The Dangberg Home Ranch in 2018.
The house displays numerous items from the park’s extensive artifact collection and gives visitors the opportunity to learn about Carson Valley’s ranching history.
Grand pianos, antique furniture, Persian rugs, original paintings, vintage gowns, and Nevada’s oldest Levi’s are among the displays in the living areas of the ranch house, representing the day-to-day lives of four generations of this prominent family. The Dangbergs founded Minden and were involved in several local businesses in addition to operating the largest ranch in the area.
In the more practical north wing of the house, visitors will see the kitchen, pantry and cowboy’s dining hall and the working side of ranch life. They will also have access inside a separate laundry house and “stone cellar” storage and food-production building.
The ranch house will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each of those days. The experience is self-guided, but volunteer docents and staff will be available to answer questions and assist visitors. Reservations are not needed, but large groups are encouraged to give advance notice before visiting.
There is no admission fee, but visitors are asked to donate an amount of their choice to support the 501(c)(3) non-profit Friends of Dangberg Home Ranch. Donations enable the park’s programming, maintenance, and the preservation of its historic buildings and structures.
Beginning in late May, groups can also reserve the park’s tented picnic area for a small fee, with seating for up to 60 people.
Funding to support this and other park activities has been provided Douglas County, E. L. Cord Foundation, Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation, Carson Valley Accounting, Robert E. Schilling Charitable Fund, D & B Cabinets, Dr. James the Dentist, TruNorth Wealth Management, A.B.E. Printing and Copy Center, A Catered Affaire, Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, Cowboy’s Café, Douglas Disposal & Recycling Service, Edward Jones Investments – Tim Cleveland, Hone Company, Kaiser Genoa Property, LLC, and Mangia Tutto Pizzeria & Ristorante.
The park is located at 1450 Hwy 88, three-quarters of a mile south of the high school and roundabout. For more information, visit Dangberg.org.
