Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

South of the tiny town of Austin, Nevada, in desolate Nye County lies Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. This area displays the fossilized remains of approximately eight Ichthyosaurs, including one that was, until recently, the largest known in North America. A reconstruction of this prehistoric dolphin-like reptile is shown on a giant billboard display. The vertebrae of these creatures are the size of dinner plates and were reportedly used as such by miners living in Berlin.

Also inside of the State Park, one can find the ghost town of Berlin with the abandoned Diana mine, which continues to draw visitors to the many structures and plethora of machinery and colorful waste rock. 

There are lots of things to see here related to the past mining which went on from approximately 1896 -1911.  Make sure and take a stroll around the town and mien site up the hill and over to the mien itself.  There are lots of remanent of past mining and gives an interesting view of history.  The views of the surrounding valley are spectacular on a clear day and worth the drive to this desolate and peaceful area.