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Ward Charcoal Ovens
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- Recreational Facilities
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- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
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User Reviews
Maryj
Kind of an amazing history and wonder. Growing up in northern Idaho among many silver mines we never had anything like this. The technology they used for smelting wasn’t the most efficient. What they left behind is a wonder. There’s a short trail around the park and is easy walking. I was the only one left in the park after a short hike coming back to an empty parking lot - it’s definitely remote and something heavy snapped a twig so I didn’t panic because I did see cow poop so probably a cow or a big foot. LOL!!! 😂
Val Afualo Conway
If you like visiting oddities and weird places, this is for you. The Ward Charcoal ovens were named for a nearby city, long gone. These ovens were used to burn wood into charcoal, to be used as fuel in an energy plant. To keep up the demand for fuel, locals denuded the area of trees for miles around. Dogs ok. There is an honor system to pay for admission to this Nevada State Park and for added entertainment , everyone can speculate how the park rangers retrieve the money you shove down the concrete honor pipe. Pro Tip: Bring your barbershop quartet here and belt out a song in the middle of the oven. The sound is very weird.
Michele Sherman
The ovens were a neat find. They are a unique reminder of our country’s history and a little sad to think of how many trees it took to fill just one of the ovens to create the charcoal. While we were there, we saw a sign for Ward’s mining town. It’s actually before you get to the ovens. The cemetery is a very interesting visit.
William Vlach
Very cool old historic structures and history! That said, I don't think they should charge us the same for this 10-15 minute experience as they charge for an entire day at Cave Lake and other parks. Especially since it takes an extra half-hour round trip on an unpaved road just to get to it. Although I should add that the road to get there is in GREAT shape (60MPH easy! =) )
Cyndi Huffman
These were an interesting pitstop to make when we were in the area. Hard to believe how many trees that they used. They have been well preserved. It’s a bit of a long drive back to get them but worth it to check them out. Vault toilets in the area. And a picnic area too! A short half mile hike just past the ovens.