DISCOVER THE ADVENTURE:
EMPIRE MINE STATE HISTORIC PARK

That's because the Empire Mine was a hard rock mine; that means
the gold was stuck inside quartz crystals and had to be dug and blasted out of the ground. Not what you normally think of when you hear California Gold Rush, is it?

If you plan to visit Grass Valley, look for the best hotel prices at HotelsCombined before you book:

Mine Shaft; Photo Courtesy of empiremine.org

To leisurely explore the history-rich and exciting city of Grass Valley, just book your hotel at HotelsCombined where you can compare prices from over 30 hotel booking sites:

Empire Mine SHP Yard
See more photos of the park here.

Plan to spend a
good part of your day at this historic park and its gold mine, as there's a lot to see and do!

Start at the
Visitors' Center in the old carraige house and stables building.

Find out about the guided tours, living history presentations, and audio-visuals that are offered throughout the day so you can make your plans accordingly.

Be sure to visit the gold mine's Secret Room while you're there. Very few people were aware of its existence during the life of the mine. Also explore the scale model of the mine's inner workings. You'll find a miniature replication of five square miles of underground tunnels and rooms where hundreds of miners spent their days extracting gold from the earth.

The old Mine Office is now a walk-through museum. Many of the
other mining buildings and offices still stand in the mine yard, like the Refinery Room, the Warehouse, the Machine Shop, and the Headframe which supported the track that carried the men, equipment, and rock to and from the mine.

Bourn Cottage; Photo by Suzi Rosenberg

When you've
finished at the Mine Yard, stroll the path leading to the other portion of Empire Mine park - where the miners and mine owners lived and played.

I think you'll agree, it's quite the contrast!

Meander the spectacular grounds, exploring the Empire Clubhouse, the Gardeners House and Greenhouse, Bourn Cottage, the ruins of Ophir Cottage - all set amongst stunning gardens and landscaped parks.

Beyond the living quarters, you'll find forested backcountry with
eight miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

You can see why I advise spending most of the day!

You might also like to visit these other California Gold Rush Sites. Stay in touch, as we'll be adding more to the list!

Please continue your exploration of what Northern California has to offer by using the Nav Bar at the left, by using the links at the bottom of the page, or by using the customized search box below to find the specific topic that interests you.

Like what you're finding here at DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com? Then please share with your Social Network (see the buttons in the NavBar to the left, or at the bottom of the page).

For more pictures of Northern California and other great stuff, check out my facebook page, www.DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com. Become a fan, write on my Wall, contribute to the Discussion Board, post a Review -- join in the fun!

New! Comments