Grass Valley’s historic downtown is centered around Mill Street, a pedestrian promenade lined with many well-preserved buildings from the 1850s. The self-guided walking tours each have a different focus: the Heritage Homes Walking Tour visits homes dating from the Gold Rush era through the early 20th century. The Trail of the Golden Pasty runs through downtown and historic commercial buildings, shops, saloons, and former gathering places. You can choose between the history of residential homes and the town’s former commercial life.
A free guided walking tour of downtown is led by historian and Historical Commission chair Terry McAteer. Dates and arrangements may change; check the times before your visit.
Buildings from Different Eras
The North Star Mining Museum is housed in a historic stone building dating from 1895, which once served as the North Star Mine’s power plant. At Saint Joseph’s Chapel, you can take tours and see ornate pressed-tin tiles and stained-glass windows. Tour arrangements may change, so check your plans before you visit.
The buildings of Mount St. Mary’s Convent and Orphanage are considered nationally, statewide, and locally significant and illustrate a 100-year history from the 1860s through the 1960s. Mount Saint Mary's Convent and Academy was dedicated on May 2, 1865. The Del Oro Theatre adds a cinema from a later era to the historic buildings: it was built in 1942 and has a 70-foot Art Deco tower. The dates put the buildings in chronological order: the dedication of Mount Saint Mary's Convent and Academy in 1865 was followed by the North Star Mining Museum’s historic stone building from 1895 and the Del Oro Theatre, built in 1942.
Trails, Nature, and a Rose Garden
Grass Valley has several scenic trail systems in wooded areas of the city and in the surrounding Sierra Foothills. The Wolf Creek Trail includes a 1.2-mile section completed in 2019. This section runs north from Freeman Lane to Glen Jones Park at Allison Ranch Road and Freeman Lane.
The Russell Rose Garden offers a different experience from the trails: it is considered the oldest garden in Nevada County and is home to more than 200 old and modern rose varieties.
Culinary Experiences
Tess Kitchen & Culinary is located in the historic center of Grass Valley. The Chef’s Table is an intimate demonstration dining experience exclusively for VIP guests. Tess Kitchen & Culinary in Grass Valley also offers curated cooking classes. Reservations and dates may change; check the specific offering in advance.
Discover more destinations: Truckee, North, Rough And Ready, Nevada City, Penn Valley.
For the broader travel overview: Nevada.
