GENOA — With the allure of large lawns, mature trees and historical significance to Nevada, Mormon Station State Park is a great place to visit for annual events, picnicking, private events or even a history lesson.
Mormon Station, formerly known as “Reese’s Station,” was a trading post established in the spring of 1851 by John Reese and Stephen Kinsey. Created to aid weary and thirsty travelers through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to California, Mormon station contained a blacksmith shop, livery stable, and flour and saw mills nearby.
Today, one can visit the museum, stockade and wagon shed, park and group pavilion. The museum charges a $1.00 entry fee, children 12 and under are free, and a visit to the historic stockade and wagon shed is free.
The park entices picnickers, strollers and large groups. The shaded grills and picnic tables are free of charge. The park’s group pavilion can accommodate up to 250 people for events such as weddings, family reunions, barbeques and retirement parties. Electricity, a sink, a large counter, barbeque and eight picnic tables are available for use. The pavilion can be reserved from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., where fees range from $100-300, depending on party size.
The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through mid-October.
Events:
- July 4 “Pops in the Park” with The Sierra Philharmonic Orchestra
- SEPTEMBER The Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Festival is held on the last full weekend in September.
- EACH YEAR The Mormon Battalion provides a one-day living history re-enactment.
- INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Offered throughout the year
To visit from Carson City, travel south on Highway 395 for about eleven miles. Look for a sign to Genoa that says, “Genoa National Historic District.” Turn right on Genoa Lane. Mormon Station is on the right on the corner of Genoa Lane and Main Street.
For more information contact:
Mormon Station State Historic Park
Post Office Box 302
Genoa, Nevada 89411
Phone: (775) 782-2590
www.parks.nv.gov/ms.htm
What is a State Park?
National Parks, State Parks and City Parks share similar purposes. They emphasize preservation of scenic areas or of historic significance. National parks preserve areas of national interest and State Parks preserve areas of state interest and so on. The Nevada Division of State Parks is under the jurisdiction of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Division “preserves areas of scenic, historic and scientific significance in Nevada.”
Jamie Roice is a Graduate student studying Environmental Journalism at the University of Nevada. Currently, she is interning with the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Each week a State Park will be highlighted with an article and multimedia to gain attention to Nevada’s State Parks.