Fort Churchill State Historic Park
1000 Highway 95A
Silver Springs, NV 89429
(775) 577-2345
ftchurchill@wildblue.net

   Fort Churchill was once an active U.S. Army fort.   Built in 1861 to provide protection for early settlers. It was abandoned nine years later, and today the ruins are preserved in a state of arrested decay.

A visitor center displays information and artifacts of the fort's history. The Pony Express and the Overland Telegraph once passed through this area. Nearby is Buckland Station, a Pony Express stop, supply center, and former hotel built in 1870. Facilities at Fort Churchill State Historic Park include trails, a campground, picnic area, group-use area and access to the Carson River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, historic and environmental education, camping, picnicking, photography and canoeing. The park is located eight miles south of Silver Springs on Alternate U.S. 95, and one mile on Fort Churchill Road.

arrowSee location map
arrowPark layout map
arrowDownload park brochure
arrowCivil War Volunteers Encampment
arrowPony Express Living History Festival, April 3, 11-3 pm.
arrowCarson River Festival, in April. More information to come later.
arrowPony Express Ride through Buckland Station, June 9, 2:00pm. More information to come later.



 Facilities & Amenities

cemetry ruins of the fort













Buckland Station

Buckland Station as it stands todaySamuel S. Buckland settled the valley in 1859 and began ranching.  His early establishment served as an important way station for pioneer travelers on the Overland Route.   It was one of the earliest ranches in the area, supplying emigrants, ranchers, travelers and the soldiers at Fort Churchill.   The Overland Stage Company kept horses at the station and the Pony Express stopped here for change of mounts.

As Fort Churchill was dismantled, Mr. Buckland salvaged materials from the fort buildings to build the two-story house seen today.   The Buckland family lived in the house, and rented rooms to travelers.

Buckland Station is located on the Carson River at Weeks Bridge, one-half mile south of the Fort Churchill entrance road.

Carson River Ranches

interpretive map of Carson River RanchesCarson River Ranches trailhead

The Nevada State Park System acquired 3,200 acres along the Carson River in 1994.  The properties, known as the Carson River Ranches, connect Fort Churchill State Historic Park with Lahontan State Recreation Area.  This river corridor, with its diverse plant and wildlife communities, is a popular area for hikers, bird watchers, canoeists, hunters and equestrians.




Location & Climate:

Fort Churchill is located along the Carson River, eight miles south of Silver Springs on US 95A. The park is situated 40 miles east of Carson City, and 36 miles west of Fallon.

Caution:  Visitors are advised to enter the park from US 95A, on a short, paved access road. While Fort Churchill Road along the Carson River from US 50 is scenic, it is 16 miles and unpaved. Summers at the fort are hot with daytime highs of 94°F and nighttime lows of 58°F in July. Winters are cold with occasional snow.

Facilities:

Entrance Fee:  An entrance fee is charged to enter the park, with additional fees for camping. Current fees are posted at the park entrance. Click here for all individual park fees by region.

Visitor Information:   The Visitor Center offers exhibits telling the colorful history of Fort Churchill.  All park visitors should make this their first stop upon entering the park to better appreciate the ruins. Books, T-shirts and ball caps are on sale at the Visitor Center.   Drinking water and restrooms are nearby.

Camping:   The campground has 20 sites suitable for travel trailers, motor homes or tents.   Campsites include a table and fire ring, and all are shaded by large cottonwood trees.  Sites cannot be reserved.   There are no hook-ups, but an RV dump station is nearby.

Picnicking:   Tree-shaded picnic sites on the banks of the Carson River offer tables, grills and restrooms.

Group Area:   The group area will accommodate up to 60 persons for group camping or picnicking on a reservation-only basis.   No electricity is available. No RVs, please.   For reservations, contact the park office.

Reminders: Please join the vast majority of visitors in keeping this park clean and safe by observing the following:
  1. DO NOT CLIMB ON THE RUINS. The adobe is fragile and will deteriorate rapidly.   This is also for your personal safety.
  2. Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings, barbecues, or approved portable stoves.   Visitors should supply their own firewood.
  3. The collection of plants, animals, rocks, minerals and artifacts is prohibited.   Please do not disturb or remove them.
  4. Motor vehicles are permitted only on designated roadways and parking areas.
  5. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
Visitors are responsible for knowing the park rules and regulations. Detailed copies are posted at the park and may be obtained at the park office.

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