May Events at Fort Churchill State Historic Park

SILVER SPRINGS, Nev. – Fort Churchill State Historic Park is offering a variety of ranger-led programs during the month of May. These family friendly events highlight the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.

Starry, Starry Night
Tour the starry skies over Fort Churchill State Historic Park while talking about the night sky as a remarkable natural resource to be celebrated and enjoyed. Please dress for the weather. Red lights are encouraged.

WHEN: Saturday, May 7, 8:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Fort Churchill museum. Fort Churchill is located 8 miles south of the
Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs,
NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Sundae in the Park
Enjoy the beauty of Fort Churchill on this 0.6-mile walk around the fort ruins. Along the way, a park interpreter will be talking about the history of the area and sharing stories about daily life at a frontier fort. End your visit on a sweet note with ice cream sundaes at the museum. Registration requested. Please contact 775-577-4880 to reserve your spot.

WHEN: Sunday, May 8, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Fort Churchill museum. Fort Churchill is located 8 miles south of the
Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs,
NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Coffee with a Ranger
Bring your favorite mug and join a ranger for some early morning conversation. Ask questions, learn about the park, share your experiences and make new friends.

WHEN: Sunday, May 15 and Sunday, May 29, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Walk-in campsite at the Samuel Buckland Campground at Fort Churchill. Fort
Churchill is located 8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway
95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

History Hike
Bring your walking shoes and join a park interpreter for a short hike (less than 1 mile) around historic Fort Churchill. See the fort ruins, learn about the early history of the area and hear stories about daily life at a frontier fort. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection and comfortable close-toed shoes. Cameras, binoculars and insect repellant are also encouraged.

WHEN: Sunday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Fort Churchill museum. Fort Churchill is located 8 miles south of the
Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs,
NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Twilight Trek
Have you ever wondered what happens at Fort Churchill after the sun goes down? Join a park interpreter for a special evening of exploration at Fort Churchill. We will be learning about the animals that are active between dusk and dawn, and the adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in the dark. Please bring plenty of water, comfortable closed-toe shoes and a flashlight.

WHEN: Friday, May 27, 8:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill. Fort Churchill is located
8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway
95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Junior Ranger
Calling all kids to Fort Churchill! Come and explore the rich history and natural wonders found in and around Fort Churchill State Historic Park. A variety of activities, crafts and short hikes will be part of the fun. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Cameras, binoculars and insect repellant are also encouraged.

WHEN: Saturday, May 28, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill. Fort Churchill is located
8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway
95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Campfire Program
Join our park interpreter around the campfire to learn about what makes Fort Churchill State Historic Park such a unique and special place.

WHEN: Saturday, May 28, 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Pony Bob Haslam Group Use Area at Fort Churchill. Fort Churchill is
located 8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000
Highway 95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

The passport challenge continues: The Nevada State Parks Passport Booklet is now available and may be
picked up at any state park. Visitors who have their booklets stamped at 15 different parks will earn a free annual pass to all Nevada State Parks. The booklet, which serves as a travel aid as well as travelogue for park visitors, includes photos, a description of each park, lists of amenities, travel journal pages and spaces for validation stamps which have been designed to reflect each unique state park.

— Jenny Ramella is a Public Information Officer for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources