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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > California > Grass Valley |
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Time Zone
Pacific
Latitude/Longitude
39.21° /-121.06°
Today's Forecast
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HIGH: 61
LOW: 39
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Now leading life as a center for artists and craftspeople, this lovely Gold Rush-era town has long been a draw for history buffs. The 1850 discovery of a rich vein of gold-bearing quartz resulted in creation of the Empire Mine, the richest hard-rock gold mine in California history. It operated until 1956, pulling well over five million ounces of gold from its 367 miles of tunnels. The 805-acre Empire Mine State Historic Park includes a visitors center, a 3-D scale model of the tunnels, and access to the adjoining estate of the mine's owners. Tours are available daily from March through November, and weekends only in winter. In addition to the Empire Mine, visitors to Grass Valley can enjoy the charming architecture and visit the Grass Valley Museum (housed in an old orphanage). Be sure to drop by the Grass Valley Visitor Center, too. It's located in the former home of the notorious Lola Montez, celebrated beauty and Gold Rush-era heartbreaker.
The Empire Mine State Historic Park is located at 10791 E. Empire Street in Grass Valley. It's open from September through April from 10 AM to 5 PM, and from May through August from 9 AM to 6 PM. Adult admission is $3. Call 530-273-8522. Grass Valley Museum is located in Mount St. Mary's at the intersection of Church and Chapel Streets. It's open Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, year-round. Call 530-273-5509. The Grass Valley Visitor Center is located at 248 Mill Street. It's open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. Call 530-273-4667.
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