Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

The Park is currently OPEN.

Please check the hours of operation.

Contact Number

  • (209) 296-7488

Park Accessibility Information

Park Hours

  • Park Day Use Hours:
    Sunrise to Sunset
    Museum Hours:
    10 am - 4 pm

    The museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day

Park Activities

Yes
Dogs are only allowed on paved paths.
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Hiking Trails

Park Facilities

e-bike icon E-Bike Locations
EV Charger Icon  EV Charger Locations
Trailer: 27 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 27 Feet
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
RV Access
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available

Park Directions

Get directions through Google Maps

The address is 14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, Ca. Take State Highway 88 East through Jackson to the town of Pine Grove. Turn left turn on Pine Grove-Volcano Road and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The first left is the campground and the second left is the park’s main entrance to the parking and the museum.

Learning From the Land Art Contest  Participants are invited to express what makes Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park meaningful to them through a piece of artwork (poster, painting,drawing, poetry, or digital art). Submissions should reflect the personal impact or significance of the park—its landscapes, history, or the participant’s own experiences connecting with the land.  All submissions will be displayed at the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park Saturday, June 14, to Sunday, June 15 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  Rules and Information 

Bird soaring in the skyVisit Information  

Bark house with steam rising on cold day among trees Miwok People 

California State Parks logoJoin the Team 

 

About the park 

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is in the Sierra Nevada foothills 11 miles east of Jackson, CA. The park is nestled in a little valley about 2,400 feet above sea level with open meadows and three species of oaks that produce acorns. The Northern Sierra Miwok settled in this area many centuries ago and gathered acorns as a main staple of their diet.

The 135-acre park preserves a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes -- the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. A ceremonial roundhouse and reconstructed bark houses are present in the center of the park. Additionally, camping is available on the southside of the park. 

The park is northeast of Stockton in the lower foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Take State Highway 88 East through Jackson to the town of Pine Grove. Turn left turn on Pine Grove-Volcano Road and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The first left is the campground and the second left is the park’s main entrance to the parking and the museum.

Follow us on social media!

Facebook IconInstagram Icon

Grinding rock with meadow and bark house in the background. outside of the museum

The Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum

The Museum has been designed to reflect the architecture of a traditional roundhouse. On exhibit are outstanding examples of the technology and crafts of the Miwok and other Sierra Nevada Native American groups.

As a regional Indian museum, the collection includes Northern, Central and Southern Miwok, Maidu, Konkow, Monache, Nisenan, Tubatulabal, Washo, and Foothill Yokuts. Examples of basketry, feather regalia, jewelry, arrowpoints, and other tools are on display.

 

Ceremonial roundhouse covered in snow

Know before you go

Prior to leaving for the park, learn about activities, dogs in the park, rules, and available facilities. 

Indian Grinding rock is a great place to explore in every season just be sure to check the forecasted weather before your trip. Most precipitation falls in the form of rain, but snow does occasionally fall in the winter.

 

 

Image Gallery