mining equipment used by these hearty souls.

Fossil Shelter Tour: 40 minutes: Memorial Day to Labor Day (Monday – Friday) at 10 am and 2 pm.  Saturday and Sunday at 10 am and 12 pm and 2 pm.

From March 15 to Memorial Day and Labor Day to November 15 (Saturday and Sunday) at 10 am and at 2 or by advanced reservation, if staff is available.  From November 15 to March 15 by advance reservation only, if staff is available.

Location: HC 61, Austin, Nevada 89310

Phone: 775-964-2440

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2. Tonopah Historic Mining Park – Tonopah, Nevada
3. Nevada State Railroad Museum – Carson City, Nevada
4. Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park – Las Vegas, Nevada
5. Wild Island Family Adventure Park – Sparks, Nevada