Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park, a U.S., America, scenic, vacation, travel, guide, travel guide, adventure, historic city

Berlin Ichthyosaur

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Established:	1957
Location:	Central Nevada (23mi E of Gabbs on Rt 844)
Acres:	1,153

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is one of the most remote and secluded of Nevada's 24 State Parks. Situated 7,000 feet above sea level on the western slope of the Shoshone Mountains the park remains much cooler than most of Nevada with summer highs rarely exceeding 85 F. The area's historical significance stems not only from its mining activity but also from the proliferation of Ichthyosaur dinosaur fossils. Remains of huge reptiles that once swam here when an ancient sea covered the area about 200 million years ago. As reptiles they were air breathing as are today's whales and dolphins.

These amphibious dinosaurs were 50 feet long and weighed 40 tons. There elongated heads and streamlined bodies made them a feared predator in the ocean. Ichthyosaurs surfaced to breathe much like whales today. They became extinct 90 million years ago. There are 15 fossilized "lizards" located in situ in the canyon walls. The ghost town of Berlin prospered from 1895 to 1911 until the gold was exhausted. The Berlin Mine (photo on the left) worked on an incline shaft with eight levels. The Stamp Mill processed the ore which is still visible today. Over 2,650 pounds of gold was mined in Berlin.

The town was among the smallest in Nevada, never exceeding a few hundred people. By 1910 the gold and silver were gone and the townspeople abandoned the area leaving only the well-preserved mill. Some renovation have taken place by State Park personnel to reinforce the crumbling structures. Watch out for rattlesnakes. Open year-round. An extensive trail system with signs describing the history of the area is present for self-guided tours. The park campground has 14 sites that is open from Apr 15 - Oct 1. Occupied. Berlin- Ichthyosaur State Park, HC 61 Box 61200, Austin NV 89310 (775) 964-2440 www.state.nv.us/stparks/bi.htm

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