Tonopah Mining Park - Silver, Then Secrets

Stop on Area 51, a free self-guided tour.

Tonopah began with a mule and a rock. Prospector Jim Butler was about to throw a stone at his stubborn animal when he noticed it was silver ore, and with help from Tasker Oddie he and his wife Belle set off a rush. The Tonopah Mining Company formed in 1901, and mining continued until around 1956.

At the Tonopah Historic Mining Park on Burro Street, 113 acres and four mining sites keep original equipment on display, with old photographs and audiovisual presentations to fill in the story. The park opened in 1992.

Why does this belong on an Area 51 tour? Because the same empty land that yielded silver also swallowed secrets. About 30 miles southeast of town lies the Tonopah Test Range, where the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter flew in secret from 1982 to 1989. It is closed to the public, so imagine it from here.

Getting here: From Rachel, follow State Route 375 northwest to Warm Springs, turn west onto US-6, and continue into Tonopah. Allow about two hours for the roughly 105 miles.

Trivia: What stealth aircraft flew in secret from the Tonopah Test Range from 1982 to 1989?

Nearby: Tonopah has gas, restaurants and motels along Main Street. Check the park's website for current hours before you visit.