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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.
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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.
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.
