August Events at Fort Churchill

Fort Churchill State Historic Park is offering a variety of ranger-led programs during the month of August. Programs highlight the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.

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, August 6 & Sunday, August 20, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Walk-in campsite at the Samuel Buckland Campground at Fort Churchill.

Family Campfire Program: National S’mores Day

Join park staff for a celebration of the quintessential campfire treat! Whether you are a s’more connoisseur or have never tried the deliciously gooey combination of chocolate, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows, National S’mores Day is for you. The park will provide the fixings.

WHEN: Thursday, August 10, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Pony Bob Haslam Group Use Area at Fort Churchill.

Junior Ranger

Calling all kids to Fort Churchill State Historic Park! Explore the rich history and natural wonders found in and around the park. A variety of activities, crafts, and short hikes will be part of the fun. Please bring water, sun protection, insect repellant and comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

WHEN: Saturday, August 12, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill.

Gold Fever: Prospecting at Buckland Station

Discover the excitement of the gold rush era and experience your own “Eureka” moment as you pan for gold and learn about the mining history of the area. Gold panning supplies will be provided.

WHEN: Sunday, August 13 & Sunday, August 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Historic Buckland Station. Buckland Station is located approximately 9 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A.    
COST: Free

Starry, Starry Night

Experience the awesome night sky over Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Enjoy a tour of the celestial neighborhood 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: Friday, August 18, 8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Churchill museum.

Insect Investigations

Come out to Fort Churchill and learn about some of the creeping, crawling, buzzing and flying insects found in the park. See and learn first-hand about insect identification, collection and pinning. You will even have the opportunity to start your own collection. This program is intended for adults and children 6 years of age and older. Reservations requested. Please call 775-577-4880 to reserve your spot.

WHEN: Saturday, August 19, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill.

Twilight Tour

Immerse yourself in the most magical time of day in the desert. Join a park interpreter for an easy 0.6-mile walk around the Fort Churchill ruins. Learn about the past while enjoying a beautiful sunset, flitting bats and the company of friends and family. Please bring water, comfortable closed-toe shoes and a flashlight.

WHEN: Friday, August 25, 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Fort Churchill Museum.

Junior Gardener

If you are naturally curious, like to learn by doing, love playing in the dirt, and are between the ages of 6-12, join a park interpreter in the garden at Buckland Station to experience the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time. Please bring water, sun protection, insect repellant, gardening gloves and comfortable closed-toe shoes.  

WHEN: Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Historic Buckland Station. Buckland Station is located approximately 9 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A.    
COST: Free

Trail Mixer

Happy National Trail Mix Day! What better way to celebrate this day than on a trail enjoying a tasty treat? Join park staff at Fort Churchill for an evening program that includes a MYOM (Make Your Own Mix) session and a short hike around the park to trail-test our concoctions. The park will provide the fixings. Please bring plenty of water, comfortable closed-toe shoes and a flashlight. 

WHEN: Thursday, August 31, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: 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. For all programs at Fort Churchill, park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $7.00 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the programs.