Brought my daughter here and we both loved it. The staff were super friendly and really into what…read morethey do -- u can tell they care about keeping history alive. The train ride was calm, scenic, and honestly just fun to experience together. The museum itself has some amazing old cars and engines, all restored beautifully. It's got that perfect nostalgic vibe but still feels fresh and hands-on for kids. Such a great spot to spend an afternoon -- highly recommend it for families or anyone who just loves classic trains.

We had such an amazing time here! While we didn't come on the weekend, so the shop was closed, that…read moredidn't ruin our time in the slightest. The worker Brian, showed us around the museum and was truly excellent. He was so helpful and kind and obviously very knowledgeable about the railroad. He engaged the kids by asking lots of questions and kept us all entertained. This museum teaches you a lot and isn't boring like a lot of others are. I'd definently recommend!

We were exploring Grass Valley and decided to try North Star Mining Museum. It was too bad that it…read morelooked so small on the outside because we did not allow enough time to really enjoy all the exhibits. We started in the parking lot learning about the larger mining machines. It was a warm day and, at our advanced age, it took time for us to work our way down the driveway to the museum entrance. The docents were very knowledgeable and brought the exhibits to life. We were able to get about half way through the museum before we needed to get to our next appointment. Go see the North Star Mining Museum.

This place is awesome! Please make sure you've got at least an hour or 3. There's old tools on the…read moreoutside on display, a gorgeous river running along side to admire, inside the building there two rooms. The first room with displays and smaller parts they'd use to mine and the second room is where the big tools are! Steve and his volunteer were so kind turning on the big machines, showing how each tool worked and how they would mine the mountains. So much history, so many fascinating tools, interesting old time accessories, and so much information! If you're wondering how they started mining a mountain side to how they made the gold and what powered it all go check out North Star mining museum! This place makes you never want to leave, there's so much information here please take an hour to look around at least. You will have a great time whether you're 5 or 85, male/female or space creature the history of mining will fascinate your socks off. Check them out.

I had driven past this really beautiful building many times without ever really paying it much…read moreattention. The tour guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and there was a lot to see in a small space. The history of the orphanage and related facts is interesting and worth a visit. In addition to the regular hours the museum tour is available one Sunday a month, but call to confirm.

If you're visiting Grass Valley, you most likely are someone who enjoys old, charming towns so you…read moreprobably will be interested in learning some of its history. We had been to the Empire Mine the day before and I wanted to check out one more historic site the next day. I happened upon the museum in my Google search and was intrigued. I don't think we would have discovered it on our own as it's not one of the main roads visitors here would travel. And even if you did happen by it, it's not obvious from the front that it's a museum. From the outside, the building has quite a presence. My daughter remarked that it reminded her of Miss Peregrine's house in that one Tim Burton film. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted and given a very informative and informal tour by Betty Jean. She was really great! I learned a lot about the history of the building and even learned some general tidbits I never knew- like the difference between Catholic sisters and nuns. What an important part of Grass Valley's history as a mining town. Many children became "half orphans" from their fathers dying in mining accidents and came to live here. There are many bits of Grass Valley's history here. A really cool thing they have displayed is Lola Montez's tin tub that she used not for herself, but for her pet bear that she used to keep in her front yard!

We were invited to a birthday party at the Placer Nature Center. This was the first time we've…read moreever been or even heard of it. It was super easy to find. Parking was easy. The party was such a great idea. Something different. And it was a beautiful day to be outdoors. We were able to look around different rooms filled with all different things from water animals, local animals, even dinosaurs!!!! Then we went on a nature walk with scavenger hunt. Everyone was engaged and having fun! Then the kids got to check out the pond....and catch tadpoles! So fun. My daughter had such a good time, she didn't want to leave.

We absolutely love bringing our toddler here and enjoy all that they have to offer. There are a lot…read moreof extremely dated/run down aspects of it that I do wish they would update but overall a wonderful day out with awesome staff

Great hike, the tunnels were so cool. I think the part people "miss" is they are walking over what…read moreis considered China Wall. If you are walking the tunnels you can't see this engineering feat from the trail. You need a side quest or to start from a lower vantage point to see the actual wall.

This place is super unique!!! No idea why they don't advertise this place more. There's a parking…read morelot on your left shortly before you hit the rainbow bridge. If the weather is nice, you'll see a bunch of climbers right here. From the lot, proceed uphill for a short distance and you'll see the petroglyphs on the rocks to your left. Proceed up these and you'll hit the tunnels! Go to the left for the best ones. I'd recommend going with someone as it can be a bit creepy in the darker areas and you never know what can happen. A flashlight or headlamp is a good idea but you're phone will suffice. There are openings every now and then so it's not like a cave or pitch dark. Tons of graffiti everywhere in a tunnel view which make for some awesome photos (reason 2 to have a partner or IG BF on hand). Enjoy!!

This is the cutest cabin filled with so much history! Built in 1909, you can see the original build…read moreon things. The customer service was great, as the museum staff named Vicky was so open to answer all my questions and gave us some education on the history of the cabin. This is a must see!

This place is great! Right in Tahoe City you can step in to this 103 year old cabin and see what…read morelife what like in the frontier days of Tahoe. Filled with all of the items that one would have used in yesteryear. Then there is story of the cabin itself and the Watson family, the patriarch of which was the affable Robert Montgomery Watson who was Tahoe City's first sheriff. Many features of Tahoe now bear the Watson name. Don't shy away from the friendly and knowledgeable staff in there that have some great stories about the Watsons and life in Tahoe at the time. The hours are limited and it is closed entirely during the colder months so check before stopping by. Even when closed though you can walk right up to it and see it from the outside.

This little museum is great for everyone, especially Chinese American, learn more about the first…read moreChinese immigrants that came to Calif. The Chinese came to Calif. for mining, farming, and the railroads. In Marysville there was a Chinatown (2nd largest in the nation), there's still a few business there but it's pretty dead. I'm not sure what they regular hrs are, but on March 8-9, 2008 it was open 11a-4p. It's FREE. Check out this good article from VIA Magazine: http://www.viamagazine.com/top_stories/articles/chinese_museum08.asp You can see pics of Marysville Chinatown in the old days, see Brian Tom's collections of artifacts for the museum. I loved the museum special exhibition from his cousin: The Life & Times of Gordon Tom. Gordon was there and he told us about his life which is very interesting. I liked the Chinese American History in 10 Easy Steps. You can also see the remains of The Sanfow Bean Sprout Plant that provided bean sprouts all over Calif even up to Dunsmuir, CA. No bathrooms available at the museum. Driving from Fmt about 2.5 hrs away. It's near Yuba City.

The house is not only aesthetically pleasing, but the history of the house and its significance to…read morethe area is the cherry on top! The staff is amazing, my sister and I toured the house and our guide answered all of our questions and made the tour really special. This museum is a great introduction to the significance of the history of Marysville and how our little town fits into the history of California. After your tour take a stroll through the garden area and bask in the astounding architecture.

I dropped in this afternoon to visit our museum in Sutter County. First off, I must commend the…read morestaff and their volunteers on all their efforts and dedication. The museum is absolutely stunning. We are so fortunate to have people in our community that are supportive of our towns diversity by proudly displaying our heritage that for centuries have held a place in Sutter County and beyond. I want to thank Daisy for walking me through, also being so inviting and welcoming me with a smile. Her knowledge and enthusiasm enhanced the experience which I appreciate. There were so many highlights today; I enjoyed the unique items from many talented crafters in the gift shop. I took some photos but I strongly encourage you to experience this yourself or with family and friends. The featured award winning talented Artist, Sarabjit Singh. Her displays are vibrant, she literally engages with her audience by telling a story of the history of Sikh's, their customs and contributions throughout history. It was very profound experience. You must come and experience it yourself. Everyone is welcomed and it's free to visit. I also encourage you to checkout their scheduled events coming up. They can be found on their yelp. @Suttercountymuseum.org

A hidden treasure in Yuba City! When you first walked in, there is a nice little gift shop with…read moreadorable hand puppets for pretty decent prices. Admission is donation only. They regularly change the main exhibit and the rest is filled with interesting things about Sutter County in our area that I didn't know before and my kids and I really enjoyed it. It was very educational and we intend to go back again.