Have you ever wanted to name a new park? Now, you can vote to choose the name of Nevada’s newest state park. The park protects more than 1,600 acres of riverfront landscape, historic trails and former ranchland, but it still lacks an official name.
According to Nevada State Parks, the 1,627-acre property is located along the Carson River near Dayton and has remained privately owned for more than 155 years. The park protects 4.5 miles of the river corridor and portions of the historic California and Pony Express trails.
Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 14, and each participant may cast only one ballot. A committee selected five finalists after receiving nearly 2,500 suggestions from residents, visitors and other park supporters.
An official announcement from the Nevada Division of State Parks confirms the finalist names, voting deadline and selection process. Gov. Joe Lombardo is expected to announce the winner during the park’s official designation ceremony later this fall.
Voters Can Choose From Five Finalist Names
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On the page where you can vote, the park details why each name was chosen. Carson River Ranches State Park recognizes the property’s ranching history and its connection to the Carson River. Cottonwood Trails State Park is named for its cottonwood trees and the generations of people who traveled through the area.
Crossroads Canyon State Park reflects the meeting of historic travel routes and cultures. Heritage Canyon State Park recognizes the landscape’s Indigenous, emigrant, and ranching history, while River’s Edge State Park focuses on the park’s location beside the Carson River. Voting is available through the Nevada State Parks website.
The Land Has an Unusual Divorce-Ranch History
The property preserves cultural resources dating to the late 1800s. Its history includes Indigenous stewardship, ranching, railroad travel, and the movement of emigrants through the Carson River corridor.
During the 1940s, part of the property actually operated as a divorce ranch. Nevada’s six-week residency requirement attracted people seeking divorces, and some stayed at specialized ranches while establishing residency. That history influenced Crossroads Canyon State Park, one of the five finalist names.
The New Park Is Not Fully Open Yet
Travelers should not make plans to explore the property immediately. Nevada State Parks says areas beyond Fort Churchill Road remain closed while officials prepare a master plan and develop visitor facilities.
Possible future activities include hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and picnicking. Planned amenities may include trails, trailheads, restrooms and picnic areas, although the final plans have not been approved quite yet.
Fort Churchill Road remains open as a county road through the property. Nevada State Parks has not announced a date for the park’s complete public opening.