We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Save
Review Highlights
Relics of how fortune was made in mining

The site has many mining relics and some buildings from the literally gold era. It also has some... read more

Reviewed 3 days ago
Simon C
,
Shanghai, China
via mobile
Always a pleasant visit.

This was a repeat visit and it’s nice to see everything still well preserved and presented. The... read more

Reviewed 14 December 2023
L4634PWsteves
,
Ramona, California
via mobile
Read all 534 reviews
  
Reviews (534)
Filter reviews
534 results
Traveller rating
376
140
17
0
1
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveller rating
376
140
17
0
1
Show reviews that mention
All reviews blacksmith shop scale model hiking trails mining history tours bourne picnic volunteers california
Selected filters
Filter
Updating list...
116 - 121 of 534 reviews
Reviewed 10 August 2017

I always bring visitors to Grass Valley to Empire Mine. The Park is full of history and beauty. This was a working gold mine, I believe the longest running gold mine in the US - 106 year if memory serves.

So from visiting the original mining offices and foundry, to seeing the homes and lodge of the owners of the mine by architect Willis Polk ( The Bourne Family - my understanding is this was their summer home)

Best about this park is the many volunteers who devote their time, passion, and historical knowledge to do tours through the Park. From learning about the underground gold mine, the blacksmith foundry, to life in the manor house, to the amazing gardens and park like landscape you can find a tour for your tastes. Truly the volunteers here are so knowledgable and personable - I know they also love this park!

If you love old growth roses - OMG you must visit. Huge rose garden - I must note how many varieties so I can update my posting - more than I've ever seen in one location. And they often have starts of these heirloom / old growth roses for sale - best smelling roses.

And to cap it all off - if you don't want to tour the park (a smashing $7 admission) there are innumerable walking trails kept in great shape around the outside of the park - you can walk for a few minutes and see some of the relics from the many gold mines in this area or walk for miles. The forest around the park is refreshing in its natural beauty.

Date of experience: August 2017
1  Thank Susan S
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 9 August 2017

Our trip to the mine great, we didn't know what to expect, but we paid for the tour of the cottage, the docents were extremely knowledgeable. Always nice to get the background of places to visit, of course, you can explore the grounds on your own, they are meticulously maintained, great place for photography.

Date of experience: July 2017
1  Thank Mamabirdie
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 29 July 2017

Had a walk around this gem of a museum in Grass Valley. There is plenty to do here. You can walk round the museum, walk round the old buildings such as the mine shaft viewing area, the blacksmiths workshop, refinery room, and many more. All the old machinery from the gold rush days are still there, and they have an amazing 3D model of the mine itself. You can walk the gardens and even go inside the Empire Cottage. A lovely house built by the mine owner. If you are interested in American history then this is a must.

Date of experience: June 2017
Thank Matthew K
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 24 July 2017

We have visited this park twice-once 30 years ago and again last week, and it is a magical place! Beautiful setting, and a great place to learn about mining and the mine owners and workers. Our tour guide was excellent, well informed and entertaining. She kept saying she talks too much, but I thought she was great! She gave a great tour of the fabulous cottage, and was equally informative on the mine tour. Nice facilities, reasonable price to get in, good gift shop, and beautiful grounds. Not your average mining museum!

Date of experience: July 2017
Thank Sally A
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 July 2017

This is a great place to visit for anyone at any age, and a well run State Park. There are lots of interesting mining displays, machinery and a few interactive/instructional venues. You can take a self-guided tour of the mine operation and equipment (ore cars, stamping machine, assay office, etc), and sit in on a discussion of how the gold mines worked, or visit the blacksmith while he makes something interesting and explains what he is doing (several kids were transfixed by him!) You can even venture down the mine shaft about 40 feet. There are also tours of the spectacular "cottage" owned by the Bourn family, and music on the lawn. There are there is truly something for everyone.

Date of experience: July 2017
Thank INSFCA
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
View more reviews