The Empire Mine SHP offers a little bit of everything to visitors; a museum, historic houses and gardens, hiking trails, living history, docent led tours and more. We went on a fascinating, docent-led Mineyard tour,* learning about hardrock mining. Touring the museum was really interesting, ESPECIALLY the 3-D model of the mines existing under Grass Valley and Nevada City. Walking... More

I didn't really know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprise at how serenely beautiful this place is. We have been to Filoli Gardens in Woodside many times before and so we we're curious to see where the Bourn Family got started. I can see some similarity in the house and garden style although not in a grand way... More

The only less than wonderful aspect was that, you cannot go in the mine. (Ok, about 50 feet only). Interest 3d map of all the tunnels, would be far more interesting to actuallybe able to visit the tunnels.

The grounds are so beautiful. We had our wedding here after closing hours. But the park is stunning, the history is very interesting and there's plenty of parking, picnic tables for lunch and trails right close by

This was a nice outing for us and gave us an insight into how gold mining was done in the time this mine was active.

Wether you park and just enjoy the miles and miles of fantastic trails or go in and tour what's behind the wall you will have spent a fantastic day. The leaves in the fall mix with the evergreens for a brilliant spectacle. Spring brings the beautiful wildflowers and summer offers shady trails dotted with sun and the sweet spell on... More

Have lived here for 30 years and still like taking family and friends here when they come to town. Love to go when the roses and hydrangeas are blooming, Beautiful.

Great tour, prices have gone up but still a deal and you can spend as much time there as you want and nice little picnic areas surrounding the parking lot.

the guided tour was super by Anita - can go part way down a mine shaft and kids can have their picture taken - very safe