Dayton State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dayton State Park |
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 Dayton State Park
Location in Nevada
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| Location | Dayton, Nevada, United States |
| Area | 151.8 acres (61.4 ha) |
| Elevation | 4,360 ft (1,330 m) |
| Designation | Nevada state park |
| Established | 1977 |
| Administrator | Nevada Division of State Parks |
| Website | Dayton State Park |
Dayton State Park is a fun outdoor area in Dayton, Nevada, USA. It's about 152 acres, which is like 115 football fields! This state park is special because it protects the old Rock Point Stamp Mill. This mill was built way back in 1861. Its job was to crush silver ore, which is rock that contains silver, from a famous mining area called the Comstock Lode.
Contents
What Makes Dayton State Park Special?
The park is split into two main parts: an "upper" section and a "lower" section. U.S. Route 50, a major highway, runs right through the middle of the park.
The Lower Park: Nature and Camping
The main entrance to Dayton State Park is in the "lower" or eastern part. This area protects a beautiful section of woodlands along the Carson River.
- Changing River: In 1997, the valley had a big flood. This flood changed the river's path forever. The Carson River now flows much farther east than it used to. You can still see the old, dry riverbed today!
- Nature Trails: There are nature trails along the Carson River. These trails are great for watching birds and other wildlife.
- Picnic and Camping: This part of the park also has areas for day-use picnics and group picnics. There's even a campground with 10 sites where you can stay overnight.
The Upper Park: History of the Mill
The "upper" or western part of the park is where you'll find the ruins of the Rock Point Stamp Mill. You can get to this section by walking through a special tunnel that goes under U.S. Route 50.
- The Rock Point Stamp Mill: This mill was built in 1861. It processed ore from nearby mining towns like Silver City and Virginia City.
- How the Mill Worked: To crush the ore, the mill needed water. Wooden flumes, which were like long channels, brought water from the Carson River to the mill. You can still see parts of these old flumes today. The Rock Point Mill was one of the biggest processing mills along the Carson River.
- What Happened to the Mill: The mill was taken apart and moved to Silver City in the 1920s. After that, the area was used as the town's garbage dump for 30 years.
- What You Can See Today: Even though the mill is gone, you can still see its ruins. These include a concrete water tank, a reservoir, foundations for buildings, rock walls, and waterways. There's even a small cave called "hermits cave." You might also spot some remnants from when it was a garbage dump and a section of the old U.S. Route 50.
- Becoming a Park: The land was given to the state in 1954. It officially became a state park in 1977 and opened to visitors in 1979.
Things to Do at Dayton State Park
Dayton State Park offers several activities for visitors to enjoy.
- Camping: The park has a campground with 10 sites, perfect for a night under the stars.
- Picnicking: There are special areas where you can have a picnic with your family and friends.
- Nature Walks: Explore the nature trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Carson River. It's a great place to spot local wildlife!
