Nevada is home to 23 state parks. Whereas each one is spectacular in its own right, there is one incredibly unique park right here in Nevada’s own backyard. Located in northwestern Nye County in the Shoshone Mountains is the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. This incredibly unique park contains and protects undisturbed ichthyosaur fossils as well as the mining camp ghost town of Berlin. The park covers 1,540 acres and its elevation ranges from 6,840 to 7,880 feet. This incredibly unique park was first established in 1957 to protect and display the abundant concentration of the largest-known ichthyosaur fossils in North America.
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is located 23 miles east of Gabbs on State Route 844.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Berlin sprang up in 1896 after the nearby discovery of gold in what was called the Union Ledge.
Don Barrett/Flickr
The famous Diana Mine was built in 1896. By 1908, labor disputes began to take their toll on the small town and by 1911, the mine became unprofitable as gold stores dwindled. Many mining relics remain on the property.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
The town was abandoned soon thereafter.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Many relics remain in the remaining homes and scattered buildings.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
The old ore mill stands today, along with a few homes, blacksmith shop, stagecoach shop and stable, machine shop (pictured), and assay office. Whereas some buildings are open to the public to take a look around, other interiors are only visible through windows.
Travel Nevada/Flickr In fact, there are more than 70 historic buildings and sites to tour in this unique park. The best way to view everything is via a self-guided tour as there are many signs along an interpretive path detailing Berlin’s colorful history.
In 1928, ichthyosaur fossils (species Shonisaurus popularis) were first discovered in the area by a Stanford University professor.
Travel Nevada/Flickr Excavation efforts began in 1954 and continued through the 1960s. During this time, the remains of around 40 ichthyosaurs were discovered.
These impressive fossils are protected inside this large barn, approximately ten miles from Berlin. In 1973, the fossils were designated a National Natural Landmark.
Famartin/Wikimedia Commons
Ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered on every continent except Antarctica. Those found in Nevada are among the largest ever unearthed, measuring in excess of 50 feet in length.
Jeremy M./Yelp
These ancient marine vertebrates lived in the ocean that covered Nevada over 225 million years ago.
Martin W./Yelp
This site contains the remains of nine separate ichthyosaurs including skulls, jaws, vertebrae, tailbones, flipper bones, and even an intact ribcage.
Alisha Vargas/Flickr
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is best visited between mid-April and October to take advantage of the Diana Mine guided tour; however, it is open year-round. There is a $7 per vehicle entry fee. Other outdoor activities include hiking, picnicking, camping, nature study, and non-winter-month guided fossil tours. For more information please call (775) 964-2440 or visit the park’s website.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Don Barrett/Flickr
Travel Nevada/Flickr
In fact, there are more than 70 historic buildings and sites to tour in this unique park. The best way to view everything is via a self-guided tour as there are many signs along an interpretive path detailing Berlin’s colorful history.
Excavation efforts began in 1954 and continued through the 1960s. During this time, the remains of around 40 ichthyosaurs were discovered.
Famartin/Wikimedia Commons
Jeremy M./Yelp
Martin W./Yelp
Alisha Vargas/Flickr
Have you visited this incredibly unique park? Please share your comments below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
