Rediscovered in 1911 by two guano miners, the Lovelock Cave has become an important part in understanding Nevada's rich cultural history. Quickly after the miners began to clear out this cave, they began to discover a variety of different Northern Paiute tribe artifacts forcing a stop to the mining and call for archeological excavation of the site in 1912. This cave was though to be a trading cache where various items would have been stored for trade between regions and was inhabited for over 4,000 years. Most notably of the artifacts found is the Tule Duck Decoys. The oldest of the decoys is thought to be made between 400 B.C and 100 A.D and no other decoy like it has been found since. All 11 specimens are now being housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C.
Today, there is a small hike that leads you to the inside of the cave. Plenty of interpretive signage is available along the way to learn about the history of the landscape and the people's who once inhabited the area. Although the trail to the cave is for hikers only, there is a motorized trail loop around the area for more exploration!
Hotels, dining and other amenities and services are located in Lovelock.
Be respectful of your surroundings, look and do not touch or take any artifacts.
For a more undeveloped exploring experience, visit the Fallon National Wildlife Refuge!
Do not touch or take any artifacts from any archeological sites you may come across. Please report damage to archeological sites here!
For more information visit the BLM Website or contact:
Bureau of Land Management - Winnemucca District OfficeFrom Main St in Lovelock, head southeast toward Broadway. Turn right onto NV-397S/ Amherst Ave. Amherst Ave will turn into s Meridian Rd, continue on this for about 2.0 miles. Turn Left onto Derby Rd and continue straight for about 1 mile. Keep right at the intersection and follow the road for about 8 miles until you see the parking area for the cave.
The main road that take you to the cave is dirt but passable with a 2WD vehicle.
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