Near Novato in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Dairy Barn
Photographed by Rover Spotts, January 2, 2026
1. Dairy Barn Marker
This now-crumbling, cement and wood structure is the Rancho Olompali dairy barn, originally built by the Burdell family in 1938.
Just beyond the barn is the start of a 2.7-mile loop trail, traversing the east face of Mt. Burdell. You should pass the barn, turn south and cross the wooden bridge, to start your hike. A trail spur is now under construction, which will eventually reach the 1558-foot summit of Mt. Burdell.
A representatation of a Coast Miwok village is also under construction by park volunteers and staff. It is located about 200 yards past the barn, up the dirt road. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the park staff. When the village will be completed, it will be used by Coast Miwok descendants to preserve their cultural traditions and by Park staff to interpret the Miwok culture to park visitors and school groups.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 38° 9.191′ N, 122° 34.419′ W. Marker is near Novato, California, in Marin County. It can be reached from
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the San Francisco Bay Area, in the North Coast, and specifically on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Salt Box House (within shouting distance of this marker); Burdell Frame House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cook House (about 600 feet away); The Chosen Family (about 700 feet away); Rancho Olompali
Photographed by Rover Spotts, January 2, 2026
2. Dairy Barn Marker
More about this marker. It can be reached from Lichenberg Fire Road. Marker and site are located on the grounds of the Olomali State Historic Park, a short walk from the parking area. Olomali State Historic Park may only be entered from southbound State Highway 101 and is 3.5 miles north of Novato.
Also see . . . Olompali State Historic Park. (Submitted on January 3, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 106 times since then. Last updated on November 8, 2026, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 2, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
