Location: Penn Valley
Top Things to do in Penn Valley
- 1. Empire Mine State Historic Park
- 2. Historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge
- 3. South Yuba River State Park
- 4. Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
- 5. Naggiar Vineyard & Winery
- 6. North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum
- 7. Bourn House
- 8. Pilot Peak Vineyard & Winery
- 9. The Nevada Theatre
- 10. Bourne Cottage
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Penn Valley, United States
Penn Valley is a census-designated place (CDP) in Nevada County, California, United States. The population was 1,621 at the 2010 census, up from 1,387 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Penn Valley
1. Empire Mine State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
The remains of one of the West's most lucrative gold mines have been preserved as a historic park.
Reviewed By NevadaHighdesert - Nevada
This historic mine and surrounding state park have been well-preserved and the mineyard is well worth walking through, touring the restored mine office, part of the shaft, and many of the outbuildings. Inside is a small, well-arranged museum including a scale model of the hundreds of miles of slopes and shafts beneath the mine.
2. Historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Richard1140 - Penn Valley, California
This beautiful structure- longest covered bridge West of the Mississippi, served as a major river crossing during the gold rush and immigration to California. After years of neglect the State is doing significant structural and restoration work. That will ensure future generations enjoyment.
The setting is on the Yuba River- great for hiking, picnicking, swimming during hot summer days and gold can still be found.
3. South Yuba River State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
This park runs more than 20 miles along the South Yuba River canyon from Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to Bridgeport. Visitors can enjoy swimming and hiking, wildflowers and historic sites.
Reviewed By Tourist894 - Nevada
If you really want to see the water you have to park off the road and hike down the walls of the river to get all the way down. Not a lot of water so not worth risking my life for it.
4. Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck8700 - Riverside, California
We stopped in during the week after Christmas. The museum proper was not open. We walked around the grounds looking at rolling stock and tracks. We were approached by a volunteer who took us to the work shed. Inside were several volunteers working hard on restoring various pieces of railroad equipment.
We spent about two very educational hours.
5. Naggiar Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Voted Best Winery in the Sacramento area by KCRA3 A-list voters, every year since 2010! Family owned and operated business. Nestled in the Sierra foothills, the Tuscan villa inspired tasting room overlooks 60 acres of estate vineyard. Enjoy a glass of one of our award winning wines, a dish from the bistro and a breathtaking view. Take an informative fully guided vineyard tour on our Eco Shuttle. Live music every weekend and Tribute Shows in summer, there is something for everyone. All our wines are estate grown, produced and bottled on property. We specialize in Rhone, Italian and Bordeaux. See our website for more details and winter hours.
Reviewed By BrianK609 - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
On something of a whim, traveling from Reno to Sacramento we decided to give some wineries a try on the E side of Sacramento. This wonderful winery had everything you'd want for a pleasant daytime visit - knowledgeable, gracious host; extraordinary setting; delicious wine; and...MoreBrian, Thank you very much for your review. We appreciate it greatly and look forward to having you visit again. Cheers!
6. North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By David T - Grass Valley, California
Step into the old powerhouse building and you could be transported back 50 to 100 years ago. Old equipment, including the massive Pelton Wheel which was the power source for nearby mines, showcase the many tools used in the mining past. Its a great stop for history buffs. It's a great way to show younger generations how the world once worked, before electricity even came into wide use.
7. Bourn House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
One of the attractions at Empire Mine State Historic Park.
Reviewed By David P - Nevada City, California
This is actually the Empire Mine State Park located in Grass Valley Calif. not Nevada City, the distance between the two cities is approx 4.5 miles. It's a beautiful park with flowering grounds, walking paths and horse riding trails. It has a great mining exhibit and a short ride in an ore car into the mine. The Bourn home is on the grounds but tours are only at certain times but worth the effort. The mine was the richest producing hard rock mine in the state and when you enter the park you can see a display showing the miles of mine shafts that made up the mine. It will also show you the proximity to other mines near by. It's truly amazing, you'd think with all the shafts and tunnels there are that the whole area could collapse ( and in fact sink holes have been known to occasionally open up ).
8. Pilot Peak Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
COMPLIMENTARY "Comparative Wine Tasting" - Award winning wines served in flights of 4 as you compare & contrast each one. Appetizers served with the wines allows you to appreciate the marriage of food & wine as you sit on our beautiful terraces
Reviewed By legsbell - California
This is a a very nice winery with a unique tasting experience. You first taste a flight of white wines and when it's time to taste the Reds, they actually cook some appetizers for you to have along with your wine. This visit was olive tapenade, a lovely Parmesan and onion toast and a spicy meatball. Once a month they host a music function and full dinner.
9. The Nevada Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Founded in 1865, this historical theatre is the oldest operating theatre in California.
Reviewed By filomeli - Nevada City, California
This theatre not only has local ta/lent of the highest quality in all the plays they perform but they also have awesome movies every Sunday at 7pm. This theatre is very old and fun to attend any event held there and they have a concession stand too!
10. Bourne Cottage
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Jim K
William Bourn, Jr. was owner of the Empire mine and changed local, national and world history forever. Mr. Bourne occupied at times the Empire Cottage, designed by famed architect Willis Polk, and the Clubhouse known for its lavish parties. You can stroll through the rose gardens, and marvel at the majestic landscape. The docents, dressed in period costumes, are always available for questions and information.
Christmas time is a fun time to visit as is the Miner's Picnic at the end of the summer.
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