Named after an ancient lake, Lahontan Reservoir was originally built as part of an irrigation project to water nearby farmlands. With willows and cottonwoods scattered along 69 miles of shoreline, the park is one of most popular places in Nevada to boat, fish, water-ski, horseback ride, camp and enjoy the outdoors year-round. Canoeing from Fort Churchill to the lake makes for a great day trip when conditions allow. Wild horses, bobcat, fox and deer share the park with a variety of birds, including migratory waterfowl, pelicans, herons, egrets and hawks. Lahontan is also a nesting site for bald eagles.