Grass Valley

First settled by emigrants who came upon a lush "grassy valley", this Sierra foothills outpost known as Boston Ravine then Certerville would become Grass Valley, the richest of all California gold mining towns. Grass Valley is home to the famous Empire Mine, which during a century of operation produced more than $900 million in gold.

Today, the Empire Mine is a state historic park, one of the many colorful and interesting attractions that make Grass Valley popular among residents and visitors alike.

Click here for more information on historical points of interest in Grass Valley.

Nevada City

Seen by many as California's prettiest and best-preserved Gold Rush town, Nevada City is known as the Queen City of the Northern Mines. It's entire downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Situated on the banks of Deer Creek and surrounded by deep green hillsides, Nevada City is filled with Gold Rush-era commercial buildings and picturesque Victorian homes. The downtown streets are lit by authentic gas lights.

Click here for more information on historical points of interest in Nevada City.

Penn Valley

Known in its early days as the "Pantry of the Northern Mines," Penn Valley remains a rich agricultural area, dotted with farms, cattle ranches and most recently vineyards to rival that of Napa County.

Penn Valley's Western Gateway Regional Park features sporting , picnic, and playground areas, a new performing arts pavilion. Nearby Lake Englebright boasts 24 miles of shoreline with campsites, two launch ramps, plus a full-service marina.

Rough & Ready

Named for U.S. President Zachary Taylor, known as "Old Rough & Ready," this is the little town that made a name for itself by seceding from the Union in 1850 because residents objected to a tax on mining. The succession lasted only a few months but is remembered every June with the Annual Rough & Ready Succession Days Celebration.

Truckee

Just as many early pioneers followed the Emigrant Trail through Truckee, visitors today make their way to the natural beauty of the Truckee-Donner area, high in the Sierra Nevadas. Stepped in the history of the Donner Party, the railroad, logging and ice-harvesting Truckee proudly retains much of its Old West flavor.

Truckee is a mecca for the recreational enthusiast. Outdoor sports are prevalent and easily accessible year round. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, back-country skiing, and snowplay. Spring, summer and fall activities include camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and rock climbing just to name a few.