Mormon Station State Historic Park in Douglas County NV

Mormon Station State Historic Park

Mormon Station State Historic Park Overview

Located in the quaint town of Genoa, you will find the site of Nevada’s first permanent, non-native settlement, Mormon Station, which was built in 1851 as a trading post along the Carson Route of the California Trail, providing much-needed supplies to weary travelers crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Today, the park is home to a reconstructed version of the original 1851 trading post that burned down in 1910 and a museum with original pioneer-era artifacts.

Related Article >> Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park

Mormon Station State Historic Park History

In 1850, two Mormon settlers, Hampton Beatie and Abner Blackburn built the first permanent structure at Genoa which was a small, roofless cabin as a base from which to sell provisions.

Timeline

Spring to June 1850 – Mr. DeMont, Abner Blackburn, and Hampton Beatie, members of the Mormon Battalion, along with approximately 80 Mormons from Salt Lake City established a temporary trading post on the west side of Carson Valley.
1851 – Mormon Station was built as a trading post along the Carson Route of the California Trail.
June 28, 1910 – A great fire destroys all of the station and the adjoining blocks
1916 – The county seat transferred to Minden, Nevada which caused Genoa to remain small and isolated
1957 – Established as a Nevada State Park

Address

P.O. Box 302 – Genoa, NV 89411

2995 Main Street, Genoa, NV

(775) 782-2590

GPS Coordinates

39.004, -119.845

How to Get to Mormon Station State Historic Park

Mormon Station is located in the small town of Genoa, 12 miles south of Carson City via U.S. 395 and State Route 206.

Hours Open

The park is always open. Museum hours vary by season:

May – September: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., daily
October – April: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Fees

The park is free but the museum is $1.00 and children 12 years and younger are free.

Museum

The museum is designed to be a replica of the log cabin trading post built by the John Reese Company in 1851.

Mormon Station State Historic Park Tours

A self-guided interpretive walking tour is available that is a 1/2-mile long accessible walking path that features several exhibits and interpretive signs that tell the story of 100 years of life in Genoa – from the town’s start as a bustling trading settlement in the early 1850s, to its days as a sleepy hamlet in the early 1950s.

Events

Information about program scheduling may be obtained from either park staff or kiosks. Upon request, special presentations can be arranged for groups.

Picnics

The mature trees, large lawns, and concrete walkways invite strollers and picnickers. Picnic tables and grills are provided under large shade trees. Restrooms are also available.

Nearby Things to Do

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Lots of beaches – read more about Nevada Beaches
Spooner Lake State Park – 20 miles / 27 minutes
Dayton State Park, 25 miles / 35 minutes
Fort Churchill State Historic Park, 53 miles / 1 hour 5 minutes

Fires

Be aware of fire restrictions as this area is sometimes under one.

Dog-Friendly

Pets are welcome (except during special events), but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.

Accessibility

Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office