Things to Do in Grass Valley, CA: Visit the Historic North Star House
Looking for things to do in Grass Valley? Visit North Star House for local history, architecture, tours, and c…
Historic Tours
Walk Through a Gold Mine of History
Tour the Julia Morgan-designed estate connected to the North Star Mine and the families who shaped it.
Ways to Visit
Tour Options & Times
House Tours
When volunteer docents are present
Guided or self-guided tours of the Julia Morgan-designed house are available when our volunteer docents are present. Tours offer insight into the estate's architecture, history, and the women who shaped it.
Public Docent-Led Tour
2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 1:00–3:00 PM
Join a knowledgeable docent for a guided tour covering the full history and architectural significance of the estate. Walk-ins welcome, no reservation needed. Donations are appreciated and support ongoing restoration.
Volunteer Workday Walk-Through
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 AM until the gates close
See restoration work in progress and take a self-guided walk through the areas of the house that are open. A tour guide is typically not available, and work areas may be dusty, cluttered, or temporarily closed for safety.
Private & Group Tours
By advance arrangement
Schedule a private tour for a group, special occasion, or educational visit. Availability is limited and can't always be guaranteed, so please reach out early with your preferred dates and group size.
Self-Guided Grounds Visit
Monday & Wednesday, 8:00 AM until the gates close
Walk the grounds at your own pace. The house itself is closed on these days.
What to Know
Grounds Access
The estate grounds are open to the public Monday through Thursday. We do not permit public access on weekends due to private events. You're welcome to explore on your own—no reservation needed for grounds access.
What to Bring
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, comfortable shoes for walking, water, and a sense of curiosity. The grounds are beautiful year-round and offer plenty of shade for a leisurely afternoon.
Questions?
Contact North Star Historic Conservancy for more information about visiting, volunteer tours, or special events.
Send Us a Message
Questions about visiting, docent tours, or events? Send a note and we'll get back to you.
