Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park combines two remarkable sites in one location across Nevada's Shoshone mountains. The park preserves the abandoned mining town of Berlin with its historic buildings and houses fossils of ancient marine reptiles in a dedicated shelter.

The mining town was established in 1896 when workers searched for gold in the surrounding mountains, but declining prices caused operations to stop in 1911. After mining ceased, the town was abandoned and its buildings remain as they were left behind.

The preserved buildings of Berlin show how miners lived and worked during the late 1800s. Walking through the old homes, blacksmith shop, and workshop gives you a sense of daily routines and the community that thrived here.

The park is most accessible during warmer months when the roads and paths are dry and passable. A visit lets you explore both the town ruins and the fossil shelter, making a full day trip possible.

The park holds North America's most concentrated collection of ichthyosaur fossils, with remains of about 40 ancient marine reptiles. These creatures lived millions of years ago in an ancient sea that once covered this region.

Location: Nye County

Inception: 1957

Website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/berlin-ichthyosaur

GPS coordinates: 38.87861,-117.59500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01