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Standley White

Visit Nevada's unique Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

By , About.com GuideSeptember 27, 2011

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To experience one of the most unusual state parks anywhere, pay a visit to Nevada's Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. As an added bonus, you'll experience the peace and quiet of Nevada's outback at this remote yet easy to reach park near the middle of the Silver State.

Ichthyosaur display at Nevada's Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Ichthyosaur display at Nevada's Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
Photo © Stan White

The Berlin part of the park's name refers to the ghost town of Berlin and the preserved remnants of this early 20th century mining camp. Ichthyosaur is about the 250 million year old reptile fossils found in the area. These huge creatures swam in an inland sea that covered a vast portion of what is now Nevada. Park visitors can view some of these fossils inside a building built to protect a bed of them just as they were found.

Fall is perhaps the best time to visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. You'll enjoy mild weather and be able to take in all the features found here without the summer crowds (yes, lots of people visit despite the remote location).

There are more Nevada state parks to explore, some right in the Reno / Tahoe area. They all offer something of interest for everyone in the family and are great places to get away from the urban hustle and bustle for a while.

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