Everybody loves dinosaurs, right? There’s just something undeniably magical about imagining the bizarre creatures that used to roam the land millions of years ago. If you have yet to visit Nevada’s mystical dinosaur park, you’ll want to plan a visit pronto. This unique state park lets you see Nevada’s state fossil up close and personal while learning all about this fascinating creature. Oh, and it just happens to be located right next to a ghost town. This place truly has it all!
Ghosts and dinosaurs. What more could you need? Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is located in central Nevada, approximately 25 miles from the small town of Gabbs. This 1,500-acre park is home to a unique ghost town, but that's not all. It's also home to a large collection of Nevada's state fossil—the Ichthyosaur.
Can you pronounce the word "Ichthyosaur"? If you can, that means you're a true Nevadan! The largest deposit of this unique fossil in the world was found right here in the Silver State in 1920 and it was officially declared the state fossil in 1984. You can view this giant deposit for yourself at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
So what exactly is the Ichthyosaur? These incredible prehistoric creatures were considered marine reptiles and they lived during the same time period as the dinosaurs. They boasted a fish-like appearance and ranged in size from two to fifty feet in length. They can best be compared to today's whales or dolphins.
Seeing the remains of this fascinating creature is an experience you won't forget. The fossil deposit is protected and displayed inside of the park's large Fossil House. A path around the deposit allows you to see the roughly 40 Ichthyosaur fossils that were discovered here throughout the 1960s.
40-minute fossil tours are provided in the Fossil House. Be sure to plan your trip around these guided tours since visitors aren't able to get into the Fossil House without a tour.
After you've had your fill of the fossils, be sure to make the short drive to the nearby Berlin Townsite. Berlin was a mining camp that was established in 1863. It was officially abandoned in 1911 but since then has remained an iconic ghost town in the Silver State.
This state park is by far one of the most unique in the state. Visiting the park really makes you think about Nevada's early history and the one-of-a-kind creatures that used to roam this beautiful land.
Have you visited Nevada’s dinosaur park? This place is utterly fascinating. Take a look at our list of 10 Unique Attractions In Nevada for more must-visit destinations in the Silver State!
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