Empire Mine State Historic Park

Empire Mine State Historic Park is a 856-acre California state park in Grass Valley, situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills approximately 24 miles north of Auburn on Highway 49. The park preserves one of the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines in California — a site that operated for more than 100 years and yielded 5.8 million ounces of gold before closing in 1956. At the heart of the park stands the historic Bourn Cottage, the former summer residence of the mine's owner, surrounded by restored English-style gardens with fountains, stately trees, and meticulously maintained grounds. The cottage and its gardens serve as the setting for small, intimate wedding ceremonies, accommodating up to 25 guests in an atmosphere of preserved history and natural beauty. The park's event offerings are intentionally minimal to honor its historic character: ceremonies take place outdoors on Fridays and Saturdays from May through early October, with no receptions permitted. In addition to its event space, the park features a visitor center, guided estate and garden tours, and 14 miles of trails open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.