Empire Mine State Park covers 856 acres of forested backcountry and features historic mining buildings and homes, restored gardens, and 14 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. This is the site of one of the richest and deepest gold mines in California. The mine has long since stopped operation, but you can still see much of the equipment that kept the mine running. Visit the mine entrance and peer deep into the shaft that took miners down to the 367 miles of tunnels that run under the park.
Back on the surface, take a living history tour of the grand Bourn Cottage or the 13 acres of formal gardens (garden tours available May through September). Outside of the formal grounds, the hikes through the park are fairly easy. Pick up lunch in nearby historic Grass Valley for picnics just outside the Park entrance. The park is still operating under Covid-19 restrictions, so check the website for current guidelines and a list of open features.
