Firehouse Museum

Located at 214 Main St., Nevada City 530-265-5468, and operated by the Nevada County Historical Society. The museum houses local history, relics from the Donner Party, a Maidu Indian basket collection and a complete altar from a Chinese Joss House originally located in the Chinese section of Grass Valley in the 1880's. Call for additional information.

Malakoff Diggins State Park

North Bloomfield Rd., Nevada City 530-265-2740. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Museum open from June1 through September 1. $5.00 per car. Seniors, $4.00 per car. Campsites, $10.00 per night, Cabins, $20.00 per night. Hiking, gold panning. Weekends year round.

Searls Historical Library

Operated by the Nevada County Historical Society. Books, photographs and manuscripts pertaining to the early history of Nevada County. Located at 214 Church St., Nevada City. Open 1:00pm to 4:00p.m. Monday through Saturday. 530-265-5910

Nevada Theatre

411 Broad St., Nevada City 530-265-6161. This 1865 brick structure is the oldest building in the state erected as a theatre. Today it provides a stage for Northern California's finest performing arts groups, concerts and other activities.

Pine Street Bridge

This old-fashioned bridge across Deer Creek, just replaced in 1996, is a replica of the span built in 1908. The Pine Street Bridge was originally built as a suspension bridge in 1862 by Andrew Hallidie, father of San Francisco's cable cars.

Imaginarium

112 Nevada City Hwy., Nevada City 530-478-6400. The Imaginarium is an interactive science center featuring hands-on exhibits and activities in science, nature and technology for learners of all ages. This innovative project was developed through an exciting partnership of volunteers from businesses, industry, education and our local community. Experience and imagine! Open Saturday 10;:00am to 4::00pm and Sunday 12:00 (noon) to 4:00p.m. Admission $3.00

Nevada County Traction Company

402 Railroad Ave., Nevada City (located at the Northern Queen Inn) 530-265-0896 Visit the Indian Village, the Chinese cemetery, picnic tables accessible. Welcome aboard! Call for fee's and departure times.

...And in Grass Valley

Biblical Botanical Gardens

Auburn Road, Grass Valley 530-272-1363 Open everyday, weather permitting. Picnic tables, walking (wear walking shoes) Weddings, Chapel available

Lola Montez Home

248 Mill St., Grass Valley 530-273-4667 Originally built in the 1850's this restored home of Lola Montez houses the Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of commerce. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Empire Mine State Historic Park

10791 East Empire St., Grass Valley 530-273-8522 Site of the oldest, richest mine in California. From 1850 when George Roberts discovered gold in a quartz outcropping, which became the Ophir vein, until the mines closure in 1956, an estimated 5.8 million ounces of gold was extracted from 367 miles of underground passages. Summer Hours - Open 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. daily. Tours hourly from 11:00a.m to 4:00p.m. Adults $3.00, Kids & dogs $1.00

Video History Museum

Located at Memorial Park on Central Ave., Grass Valley 530-274-1126 Open Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Various artifacts of Nevada County are on display

Grass Valley Museum

410 South Church St., Grass Valley 530-273-5509 Built in 1865, this restored school and orphanage offers a glimpse of some of the past uses of the building. The museum includes an original classroom, parlor, music room, doctors office and memorabilia from Grass Valley's early days. Located in the old Mt. St. Mary's Convent Bldg. at the corner of Church and Chapel Streets. Open June - October. Tuesday - Friday 12:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. Tours are available anytime with an early request.

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is the site of California’s largest "hydraulic" mine. Visitors can see huge cliffs carved by mighty streams of water, results of the gold mining technique of washing away entire mountains to find the precious metal. Legal battles between mine owners and downstream farmers ended this method. The park also contains a 7,847 foot bedrock tunnel that served as a drain. The visitor center has exhibits on life in the old mining town of North Bloomfield. The park is 26-miles from Nevada City 530-265-2740

North Star Mining Museum

Located at the end of Mill St., at Allison Ranch Rd, Grass Valley 530-273-4255 Operated by the Nevada County Historical Society. Displays of mining equipment and artifacts from the 1880's await visitors. Also on display is the largest Pelton Wheel ever constructed and used to generate power for mining operations. There is also the largest operational Cornish pump. The museum has a secluded picnic area alongside the creek where a lunch and view of the creek can be enjoyed. Summer months open 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Summer season begins May 1st to October 15th