northstar mine powerhouse & pelton wheel museum

A lot of interactive artifacts from the 1800 hundreds, including a 30 foot Pelton wheelA must see for anyone interested in the history of gold mining in Nevada County

There was a wealth of information on gold mining operations in this museum from both the guide and explained in signage. There were unique pieces of equipment and most of them were demonstrated. There is a balancing rock art display in the creek that is truly fascinating. They have the largest Pelton Water Wheel in America.

I've driven by before but waessed with the outside thinking there was not much inside. I took a chance and once in the door was greeted by friendly and knowledgeable docents. There was life size dioramas of mining life and cases of tools and artifacts. Toward the end of the museum you take steps down to a huge area with a massive pelton wheel. Truly amazing museum. Don't forget to treat yourself to a picnic on the grounds behind the museum.

The museum contains extensive mining artifacts. While I am not a "mining buff", I appreciated the collection. It is different from the Empire Mine so be sure to visit both places.

I was priviledged to have a private tour by Dick, one of the volunteer docents. First, the building is THE actual building used as the North Star Power House. It is beautiful stone with arch-topped windows. The walls are very thick so even when it is over 100 degrees outside, it is very cool inside. The strength of this museum is that many of the original old pieces of mining equipment actually still work. They turn them on to demonstrate how they work and explain what part of the gold mining process each machine actually did. They also have the assayer's office from the Empire Mine since it was moved to this museum. If you enjoy history or learning about gold mining during the gold rush days, this museum is a must see. Admission is by donation. The length of time you spend here will depend on your schedule, the docent who gives you a tour, and how many questions you ask. :-) While it does have stairs, there is also a ramp you can walk down both in the front and back to access the museum. If you have concerns, just call before you go.

Not good for those who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Docents are knowledgeable and eager to share information on the equipment and history of the area. Gives you a real appreciation of the hard work required to extract the gold from the ground using the equipment they had available.

Lots of mining equipment and history of gold mining in Grass Valley. On a hill, and long flight of stairs, so not advisable for those who have difficulty with either.

They have really nice old relics from the gold mining days. The docent were very eager to assist and share local knowledge. Seeng the Pelton wheel in operation was awesome along with the Cornish pump outside. Bring a few quarters to see the demo. It is worth it!

This mining museum contains many exhibits and relics of the gold mining days in Nevada County. The 30ft. diameter Pelton wheel is housed in the main building that was once the power house for the mine. The museum is staffed by knowledgable volunteers.

Largest Pelton wheel in existence. The volunteers and displays can tell you all about it! They have wonderful older enthusiastic volunteers/docents who can turn on the machinery for you and explain it all! In addition, there is more mining memorabilia than I ever thought possible. It is the third mine in the area (Malakoff, Empire Mine are the others), but take the time to see this one as well!

This site pulls items from the years North Star House was a working mine. This was its power house. Now it houses photos, Pelton wheels, mining materials, old gear, and other treasures. Bring a picnic (try the goodies from Back Porch Market at 135 Colfax Ave, Grass Valley, CA 95945!) and eat by the creek...the old powerhouse creek.

When touring the Gold Country this is a must see as well as other mine museums in the area. Lots of history, very easy to go through.

We were fortunate to have docent "Tony" who is a retired engineer spend time with us explaining the history of the equipment and chemical processes and show us displays of stamping/crushing, dynamite packing, drilling, etc. The models are fabulous in helping to visualize the large pieces of equipment on hand. I think if you just walk in and out of the museum, you are missing so much. If you can have one of the docents give you a tour you are in for an incredible experience.

This museum is full of mining memorabilia, plus a very large pelton wheel. It is pretty much a guide-yourself place, but the grounds are pretty and the building is nicely restored.

Housed in the old powerhouse, this place is jam packed with mining memorabilia. the grounds are also pretty, and good for a picnic spot.