Fort Churchill State Historic Park

10/08/2026

More than 150 years after it’s abandonment, portions of Fort Churchill’s adobe buildings are still standing, but not without a little help.

As Fort Churchill’s permanent caretaker or steward, Nevada State Parks is tasked with maintaining the adobe structures in a state of arrested decay. What does this mean exactly? Arrested decay is a method of historic preservation in which the buildings are stabilized to prevent further collapse and weather damage but are not rebuilt or modernized. Every few years the buildings undergo restoration to prolong the life of the fort.

If you have visited Fort Churchill recently, you likely noticed a restoration project is underway.

10/03/2026

After more than a year without a single sighting, we were elated to spot a desert horned lizard enjoying the weekend's summer-like weather.

09/18/2026

Even nature needs to rest sometimes.

When a coyote chose the visitor center lawn this afternoon, it felt special witnessing this moment of vulnerability.

08/01/2026

With weekend temperatures expected to exceed 100°F, every square inch of shade becomes a precious commodity.

07/17/2026

During the summer months, the Fort Churchill landscape has been described as stark and drab, but we invite you to look a little closer. The desert may not be showy this time of year, but there is still beauty to be found.

Here are a few subtle wildflowers currently in bloom around the park: Nevada smokebush, also known by the common names Nevada dalea or Nevada indigobush, Wilcox’s woollystar, and apricot globemallow.

07/08/2026

Introducing Fort Churchill’s top-notch security team. This morning we found a formidable western toad guarding the Visitor Center door.

07/04/2026

Life at Fort Churchill was generally described as a monotonous rotation of day and night. However, there were occasions when something out of the ordinary happened to break up the monotony – like an invitation from Territorial Governor, James Nye, in 1864 to participate in Carson City’s Fourth of July celebration.

380 soldiers made the 2-day journey from the fort to march in the parade and partake in the festivities.

Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!

07/02/2026

Fourth of July is just a few days away, and we are expecting the park to be busy. To help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, please keep the following in mind:

• All campsites in the Samuel Buckland Campground (at Fort Churchill) are reserved. In the event of a cancellation or no-show, site(s) will be available on a night-to-night basis as first-come, first-served.
• Overflow camping (first-come, first-served) is available at Scout Camp. Scout Camp is a dispersed camping area with limited amenities.
• Park day-use and camping fees apply. Day-use fees are $5.00 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $10.00 for out-of-state visitors. Camping fees are $15.00 per vehicle, per day for Nevada residents and $20.00 per vehicle, per day for out-of-state visitors. Self-pay fee stations are located throughout the park including the main park entrance, campground, and Scout Camp. A credit card machine is also located at the main park entrance.
• Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• ATVs and other motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.
• Store and secure food properly.
• Dispose of all trash properly. Scout Camp is pack it in, pack it out.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Fire restrictions are in effect. Learn more about fire restrictions by visiting https://parks.nv.gov/about/fire-restrictions
• The Park Supervisor may impose more stringent fire restrictions if conditions warrant them.

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

06/24/2026

The Pony rides again!

A Pony Express rider approaches Fort Churchill as part of the 2026 National Re-Ride. It was a beautiful morning for commemorating the iconic and legendary Pony Express.

06/18/2026

Here comes the Pony!

Members of the National Pony Express Association (NPEA) will recreate the Pony Express in a commemorative re-ride from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, June 15-25, 2026.

During this 10 day, around-the-clock event, riders and horses will complete the 1,966 mile route of the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

The Pony Express re-ride is scheduled to pass through Fort Churchill on Wednesday, June 24th, at 7:45 AM. Please note, this time is an estimate. Riders may be ahead of or behind schedule.

For more information, or to follow the ride, please visit:

Help promote your local mochila exchange locations. Simply fill in the details, print out the flyer and post it at area business, museums and other points of interest.