Empire Mine State Historic Park
10791 E Empire St, Grass Valley, CA 95945, USA
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from November 1 thru February 28
$$
fun-paid-activities, museums
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Empire Mine State Historic Park features a mixture of beautiful architecture, engaging tours and demonstrations, and acres of manicured gardens.
My husband and I have been visiting Empire Mine State Historic Park for over a decade and have continued to take our children there. I love that a place we enjoy visiting has become one that our children enjoy visiting as well. While the kids love different things about the park, we all find something to enjoy each time. The museum houses a gift shop, a scale model of the intricate web of 367 miles of mines located underneath the park, and a gem collection including samples of gold.
The mine owner’s house and grounds are a beautiful scene that we have used as a backdrop for family photos many times. The gardens, fountains, and reflection pool are beautiful in late spring and early summer. To the Southeast of the grounds, you will find the mining buildings and can enjoy a blacksmith demonstration and get a glimpse into the mine entrance. Photographs from the gold rush will be thought-provoking for children in the 4th grade studying California History and the gold rush. There are various mining tools and equipment in the yard near the mine entrance and many concrete structures to be explored. The surrounding hiking paths also have quite a few old mines and concrete structures remaining, making it a unique experience.
The museum, houses, and grounds of the park do have an admission cost, but the 14 miles of hiking trails do not require admission.