Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is home to six historic charcoal ovens and a multitude of amenities that appeal to many people. Located about 20 miles south of Ely, Nevada, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is an excellent choice for campers and history buffs.

Charcoal ovens

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is well known for its six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that are located in the historic town of Ward, Nevada, which was a small mining town. The ovens were built in 1876 by Italian masons known as Carbonari. Locally harvested timber was used to create charcoal in the ovens until the town essentially died in 1883 after a series of natural and man-made disasters including frequent flooding and fires.

Amenities

Visitors to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park enjoy access to hiking trails, mountain biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and excellent fishing. ATV riding is popular in the area as there are several trails built for this purpose. Fisherman can enjoy a lazy day on Willow Creek catching rainbow, brook and brown trout. Campers stay at Willow Creek Campground where there are spaces for tents and RVs with accessible restrooms. Day-trippers can picnic at one of two day-use areas that feature grills, covered picnic tables and restrooms. Willow Creek Campground also offers a group area available for reservations.

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is an excellent get-away destination and a great educational opportunity for history buffs and students. There is a modest entry fee to the park, which changes depending on the season and park funding.