Just north of Sacramento in Grass Valley, the Empire Mine State Historic Park preserves an important legacy. It is one of California’s richest hard-rock gold mines. It offers a scenic foothill retreat filled with history, nature, and seasonal charm.
What Makes Empire Mine State Historic Park Unique
With 367 miles of underground tunnels and more than 5.8 million ounces of gold extracted over a century, Empire Mine stands out as one of California’s most productive gold mines. Today, the historic Bourn Cottage, gardens, mineyard and blacksmith shop blend early 20th-century elegance with tangible mining heritage. Over 14 miles of forested trails carve through mixed oak, pine and riparian habitats at 2,500–2,900 feet, offering year-round natural beauty and wildlife viewing.
Top Activities & Amenities
Guided & Self-Guided Tours
Volunteers lead estate tours of the Bourn Cottage and gardens (Memorial Day–Oct daily). Mineyard tours include the blacksmith shop and hoist house. Self-guided tour maps and models inside the Visitor Center let you explore on your own schedule.
Historic Buildings & Interpretive Exhibits
The Visitor Center houses the “Secret Room” scale model of underground workings. It also contains mining equipment displays. Visitors will find interpretive panels. Additionally, there are exhibits of ore samples. Explore restored buildings: machine shop, assay office, carriage house, clubhouse and blacksmith shop—each showing different facets of mining operations and lifestyle.
Hiking & Biking Trails
Fourteen miles of multi-use trails traverse the park’s acreage. Trails of varying difficulty wind through forest groves, past mine shafts, and link to the Empire Cottage and gardens. Biking and horseback riding are welcome—most routes are shared-use and gently graded.
Picnic Areas & Photography Opportunities
Shaded picnic tables near parking and trailheads invite a relaxed break among historic settings. Photographers will savor shots of rusting mining gear, vintage buildings set against forest backdrops, and seasonal wildflowers in spring.
Gift Shop & Educational Programs
A small gift shop in the Visitor Center offers books, maps and local crafts. Regular family and school programs introduce kids to Gold Rush history. Special events—like living-history weekends—bring vintage machinery and artisan demonstrations to life.
Restrooms & Parking
Flush restrooms and drinking water are available near the Visitor Center and Penn Gate lot. EV charging is available in the main parking area, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Historic grounds are accessible 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Mar–Oct), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Nov–Feb).
Practical Visitor Tips
- Fees & Tours: Park entry is covered by standard state park pass or day-use fee. Guided tours are free and first-come, group tours must be reserved.
- Parking & Access: Penn Gate lot fills early on weekends—arrive by 10 a.m. EV charger available. Trails open sunrise to sunset.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed on trails and grounds but not inside buildings or within the Visitor Center.
- Accessibility: Visitor Center, museum, garden areas and some trails are ADA-accessible. Historic buildings may have uneven flooring.
- Seasonal Hours: Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Estate tours run spring–fall; check schedule for seasonal variations.
- Wildlife & Weather: Expect deer, songbirds, and mountain chickadees. Spring brings wildflowers; summers are mild, winters cooler in shade.
- Photography: Drone & commercial shoots require permits. Non-commercial photography welcome on-site.
- Group Visitors: Picnicking and small events are allowed—contact park staff for group sizes over 15.
Local Insight & Hidden Gem
Start your visit early. Take a stroll through the manicured gardens at dawn. The roses and fountain reflections in the soft light are breathtaking. In spring, watch for wildflower blooms along the General’s Highway Trail leading from the cottage northward. For a quieter moment, follow the shaded horse and bike trail west to the old carriage house—its weathered boards, ancient oak, and echoes of mine workers make it a photographer’s favorite. And don’t miss the living history blacksmith demonstration in mid-afternoon—seeing the bellows and hammer in action really brings the industrial spirit of the Gold Rush alive.