Empire Mines State Park in Grass Valley California provides a fascinating historical view into one of California’s largest, deepest, and most abundant gold mines. Across more than a century it produced over 5.8 million ounces of gold from its 367 subterranean miles of mine shafts (most of which are filled with water now). Many mine related buildings are open, with docents in period costumes and acting the parts of various mine operations personnel. At the annual Miners Picnic event, we met a fur trapper, saw a reenactment of a mine explosion and emergency response, and enjoyed interactive tours. In addition, the owner’s fancy “cottage” and gardens have been restored and are open for touring. Empire Mines offers unique history, stories, and geology to learn and experience.

Mine diagonal entry point shaft descending into Empire Mines State Park at annual Miners Picnic

Diagonal entry point shaft descending into Empire Mines

Mine emergency reenactment at Empire Mines State Park annual Miners Picnic

Mine emergency reenactment at annual Miners Picnic

Panning for gold at Empire Mines State Park annual Miners Picnic

Panning for – and finding – real gold

Kids with historical actor at Empire Mines State Park annual Miners Picnic

Kids with historical actor at annual Miners Picnic