Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park was first established in 1957 to protect and display North America’s most abundant concentration and largest known ichthyosaur fossils. The park also preserves the turn-of-the-20th century mining town of Berlin, as well as the Diana Mine.
Ichthyosaurs (pronounced “ick-thee-o-sores”) were ancient marine reptiles that swam in a warm ocean covering central Nevada 225 million years ago. Remains of these giant marine vertebrates are on display at the park’s Fossil House, and these official state fossils are a primary attraction for visitors from throughout the world. A nature trail connects the campground to the Fossil House.
Guided tours of the Fossil House and the Diana Mine are offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A short distance from the park, visitors can explore the historic towns of Ione and Grantsville.
The park is open all year, but winter travel may be prohibitive due to snow.
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Courtesy S. Ward – Mountains towering above the desert