Discover Nevada County
Nevada County was born of the California Gold Rush, home to some of the richest hard-rock gold mines in the state — the Empire Mine in Grass Valley ran for more than a century. Cornish miners brought deep-rock expertise (and the Cornish pasty), while Nevada City grew into one of California's best-preserved 19th-century downtowns. Over the past century the county shifted toward forestry, the arts, and four-season recreation in the high country around Truckee and Lake Tahoe.
Things to see & do
Empire Mine State Historic Park
One of California's oldest and deepest gold mines, preserved with its mine yard, manor cottage, and trails.
Nevada City Historic District
A National Historic Landmark downtown of brick storefronts, the 1865 Nevada Theatre, and gas-style lamps.
South Yuba River State Park
A wild-and-scenic river canyon with swimming holes, trails, and the historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge.
Donner & Truckee high country
Donner Memorial State Park, Donner Lake, and the gateway to North Lake Tahoe recreation.
Annual events & traditions
- Nevada County Fair (August) — on one of California's most scenic fairgrounds
- Wild & Scenic Film Festival (January) in Nevada City and Grass Valley
- Constitution Day Parade (September) in Nevada City, one of the oldest in the West
- Cornish and Victorian Christmas street celebrations through December
Nevada County packs Gold Rush history, a thriving arts scene, river country, and Tahoe-area mountains into one foothill county — each town trades a little differently, which is why the town reports below are worth a look.