Lovelock Cave Historic Site

About this spot

Overview: Lovelock Cave Historic Site is at the end of a designated backcountry byway along unpaved roads. The site features a cave with historic significance, an information kiosk, a self-guided nature trail, a covered picnic table, and a vault toilet. At the cave entrance, visitors will find a wooden deck, visitor log, and educational signs. Vehicle Access: A high-clearance vehicle is not required. The roads are well-maintained dirt/gravel. Camping: Although this is not considered a camping destination, overnight stays are allowed in the designated parking area. Activities: Popular activities include visiting the historic site and hiking the self-guided trail. Point of Interest: Lovelock Cave is a site of historical significance known as the “Cradle of Great Basin Archaeology.” Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unassuming cave was used by native peoples for thousands of years for shelter and storage. Recent History Lovelock Cave first received broader attention in the 1910s by guano (bat dung) miners who found artifacts in the cave deposits. The find was reported to researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and archaeological investigations began in 1912. Work continued intermittently in the cave through the 1960s. Lovelock Cave was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 24, 1984. Since 2006, the BLM Humboldt River Field Office and local organizations sponsor “Lovelock Cave Days.” This event brings hundreds of elementary school students to Lovelock Cave where they can experience an important part of Nevada’s rich history. Artifacts This is the original site of the famous Lovelock Cave duck decoys, which at 2,000 years old, are the oldest in the world. Among these, the “Tule Duck Decoy” is officially recognized as Nevada's State Artifact. The oldest ar