ViaMichelin
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Location picture
Michelin Guide
Well worth the diversions
Industrial site
The Michelin Guide's review
California's largest and richest deep mine comprised 367mi of underground tunnels and produced 5.8 million troy ounces of gold during its century of operation (1856-1956). In the main shaft, visitors may stand on a platform located some 50ft below the surface for a gaze into the tunnel that extends more than 10,000ft to a depth of nearly a mile. Clustered about the mouth of the shaft is an assortment of equipment, processing buildings and administrative offices. The visitor center features a poignant photographic exhibit commemorating the hard life of the Cornish miners. Contained within the park are the handsome, redwood-paneled house and landscaped grounds of William Bourn Jr., owner of the mine from 1879 to 1929. There are also 8mi of hiking trails.
Practical information
+1 530-273-8522
Location
10791 E. Empire St. at Mill St.
Grass Valley 95945
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