Button Point

"Although the river isn't visible from the rest area, Button Point Rest still provides some comfortable shade and some great views of the surrounding valley. After driving for five straight hours from Salt Lake, Button's a much needed break from these burdening interstate!" -- February 2008

At I-80 Button Point Rest Area, 8 miles east of Winnemucca

Original Date Visited: 2/28/08
Signed: No, but you'll find a double rarity! There is an original cut-out shield for Marker 22 on both lanes of Interstate 80 before the off-ramp to "Button Point."

TWO FOR ONE

This marker shares its site with - 22 - Humboldt River

Notice the size difference of both markers!

Notes: In recent years, there's been a bit of confusion regarding Button Point, specifically these two markers. Today, if you visit the rest area you'll find a jersey barrier completely spanning the on-ramps indeed validating this odd closure. What the heck is going here?

Well, to clear up this mess I spoke to a few colleagues at the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). Of course, they being avid marker hunters as well, poked around for the answer and got back with me after about a week. Apparently, Button Point was closed at the height of Covid (2020) and has since remained closed due to state funding. The fact that Winnemucca is only eight miles down the road is the main reason noting the rest area as "unnecessary." Naturally, this also helps boost the economy of Winnemucca, which would've made since during the pandemic. The former Ely Rest Area suffered the same fate back in 2014 because Ely was only four miles away from that one.

So, all of the photos you see took place during my original conquering in 2008 long before the closure of this rest area. Today, you'll find the rest area eerily quiet with our two markers, 22 and 164. Fortunately, NDOT did not remove them so they still remain, and likely the only reason anybody would visit Button Point. Here's what you do:

* Use Exit 187 from I-80 and head in the direction of the "Rest Area." Yes, you'll see the sign repeatedly taped over with a "Closed" marquee, but the road is still open. Park at the jersey barrier and walk right in. Google Maps has even updated and removed the rest area from the map so all you see is the roundabout.

So, a ghost town rest stop? Why not. This is Nevada, after all!

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Marker 164 gave you something to read at Button Point Rest Area Another fine Nevada sundown A fine view to the Sonoma Range

Exact Description:
A few houses, a ferry across the Humboldt River and Bridge Street paved with sagebrush stubs comprised the town of Winnemucca in 1873 when Frank Button and his uncle I.V. Button drove cattle into the areas to begin ranching operations in the rich, fertile valleys of northern and eastern Humboldt County.

Using their famous Double Square brand, they raised thousands of fine horses on the 4,000 square miles of ranchland. Although the original ranch was sold in 1884, Frank Button continued his ranching activities in this area and later served as chairman of the board of Humboldt County Commissioners.

COVERED IN MY I-80 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

HUMBOLDT HOUSE

Related Links & Markers:

- 22 - Humboldt River Virtual Tour of the California Trail

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