2017-2018 Nevada County Gold Magazine 2017-2018_Nevada County Gold Magazine | Page 55

THE RIDGE
NORTH SAN JUAN, STATE PARK,
CULTURAL CENTER, WINERY, GARDENS
North San Juan
Once the third largest town in Nevada
County, North San Juan is located 16 miles
from Nevada City on Hwy. 49. During the
1880s, it was an important commercial center
for area hydraulic gold mining interests and
had a population of several thousand. Now it
is a relatively quiet spot. To the east of town
is an area called San Juan Ridge or simply
“The Ridge.” Here are found a state historic
park, cultural center and Ananda Village.
CHERRY FESTIVAL & PARADE: June 24.
Malakoff Diggins
State Historic Park
Visitors to this unique state park, site of the
largest hydraulic mine in California, are greet-
ed by an unusual landscape. It was created
between the 1850s and 1880s by hydraulic
gold mining when water was aimed at hill-
sides using giant nozzles. Huge cliffs were
carved by the mighty streams of water. In
1884, such mining was outlawed because of
far reaching damage due to rivers and
waterways downstream.
Located 26 miles or about 50 minutes from
Nevada City, the park includes the ghost
town of North Bloomfield. The park is open
every day from sunrise to sunset, but there
are no tours in the winter, and the museum
and visitor center are closed. Take Hwy. 49
from Nevada City to Tyler Foote Crossing
Road, turn right and follow paved road to
park. This main road changes names several
times, but there helpful signs. (530) 265-
2740; malakoffdigginsstatepark.org
VISITOR CENTER/MUSEUM: Both open every
day April–October. Museum hours, 10:00
am–5:00 pm. Town tours at 1:30 pm. Call
to check times and dates.
HUMBUG LIVING HISTORY DAY: June 10
(2017), 11:00 am–4:00 pm. Games, barbe-
cue, world’s shortest parade and water blast-
ing from an old hydraulic water cannon.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS: Ice Cream Social in
September; Kid’s Fishing Derby in May.
RECREATION: Park offers a variety of activi-
ties such as swimming, camping and 20
miles of hiking trails, including the popular
Humbug, Rim and Diggins Trails. Cabin and
Campground Reservations: [phone].
Cultural Center
The North Columbia School House Center,
17894 Tyler Foote Crossing Rd., is located in
a one-room restored school house built in
1875. It provides indoor and outdoor venues
for gatherings, performances and art
exhibits. It is well-known for its Sierra
Storytelling Festival in July featuring world-
Crystal Hermitage Gardens
T H I N G S
T O
D O
Malakoff Diggins
class tellers (see page 81). [phone];
northcolumbiaschoolhouse.org
RIDGESTOCK: August 19. 11:00 am–11:00 pm.
AUTUMN SHINDIG: October 8.
Winery
DOUBLE OAK: Off Tyler Foote Crossing Road
at 14510 Blind Shady Rd. Tasting room,
picnicking, tours, events. Open Saturdays,
11:00 am–5:00 pm. Map on website.
[phone]; doubleoakwinery.com
Wineries/Vineyards Pages 110–113
Ananda Village
SPRINGTIME AT ANANDA: Over 15,000 tulips
are on display in the Crystal Hermitage
Gardens. Other seasonal flowers and bloom-
ing shrubs. Weekend events. Open every day
in April, 10:00 am–5:00 pm. Village 20
minutes from Nevada City at 14618 Tyler
Foote Crossing Rd. Peak tulip display
information and directions: [phone];
crystalhermitage.org
More Things To Do Pages 68–83
N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D . c o m
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