Where is Grass Valley, California

Grass Valley is a historic city in California's Sierra Nevada foothills, located in Nevada County about 57 miles northeast of Sacramento. The city grew during the California Gold Rush and remains known for its preserved downtown, historic mines, and nearby forests. Empire Mine State Historic Park is one of its best-known landmarks and reflects Grass Valley's important gold-mining past.

Location Map of Grass Valley, Nevada County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Grass Valley in Nevada County, in the U.S. state of California.

Grass Valley Map, California

Where is Grass Valley Located?

Grass Valley is a city located in Nevada County, California, the United States. It lies in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about 57 miles northeast of Sacramento and roughly 65 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe. The city is located at approximately 39.219° North latitude and 121.061° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 14,016 residents. Grass Valley covers about 5.25 square miles, or 13.60 square kilometers, and is almost entirely land. The city was incorporated in 1860 and developed rapidly after gold was discovered in the area during the California Gold Rush. Empire Mine State Historic Park preserves one of California's most important historic gold mines. Grass Valley is also known for its historic downtown, Victorian-era buildings, arts community, and access to hiking and outdoor recreation in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Its location near Nevada City and the South Yuba River adds to its historic and natural appeal.

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Grass Valley City Facts

Distance from Grass Valley, CA to Nearby Cities

• Nevada City, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
• Auburn, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Colfax, CA – 17 miles (27 km)
• Marysville, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Lincoln, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Roseville, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Yuba City, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Placerville, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Sacramento, CA – 57 miles (92 km)
• Truckee, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Chico, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
• South Lake Tahoe, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
• Stockton, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
• Reno, NV – 115 miles (185 km)
• San Francisco, CA – 150 miles (241 km)

Top Attractions in Grass Valley

• Empire Mine State Historic Park – A major California historic site preserving one of the state's oldest and richest hard-rock gold mines, with historic buildings, gardens, trails, and mining exhibits.
• Grass Valley Historic Downtown – A preserved Gold Rush-era commercial district with historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, galleries, and cultural venues.
• Grass Valley Museum and Cultural Center – A historic site featuring the former Mount St. Mary's Convent and Orphanage, gardens, and exhibits connected to local history.
• North Star Mining Museum – A museum preserving equipment and stories from Grass Valley's hard-rock gold-mining era.
• North Star Powerhouse – A historic mining site associated with the North Star Mine and the area's industrial gold-mining history.
• South Yuba River State Park – A nearby recreation area known for river scenery, historic bridges, hiking, swimming, and Gold Rush history.
• Nevada City Historic District – A nearby Gold Rush town with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
• Rollins Lake – A nearby reservoir offering boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and other outdoor recreation.

Airports Near Grass Valley

• Nevada County Airport (KGOO) – 7 miles
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 70 miles
• Chico Regional Airport (CIC) – 80 miles
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 120 miles
• Redding Regional Airport (RDD) – 150 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Grass Valley city website and local government records.

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