Imagine a state park that combines a wild west ghost town with ichthyosaur fossils? The Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is located remote in Nevada on the western slope of central Nevada's Shoshone mountain range. Nevada is full of Wild West ghost towns as well as living Old West towns like Virginia City just outside of Reno.

Nevada is a state full of attractions and is perhaps one of the most underrated states for outdoor lovers. Nevada boasts Great Basin National Park on one side of the state while the other side of the state boasts half of Lake Tahoe. Las Vegas is only a small part of Nevada and there are plenty of attractions for those wishing to explore the interior of the state.

The Mining Boom Town Of Berlin

Berlin was built in the 1890s and is today preserved in a state of arrested decay and it is one of Nevada's many ghost towns. Many of the original buildings remain while some original residents of the far-flung town are interred in the local cemetery.

  • Berlin Townsite Tour: This is a self-guided tour

Berlin was built around the mine (there were tours of the Diana Mine but these were canceled in 2019 out of safety concerns). Today one can wander around the townsite along the trails and learn about the story of Berlin and its mine. Today the ore mill is still standing and the old mercury float tables can still be seen.

Berlin was a gold rush town that was founded in 1896 when gold veins were discovered in the area. But the town became unprofitable by 1911. People began moving away and it was deserted soon after.

  • Notable Homes Still Standing: A Stage Coach Shop and Stable, A Blacksmith Shop, A Machine Shop, an Assay Office

Related: Nevada Is More Than UFOs And Vegas: Visit Great Basin National Park Instead

What To Know Of Ichthyosaurs and The Fossil House

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is also home to the most abundant concentration and the largest known remains of Ichthyosaurs. These ancient were giant ancient dinosaur-era marine reptiles but were not actually dinosaurs. They swam the ancient ocean that was once on what is now the high deserts of Nevada.

  • Warm Ocean: Covered Central Nevada 225 Million Years Ago
  • Ichthyosaurs: A Type of Giant Marine Reptile (Not Actually Dinosaurs)
  • Fossil House Tour: Tours Are Canceled Until Further Notice
  • 40 Ichthyosaurs: Were Discovered In The Area

One can see the fossil remains of these mighty creatures still in the ground and protected in the park's Fossil House. The fossils were first discovered in 1928 with excavations happening in the 1960s. Around 40 ichthyosaurs have been found in total - including some of the largest ever discovered.

  • Species: Shonisaurus (a genus of ichthyosaur:)
  • Lived: Around 237 to 227 Million Years Ago

The first Ichthyosaurs appeared around 250 million years ago with some species surviving as late as 90 million years ago meaning they lived from the Early Triassic to the Late Cretaceous.

Ichthyosaurs descended from an as yet unidentified type of land reptile that returned to the sea (but were not from the same lineage as dinosaurs). It is thought these reptiles returned to the sea similar to how mammals like dolphins and whales also returned to the sea.

As of the time of writing (April 2022), guided tours of the Fossil House have been canceled until further notice. Check the calendar on their official website to see when they will be offered once again.

Related: Does Lake Tahoe Really Live Up To the Hype? Let's Find Out

Other Things To Do In Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is remote and in the middle of Nevada, so one may want to consider camping there for the night. There are 14 well-spaced camping units open year-round. Some of these are suitable for RVs up to 25 feet in length. The campground is complete with BBQ grills, covered tables, drinking water (for much of the year), and fire rings.

  • Tour Type: Self-Guided

The area is set up for both camping and picnicking day use. Visitors can use the tables, grills, and restrooms located near the Fossil House.

The park has an extensive sign system so that visitors can learn all about the history of the mines, the boom/bust town of Berlin, and the Ichthyosaurs.

  • Opening Time: Always Open
  • Day use entrance fee: $5.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles $10.00 per vehicle)
  • Camping: $15.00 per vehicle, per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $20.00 per vehicle, per night)