Guide To The Empire Mine State Historic Park

The Empire Gold Mine is truly a golden site in California's Gold Country.  The mine is the one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California.  The mine produced more than 5 million ounces of gold.  Visitors can see many of the old mine buildings and some of the 367 miles of abandoned mine shafts.  The park also has trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Mineyard Tour

You can see the tools and equipment used by miners.  Make sure you learn about "The Secret Room".  The room housed a scale model of mine's below the surface workings.  The model can now bee seen in the Visitors Center.

Cottage Tour

The tour of the cottages will take you through the history of the Empire Mine and its key players.  You'll tour Bourn Cottage, the Clubhouse and the George Starr home ruins.

Restored Garden

The Empire Mine grounds reflected the wealth of the mine.  The grounds included the homes of the mine owner William Bourn and superintendent George Starr.  The gardens had large lawns with fountains, reflecting pools and a greenhouse.  The gardens have been restored to circa 1905 with more than 950 rose bushes.

Hiking Trails

The 845 acre park includes about 12 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riding.  The trails are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.  The trails pass by many historic mining sites and old foundations.  Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center.

Underground Tours

The park plans to offer underground tours in early April 2012.  Construction has begun so visitors will soon be able to go 800 feet down and see what it was like to mine for gold during the 1860's.

Empire Mine

10791 E. Empire Str.
Grass Valley, CA
530.273.8522
Empiremine.org

Entrance fee: $5.00 for adults over 16, $3.00 for children 6 to 16,  children under 5 are free. Tours: Cottage, Mineyard and Grounds & Gardens - $2.00 each (adults)