Empire Mine State Historic Park Gold Country Day Trip

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Hidden deep below the surface in Grass Valley is one of California’s oldest, largest, deepest, longest, and richest gold mines, The Empire Mine. Part of what was once the most productive gold mining district in the state from 1850 to 1956, the Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold.

Since 1975, the 853-acre state historical park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains has preserved the mine, allowing visitors to explore the site.

Inside the park is a visitor center and many of the mine’s original buildings, including the restored gardens and historic home of former mine owner — William Bourn, Jr.

There are also 12 miles of mixed oak and conifer forested backcountry hiking trails, which winds around old foundations and the entrance to 367 miles of abandoned and flooded underground mine shafts. Most trails are easy hikes, ideal for recreational activities like walking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Empire Mine Things To Do

There are many things to see and do at the mine, so visitors can easily spend most of their day exploring. They can visit the mine’s structure, including the hollow opening of its 5,000-foot-deep shaft, or take a historical tour of the 4,600 square-foot Bourne Cottage, built in 1897.

Also, guests can take a mine yard tour explaining the gold mining process in detail. They’ll see mine statistics and demonstrations of various operational and non-operational pieces of new and old mining equipment.

Also, the park museum has a scale model of the underground workings of the Empire/Star mine complex, a “gold room” that displays gold ore samples from local mines, an Assay Office, and an extensive mineral collection.

The Empire Mine, located in California, was the largest and most productive hard-rock gold mine, producing over 5.8 million ounces of gold. Although no mining activities exist, the site is open to tourists and history enthusiasts throughout the year. Furthermore, during the spring season, visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens in full bloom.

In addition to the annual Miner’s Picnic held in late summer, various year-round “living history” events are available at the Empire Mine Historical Park. The park also hosts a “Holiday Open-House” event over Thanksgiving weekend. If you plan a trip to California’s Gold Country, add Empire Mine Historical Park to your list of must-visit places.

Getting to Empire Mine

The Empire Mine State Historical Park’s visitor center and mine are off Highway 174 at 10791 E. Empire St., Grass Valley, 24 miles north of the City of Auburn. The park is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee includes tours of the Public Cottage and the mine yard.

Empire Mine State Historic Park is an ideal family outing for a weekend or day, offering various options and a fun and educational glimpse into California’s mining history.

Nearby Empire Mine SHP

Nevada City Historic Gold Rush Town

Nevada City started during the gold rush and is rich in history. Several sites are on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites include Firehouse No. 2 and the National Hotel, the oldest, still-functioning hotel west of the Rockies. Nevada City boasts three museums that will educate and entertain.

South Yuba River State Park

South Yuba River State Park is a renowned tourist spot located on the Yuba River in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The park is famous for its breathtaking views and outdoor activities. It boasts almost 20 miles of Gold County, stretching from Malakoff Diggins State Historical Park to the banks of the Yuba River. Visitors can indulge in swimming, hiking, and exploring the trails that lead to historic mining sites. They can also try their luck at panning for gold and enjoy the sight of beautiful wildflowers in the spring.

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