Little Finland facts for kids
Little Finland is a super cool place in Clark County, Nevada, known for its amazing red rocks. People also call it Hobgoblin’s Playground or Devil’s Fire because of its unique look. It's a bit hidden away, south of a town called Mesquite.
This area is famous for its strangely shaped and delicate rock formations. It looks a lot like Valley of Fire State Park, which is about 20 miles (32 km) away across Lake Mead. The rocks here are made of red Aztec Sandstone. Imagine ancient sand dunes that turned into solid rock over millions of years! Many of the rock shapes are thin and tall, like fins, which is how Little Finland got its name.
Getting There and Nearby Sights
You can reach Little Finland by driving on the BLM Gold Butte Backcountry Byway. This is a special road managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The byway also takes you through the old mining town of Gold Butte, Nevada, which was started in 1908.
Other Cool Places to See
- Whitney Pockets: This is another beautiful red rock area nearby. It has ancient petroglyphs, which are drawings carved into rocks by early people.
- Devils Throat: This is a sinkhole, which is a big hole in the ground that forms when the land above a cave collapses. It's a natural wonder!
Protected Lands
The Gold Butte region is public land, meaning it belongs to everyone and is managed by the BLM. This area has seven special places called Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). These areas are protected because they have important natural, cultural, or wildlife features.
Since December 2016, Little Finland and the land around it have even more protection. They are now part of the Gold Butte National Monument. This means the area is kept safe for future generations to enjoy.
Wilderness Areas Nearby
There are also two wilderness areas close by. These are places where nature is left wild and untouched.
- The Lime Canyon Wilderness is right next to Little Finland. It's on the west side of the Gold Butte Byway loop.
- The Jumbo Springs Wilderness is located south of the Gold Butte townsite.