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Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park: A Window into Miwok Culture

Discover Miwok culture and history at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, home to North America's largest collection of bedrock mortars.

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Explore the rich heritage of the Sierra Nevada's Miwok people at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park. See the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America, a reconstructed Miwok village, and learn about their traditions at the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum.

A brief summary to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the spring or fall for pleasant weather and wildflower blooms.
  • Check the museum hours before your visit, as they may vary.
  • Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
  • Be respectful of the sacred grounds and avoid walking on the grinding rock.
  • Consider visiting during the annual Big Time Celebration in September to experience Native American traditions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is located off Highway 88, approximately 12 miles east of Jackson, CA. From Highway 88 in Pine Grove, turn onto Pine Grove-Volcano Road. The park entrance is about 1.5 miles on the left. The day-use parking fee is $8 per vehicle.

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Discover more about Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, also known as Chaw'se, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Northern Sierra Miwok people who inhabited this area for centuries. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Pine Grove, California, the 135-acre park is situated in a small valley, approximately 2,400 feet above sea level, characterized by open meadows and valley oak trees. The park's centerpiece is a massive outcropping of marbleized limestone, bearing witness to the Miwok's enduring presence. Known as Chaw'se, the Miwok word for 'grinding rock,' this geological feature boasts over 1,185 mortar holes, the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. These mortar holes were created over generations as the Miwok women ground acorns, a dietary staple, into flour. The main grinding rock also features over 350 petroglyphs, including circles, animal tracks and wavy lines, some of which are estimated to be 2,000 to 3,000 years old. Visitors can explore a reconstructed Miwok village, complete with bark houses ('u'macha'), acorn granaries, a game field, and a ceremonial roundhouse ('hun'ge'), offering insights into traditional Miwok life. The Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum displays a collection of artifacts from the Northern, Central, and Southern Miwok, Maidu, Konkow, Monache, Nisenan, Tubatulabal, Washoe, and Foothill Yokuts tribes, showcasing their technology and crafts. Exhibits include basketry, feather regalia, jewelry, and tools. The park also offers opportunities for hiking and observing local wildlife. The North Trail is a 1-mile loop around the grinding rock and Miwok village, while the South Trail (0.5 miles) features a self-guided nature walk. Keep an eye out for deer, foxes, bobcats, and various bird species. Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park hosts special events throughout the year, including the Big Time ceremony on the last weekend in September, featuring traditional dancing, games, and storytelling.

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