| Specs |
| Type: |
Museum, Park |
| Distance: |
Local |
| Area: |
Grass Valley |
| Ages: |
All Ages, but older kids will benefit more |
| Cost: |
$ |
| Information: |
www.empiremine.org |
Empire Mine is one of those places that you've always known about but hardly ever take advantage of. If you're a local you already know that this area played a big role in California's Gold Rush, but if you want to learn more about that role you really need to visit Empire Mine.
Empire Mine was once the largest and richest gold min in the state of California, producing 5.8 million ounces of gold over its 100+ year history. According to the park's website, this is probably only about 20% of the gold that is actual underground at the site.
Empire Mine is a large complex featuring many of the original mine buildings, beautiful gardens (Do you want to have some family pictures done? This is the place.) and the original "owner's cottage," which let's face it is a mansion. One of the best attractions at the park is the entrance to a 367 mile complex of abandoned mine shafts and tunnels. There is a little museum on site complete with a scale model of the underground mine complex, a room full of ore samples and a large collection of minerals. There are also 12 miles of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails.
On Mother's Day weekend the park hosts a "living history" weekend with actors in period costume, food service and entertainment. There are also other events throughout the year--check the website for information.
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