Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley, CA
By far, one of the longest running gold mines of the Gold Rush Era, Empire Mine operated for over a century from 1850 to 1956.  The mine still contains millions of dollars of gold.  And it was the largest hard rock mining operation in the state pulling more gold out of the ground than any other mine of the Gold Rush era.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Near Coloma, James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848! This event led to the greatest mass movement of people the world had ever known, and was the spark which ignited the spectacular growth of the west during the ensuing decades, making the location of the gold discovery one of the most significant historic sites in the nation.

Rafting Outfitters

Access to Adventure

Action Whitewater Adventures - 888-922-8466

Adventure Connection, river adventures for kids 7 to 75, two hours to two days in length. Check out our half price family trips and group rates. acriver@raftcalifornia.com - 800-556-6060

All-Outdoors Whitewater Rafting, Over 35 years experience on California's premier rivers. Visit our award-winning website to win a free trip for two, download a free whitewater rafting screensaver, send a photo postcard, check out our exclusive website discounts, and reserve your next trip online! rivers@aorafting.com - 800-247-2387

American River Recreation (ARR)

American River Touring Association (ARTA)  

American Whitewater Expeditions - 800-825-3205

A Whitewater Connection Inc.

Kayak Instruction
California Canoe and Kayak

A Current Adventure, professional kayak school, expert instruction - kids and adults. Rivers, lakes, ocean, guided trips. dcranda@ns.net - 888-4-KAYAKING

DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking info@adventurekayaking.com

Indian Springs Vineyards, Nevada City, CA
Discover the other gold in the Sierra foothills Motherlode country, the gold-medal-winning premier wines of Indian Springs Vineyards. Nestled in the Foothills between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.

Story Winery, Plymouth, CA
Story Winery makers of Mission and Zinfandel wines, is located in the heart of the historic Mother Lode of the Sierra Nevada Foothills.

Gold Country Wineries

Placer County Visitor Center

Historic Hwy 49.com

The Ridge Auburn, CA

Winchester Country Club

Auburn Valley Ranch Country Club

Bernhard Museum Complex
291 Auburn-Folsom Rd, Auburn, CA 95603  530-889-4156

The complex includes the Bernhard Residence, built in 1851, a stone Winery building circa 1874, a Wine Processing building circa 1881, and a reconstructed Carriage Barn. Tours of the residence reflect the typical life of a nineteenth century farm family.

Placer County Museum
101 Maple St., Auburn, CA 95603  530-889-6500

Located on the first floor of the Placer County Courthouse, museum highlights include a holographic image of an early miner, a restored Sheriff's Office, and a Native American habitat complete with a light and sound presentation.

Gold Country Museum
1273 High St. Gold Country Fairgrounds 530-889-4134

Golden Drift Museum
32820 Main St. Dutch Flat, CA 96714  530-389-2126

Exhibits focus primarily on the region's rich heritage concerning the boom days of hydraulic mining, the rise of the county's timber industry, and the birth of the transcontinental railroad.

Forest Hill Divide Museum
24601 Harrison St., Foresthill, CA 95631  530-367-3988

NEVADA COUNTY

Northstar Mining Museum
Allison Ranch Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95945  530-273-4255

Designated Historic Landmark #843, the Northstar Mining Museum houses a large display of mining equipment and artifacts from the 1880's, such as a cornish pump, a stamp mill and the world's largest Pelton Wheel, built by A.D. Foote in 1895.

Grass Valley Museum
Old Mt. St. Mary's Academy
410 S Church St. Grass Valley, CA 95945   530-272-4407  530-272-4725

Firehouse Museum No. 1
214 Main St., Nevada City, CA 95959  530-265-5468

North Bloomfield Museum
Located in Cummins Hall
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park,
23579 N. Blomfield Rd., Nevada City, CA 95959  530-265-2740

Sharing one of the historic buildings in North Bloomfield with the Ranger's office, the museum offers a look at the history of hydraulic mining in the region through displays and a video presentation. In addition, many historic artifacts, documents, and photos from North Bloomfield's mining days are on display.