Lehman Caves Centennial

black and white photo of a small visitor center with flagpole and a full parking lot.
Lehman Caves has served commercial visitors since the early 1900s. Pictured above: a crowded mid-century parking lot outside the cave visitor center.

NPS photo

Join us in 2022 as we spotlight the 100th anniversary of tourism in Lehman Caves.

Located on traditional homelands of the Newe (Western Shoshone People), the cave has also served commercial visitors since the early 1900s.

Lehman Caves National Monument, later expanded to become Great Basin National Park, was established in 1922.

For a tentative calendar of events, please scroll to Monthly Happenings below.
 
 
Great Basin National Park 100 Years in Lehman Caves: Thousands of Stories to Tell
A Brief History
On January 24, 1922, President Warren Harding proclaimed Lehman Caves National Monument. There was a ceremony at Lehman Caves to celebrate the event on August 6, 1922. Later, in 1933, the national monument was transferred to the National Park Service (NPS).

For more than half a century, Lehman Caves was one of the most isolated NPS units. In1986, Great Basin National Park was proclaimed which significantly enlarged the size of this protected unit and added features like 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak.

Partners and Sponsors Supporting the Celebration
• Baker Community Church • Baker School Great Basin National Heritage Area • Travel Nevada • Nevada Humanities • White Pine County School District • Western National Parks Association • Great Basin National Park Foundation •

 
General Information
Many events take place outdoors. Specific dates and locations will be provided on the park social media platforms.

Parking
On August 6th, parking will be limited. Shuttle Bus service will be provided from the Great Basin Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To travel in your personal vehicle, follow NV Hwy 488 to Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow the signs to events. The picnic area will be closed to cars during the afternoon events. Accessibility drop off and pick up will be accommodated.

Volunteer Information
Volunteers assisting with events will register at the LCVC for assignment.
 

Event Schedule
August 6th, 2022


7AM Sunrise Flag Raising Ceremony
Behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center at the original flagpole location with the 1922 flag with 48 stars.

9AM - 5PM Lehman Caves Lantern Tours
Experience the cave the way early visitors did, lit only by lanterns! (Reservation Only)

10AM - 12PM History and Nature Tours
Guided tours with Lehman Caves Rangers along the Lehman Caves National Monument Nature Trail created in 1966.

3PM - 4PM Rededication Ceremony
At the Astronomy Amphitheater with special guest speakers, dignitaries, and musical entertainment.

4:30PM Birthday Cake and Refreshments
Join past, present, and future Great Basin National Park employees, special guests, and visitors to celebrate 100 years.

 

2022 Monthly Happenings

January 24
Special Proclamation of Lehman Caves Day for the 100 Year Anniversary of Lehman Caves National Monument.
February
Month-long special invitation to view the Lehman Caves Virtual Tour; a Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA)-funded conservation project.
March
March 24 - Baker Elementary School Chautauqua, 6:00 pm at Baker Hall in Baker, NV
April
April 6 - Great Basin National Park Foundation Centennial Virtual Lecture Series: A Close-Up Look at Lehman Caves. 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PT. Speaker: Gretchen Baker. To attend this virtual event, please register here.
April 20 - Horse-shoeing Demonstration by Glen Dearden and Justin Farnsworth. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Located at the Ranching Exhibit off Highway 488 in Baker, NV.
May
May 4 - Great Basin National Park Foundation Centennial Virtual Lecture Series: Exploring Lehman Caves' Ancient, Mysterious Past. 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PT. Speaker: Dr. Louise Hose. To attend this virtual event, please register here.
May 12 - Butter-making Demonstration by Carol Ferguson, 2:00 pm at Baker Hall in Baker, NV.
May 18 - Sourdough-making Demonstration by Abe Johnson, 2:00 pm at Baker Hall in Baker, NV.
June
June 1 - Great Basin National Park Foundation Centennial Virtual Lecture Series: Speaker TBA, and registration links are posted here.
July
July 6 - Great Basin National Park Foundation Centennial Virtual Lecture Series: Speaker TBA, and registration links are posted here.
August
Rededication Events Saturday, August 6.
September
Public Lands Day volunteer activities Saturday, September 24.
Great Basin National Park Astronomy Festival.
October through December
Photo exhibits and virtual events.

 

Last updated: July 8, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311

Phone:

775-234-7331
Available 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day

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