Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park

state park and ghost town in Nevada, United States

Berlin is a ghost town and state park in Nye County, Nevada. The town was established in 1897 after the opening of the Berlin mine in 1896. The town never experienced a boom like other mining towns of the age and was largely abandoned by 1911. The site was acquired by the State of Nevada as part of Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in 1970.

For the capital of Germany, see Berlin

Understand

Berlin is completely abandoned except for a ranger station where no more than 3 state park rangers will be on site. The structures are in a state of "arrested decay" with little to nothing changed since its abandonment. This is the allure: being able to view 19th century mining structures untouched for 100 years. The terrain is hard country: 1-3% humidity and over 100ºF (38ºC) in the summers with little vegetation or shade. There are no amenities or health facilities in the immediate area. The mining town of Gabbs, Nevada is 20 miles away which offers the nearest market for supplies.

Get in

By car

From Las Vegas, take the US-95N towards Reno. Take the NV-361 N in Luning. Turn east just outside of Gabbs onto the NV-844 E. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is 20 miles from the 361-844 junction. Unpaved road last several miles. Entrance fee is $5.00.

Do

  • Berlin Townsite Tour: a self-guided tour.
  • Fossil House Tour: 40-minute tour of the Ichthyosaur fossils available Memorial Day through Labor Day daily at 10AM and 2PM. with a third noon tour added on weekends. Take a picture with the large Ichthyosaur mural outside.
  • Diana Mine Tour: available May 1 through September 30 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11AM and 1PM. Reservations required, must be 6 or older to attend.
  • Hiking: A nature trail connects the campground to the Fossil House. Trails and signs tell the story of Berlin.

Buy

Small gift shop in the Fossil House.

Eat

Bring your own food

Drink

Sleep

Camping is available with 14 units. Some suitable for RVs up to 25 feet, with fire rings, BBQ grills, covered tables, drinking water and (April - October) restrooms. Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.

Stay safe

There is risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Expect extremely low humidity and temperatures above 105°F (40°C) June to September. Bring sunscreen and wear loose, light-colored clothing that substantially reflects sunlight. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water.

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