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CHURCHILL COUNTY PLACES TO VISIT

Bodie State Historic Park

Grimes Point Located off of U.S. Highway 50 just east of Fallon, it is one of the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in northern Nevada and includes about 150 basalt boulders covered with petroglyphs. The petroglyphs date between 1500 BC and 500 BC. A covered picnic area is also located at the park. Virginia City

In 1859, prospectors chas- ing rumors of mineral wealth found gold east of the Sierra Nevada Moun- tains. Their discovery gave rise to Bodie, one of the West’s wildest gold mining boomtowns. Approximately a two and a half hour drive from Fallon, today Bodie is a ghost town, preserved in a “state of arrested decay,” a window to a once-vibrant town left frozen in time. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Approximately 60 miles from Fallon, Virginia City offers the past presented, preserved and reflected in its attrac- tions, which include mine and mansion tours, museums, unique shops, restaurants, entertainment, and lodging. Hidden Cave

Dug out over 21,000 years ago by the waters of ancient Lake Lahon- tan, Hidden Cave is located approximately 12 miles east of Fallon. View well-preserved cave paintings left behind by the American In- dians who once inhabited these caves. Hidden Cave is open for free tours every other Saturday. Contact Churchill County Museum for more information. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park Located near Gabbs about 90 miles from Fallon, Berlin is a ghost town that traces its beginnings to 1905, when a large mill was erect- ed to process ore from local mines. About a half-hour from the site of Berlin is an enclosed archaeological site containing the fossils of nearly three dozen ichthyosaurs, ancient marine reptiles that lived more than 90 million years ago. Sand Mountain Recreation Area Just north of U.S. Highway 50 and 25 miles east of Fallon, the in- credible sand dunes that make up the 4.795-acre recreation area provide endless challenge and excitement for off-road vehicle riders, hikers and sandboarders. The dune is two miles long and 600 feet high. It lies on the edge of the ancient Lake Lahontan, that dried up 9,000 years ago. Many people visiting the area also take time to visit the historical 1860 Pony Express station located nearby.

The highest alpine lake in the United States, it is located between the great states of Nevada and California, approximately 90 miles from Fallon. This magnificent lake is 22 miles long, 12 miles wide and provides numerous activities, including boating, hiking and bicycle trails, horseback riding, and water and snow skiing.

Fort Churchill Once a U.S. Army fort, it was built in 1861 to provide protection for early settlers. It is located eight miles south of Silver Springs. A visitor center displays infor- mation and artifacts of the fort’s history. Facilities in- clude a campground, picnic area and a group-use area. Visitors can enjoy hiking areas and historic and envi- ronmental education.

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