Historic Dangberg ranch house opens for visitors

After a winter closure, the nonprofit Friends of Dangberg Home Ranch re-opens the historic Dangberg ranch house has reopened for the season. The house, started in 1857, displays numerous items from the park’s extensive artifact collection and gives visitors the opportunity to learn about Carson Valley’s ranching history.

Two grand pianos, antique furniture, Persian rugs, Chinese ceramics, original paintings, and vintage clothing that includes 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 over 130 years. Heinrich Dangberg, a German immigrant, settled the Home Ranch in 1857, and the second generation founded Minden in 190. In addition to operating the largest ranch in the area, the family was also involved in several local businesses. The park’s collection, given to Douglas County by the Dangbergs along with the historic buildings, is original to the property.

Visitors have two options for seeing the ranch house.

The first option is a guided tour available by advance reservation, Wednesdays through Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Participants see the entire main level of the ranch house with the help of an expert guide. The tour lasts about one hour and costs $10 per person for 17 and older. There is no charge for youth ages 8-16, but children younger than eight are not permitted on the tour. Friends of Dangberg members pay nothing for the tour. Reservations can be made by calling 775-783-9417. Group size for the regular tour is limited to eight people. Groups of up to 16 people should contact the park to inquire about special tour options.

The second visitor option is an afternoon open house, when all ages are welcome to drop by unannounced to see inside a limited portion of the ranch house, Tuesdays through Sundays, 1:00pm to 4 p.m. The experience is self-guided, but volunteer docents and staff will be available to answer questions and assist visitors. Reservations are not needed. There is no admission fee for the afternoon open house, but visitors are asked to donate to support Friends of Dangberg Home Ranch. Donations enable the park’s programming, maintenance, and the preservation of its historic buildings and structures.

All visitors are also welcome to look inside a separate 1906 laundry house, the 1870 “stone cellar” storage and food-production building, a 1915 carriage house, and 1915 garage. In the garage, the park’s store offers history books, jewelry, gifts, and souvenirs.

Beginning in May, large groups may reserve the park’s tented picnic area for a small fee, with picnic table seating for up to 60 people, an interpretive presentation by park staff, and ranch house access. The full park is available for private, day-long rental through the end of September for weddings or other events.

Friends of Dangberg Home Ranch receives support from more than 550 contributing members. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization has cared for the public park since 2011 on behalf of its owner, Douglas County. To contribute in support of the group’s historic preservation and public programming goals, go to Dangberg.org. The 2023 Dangberg Summer Festival events schedule will be announced soon.