Empire Mine State Historic Park: A Glimpse into California's Golden Past
Step back in time at California's Empire Mine, explore historic buildings, and discover the golden legacy of the Gold Rush era.
Explore one of California's richest and longest-running gold mines at Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley. Discover the fascinating history of hard rock mining, tour the mine buildings and the opulent Bourn Cottage, and wander through the beautiful restored gardens.
A brief summary to Empire Mine State Historic Park
- 10791 E Empire St, Grass Valley, California, 95945, US
- +1530-273-8522
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
- Check the park's website for tour schedules and special events.
- Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated picnic areas.
- Consider visiting during the spring to see the gardens in full bloom.
Getting There
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Driving
If driving to Empire Mine State Historic Park from Nevada City, take Highway 49 south for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto East Empire Street, and the park entrance will be on your right at 10791 E Empire St, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Parking is available on-site, but it may be limited on weekends. There are designated accessible parking spaces available.
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Public Transport
To reach Empire Mine State Historic Park via public transportation, use the Gold Country Stage bus service. Check the schedule for routes that service Grass Valley. The closest bus stop is at the intersection of East Empire Street and State Route 49. From there, walk approximately 0.5 miles to the Visitors Center. Bus fare is approximately $1-3.
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Taxi/Ride Share
For a direct route to Empire Mine State Historic Park, use a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Empire Mine State Historic Park Visitors Center, 10791 E Empire St, Grass Valley, CA 95945' as your destination. A short trip from Grass Valley should cost approximately $10-$15.
Discover more about Empire Mine State Historic Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Empire Mine State Historic Park Visitors Center
0.1 km
Explore California's Gold Rush heritage at Empire Mine State Historic Park with stunning gardens and rich history.
California Historical Landmark 297: Gold Hill Mine
2.3 km
Explore the captivating Gold Hill Mine, a historical landmark in Grass Valley, California, and discover the rich stories of the Gold Rush era.
The North Star House
3.0 km
Explore The North Star House, a historic wedding and event venue in Grass Valley, California, surrounded by breathtaking gardens and rich heritage.
Miners Foundry Cultural Center
6.5 km
Explore the rich history and vibrant cultural scene at Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City, home to live music, art, and community events.
Cement Hill Nisenan burial site-
8.3 km
Discover the poignant history and enduring legacy of the Nisenan people at the Cement Hill burial site in Nevada City, a place of remembrance and cultural significance.
California Historical Landmark 294: Rough and Ready
8.4 km
Explore Rough and Ready Historical Landmark 294, a captivating site that embodies the spirit of the Gold Rush era in California's scenic landscape.
Colfax Heritage Museum
14.4 km
Uncover the captivating history of Colfax, California at the Colfax Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of local heritage and stories.
Edwards Crossing Bridge
14.7 km
Discover the historic Edwards Crossing Bridge near Nevada City, CA: a scenic gateway to swimming, hiking, and Gold Rush history in the South Yuba River State Park.
California State Historical Landmark No. 799
16.6 km
Explore California State Historical Landmark No. 799 in Grass Valley, a captivating journey into the heart of California's gold rush history.
Gold Run historic landmark
16.6 km
Explore Gold Run, a historic landmark steeped in California's Gold Rush history, surrounded by breathtaking Sierra Nevada landscapes.
Iowa Hill Historical Marker
19.5 km
Explore California's Gold Rush heritage at the Iowa Hill Historical Marker, where history meets stunning natural beauty.
California Historical Landmarks 628 and 629: Alpha and Omega
28.0 km
Explore the remnants of California's Gold Rush at Alpha and Omega, where hydraulic mining reshaped the landscape and left a lasting legacy near Nevada City.
No Hands Bridge
32.7 km
Explore No Hands Bridge in Auburn, CA, a stunning bridge offering breathtaking views, rich history, and access to beautiful hiking trails.
Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge (California Historical Landmark No. 1051)
32.7 km
Explore the historic Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge in Auburn, California, a remarkable landmark surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Gold Country Medical History Museum
34.6 km
Explore the fascinating evolution of healthcare at Gold Country Medical History Museum in Auburn, California, where the past meets the present.
Unmissable attractions to see
Northstar Mining Museum
2.1 km
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Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
5.3 km
Discover Nevada County's transportation history at this museum dedicated to the narrow gauge railroad era.
Pioneer Park
6.5 km
Explore Pioneer Park in Nevada City, CA - a serene retreat filled with lush landscapes, walking trails, and vibrant community events.
Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Nevada City
6.6 km
Explore Nevada City's hidden treasures and rich history through an engaging scavenger hunt adventure perfect for all ages.
Fire House #1 Museum
6.7 km
Explore the legacy of firefighting at Fire House #1 Museum in Nevada City, where history and community converge in a charming historic setting.
South Yuba River State Park
15.9 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of South Yuba River State Park, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers in California.
Bridgeport Covered Bridge
16.0 km
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Golden Drift Museum
17.9 km
Explore the Golden Drift Museum in Dutch Flat, California – a captivating journey through the rich history of the Gold Rush era.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
22.2 km
Discover California's Gold Rush history at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, where hydraulic mining shaped the landscape and a ghost town whispers tales of the past.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
29.4 km
Experience the natural beauty of Hidden Falls Regional Park in California, a perfect destination for outdoor adventure and relaxation.
China Wall Staging Area
32.4 km
Explore the stunning China Wall Staging Area in Foresthill, California, where breathtaking views and adventure await in every corner of this scenic paradise.
Rappé Family Vineyards
32.4 km
Escape to Rappé Family Vineyards in Auburn, CA: Award-winning wines, serene vineyards, and a tranquil country setting on the Placer Wine & Ale Trail.
Black Hole of Calcutta Falls
33.6 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Black Hole of Calcutta Falls in Auburn, California, where nature's wonders await exploration and relaxation.
The Gold Rush Museum
33.9 km
Discover the Gold Rush Museum in Auburn, California – an immersive journey into the heart of America's gold mining history.
Auburn Clock Tower
34.3 km
Explore the Auburn Clock Tower, a historic landmark in California's Gold Country, where history meets charming local culture.
Essential places to dine
Six Peaks Grille
71.3 km
Experience fine dining at Six Peaks Grille in Olympic Valley - where exquisite steaks meet stunning mountain views.
tahoe city
71.6 km
Explore Tahoe City's vibrant restaurant scene offering delicious local cuisine amidst breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.
River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant
73.3 km
Discover the charm of River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant in Tahoe City - where Californian cuisine meets breathtaking riverside views.
Seasons 52
75.0 km
Experience culinary excellence at Seasons 52 in Sacramento - where fresh seasonal ingredients meet innovative New American cuisine.
Plan B Restaurant
76.0 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in Sacramento at Plan B Restaurant – where exquisite flavors meet an inviting atmosphere.
Zinfandel Grille
77.0 km
Experience the perfect blend of American comfort food and Italian classics at Zinfandel Grille in Sacramento.
Cedar House Deck
77.1 km
Discover Cedar House Deck: A cocktail bar and grill offering scenic views and delicious cuisine in the heart of Tahoe City.
Cedar House Pub
77.1 km
Experience delicious American cuisine at Cedar House Pub in Tahoe City, where family-friendly atmosphere meets stunning mountain views.
Spoon
77.1 km
Discover Spoon in Tahoe City: A premier American dining experience celebrating Californian flavors with every bite.
Fire Sign Café
77.2 km
Discover delicious breakfasts and brunches at Fire Sign Café in Tahoe City—where local flavors meet stunning lake views.
Shadyside Lounge
77.2 km
Discover Shadyside Lounge: where exquisite cuisine meets breathtaking views at Lake Tahoe's premier restaurant and bar.
Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
77.3 km
Discover exceptional American cuisine at Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe's serene beauty.
Tahoe Fusion
77.5 km
Experience the best of Asian and Mexican cuisine amidst the breathtaking scenery of Lake Tahoe at Tahoe Fusion.
West Shore Cafe and Inn
77.6 km
Experience exquisite dining at West Shore Cafe and Inn with stunning Lake Tahoe views and locally sourced cuisine.
Front Street Station Pizza
77.6 km
Experience the delightful fusion of pizza and Mexican cuisine at Front Street Station Pizza in beautiful Tahoe City.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Antique Annie's
75.4 km
Explore Antique Annie's in Sacramento for a unique collection of vintage treasures, furniture restoration services, and charming decor pieces.
West Shore Market
77.2 km
Experience the charm of Tahoe at West Shore Market, your go-to destination for local groceries, baked goods, coffee, and fine wines.
New Moon Natural Foods
77.7 km
Explore a treasure trove of organic and natural products at New Moon Natural Foods in Tahoe City, where health and sustainability meet.
Willard's Sport Shop
77.8 km
Discover outdoor adventure at Willard's Sport Shop in Tahoe City, offering rentals and gear for skiing, biking, and water sports in stunning Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe Logowear Co
77.8 km
Explore Tahoe Logowear Co for unique custom embroidery, capturing the essence of Lake Tahoe through quality apparel and exceptional service.
Swigard's Ace Hardware
77.9 km
Discover Swigard's Ace Hardware in Tahoe City, your ultimate destination for home improvement, tools, and expert advice in a welcoming atmosphere.
Alpenglow Sports
77.9 km
Explore the great outdoors with Alpenglow Sports, your premier destination for ski gear, camping supplies, and outdoor apparel in Tahoe City.
North Tahoe Arts
78.0 km
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Leffler Leather Goods
78.0 km
Explore the exquisite craftsmanship of Leffler Leather Goods in Tahoe City, offering unique handmade leather products for all tastes.
The Hot Spot Tahoe ~ Pottery Painting Candle Making & More
78.0 km
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Tahoe Trunk Show
78.0 km
Explore Tahoe Trunk Show for unique gifts, local art, and handcrafted jewelry that embody the spirit of Lake Tahoe.
Alpine Heritage
78.0 km
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New & Used Tahoe Sports
78.0 km
Discover unbeatable deals on ski and snowboard gear at New & Used Tahoe Sports, your go-to consignment shop in Tahoe City, California.
Lather & Fizz Bath Boutique
78.0 km
Explore Lather & Fizz Bath Boutique in Tahoe City for luxurious bath products that pamper your skin and elevate your self-care rituals.
Geared For Games
78.0 km
Explore a world of imagination at Geared For Games, Tahoe City's charming toy store filled with unique toys, games, and unforgettable adventures.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Berkley Bar
77.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious cocktails at Berkley Bar, a must-visit nightlife destination in Sacramento.
Uncorked Tahoe City
78.0 km
Discover a world of fine wines at Uncorked Tahoe City, where stunning lake views meet an exquisite selection of local and international wines.
Tahoe Wine Collective
78.4 km
Discover the finest local wines at Tahoe Wine Collective, a hidden gem in Tahoe City, perfect for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Chargin's Bar & Grill
79.1 km
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Club 2 Me
79.1 km
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The Green Room
79.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Green Room in East Sacramento, where trendy meets cozy for an unforgettable lounge experience.
Bonn Lair
79.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sacramento at Bonn Lair, a cozy bar with a vast drink selection and friendly ambiance.
Limelight Bar, Cafe & Cardroom
79.4 km
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The Jungle Bird
79.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Jungle Bird, Sacramento's premier Tiki bar, serving exotic cocktails and delicious cuisine in a tropical setting.
Star Lounge
79.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sacramento at Star Lounge, a trendy bar and restaurant serving delicious food and innovative drinks.
The Flamingo House Social Club
79.6 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine of The Flamingo House Social Club, a must-visit bar and lounge in Midtown Sacramento.
Streets Pub and Grub
79.6 km
Experience the heart of Sacramento dining at Streets Pub and Grub, where local flavors and vibrant atmosphere come together for an unforgettable outing.
The Rooftop
79.6 km
Unwind at The Rooftop, Sacramento's chic bar and lounge offering stunning city views, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Hilltop Tavern Bar
79.7 km
Experience the charm of Hilltop Tavern Bar in Sacramento, where stunning views and a delightful drink selection create unforgettable moments.
Chambers Room
79.8 km
Discover the Chambers Room, a charming bar in downtown Sacramento, offering crafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for the perfect night out.
