Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

A hidden gem of a state park! We visited for Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. We got a tour of the museum, the grinding rocks, and even the round house, where no pictures are allowed due to it being a sacred space. I took a very short hike through the woods too.We learned so much about the Miwok Indians, who still hold traditional get togethers here.

Indian Grinding Rock has always been one of my favorite state parks. It was the first state park my wife and I camped at years ago; my father and I would stop by here on our trips to Silver Lake, and our kids always loved the park as well.It had been a few years since our last visit when my wife and I stopped by on a spring weekday. This park is a little off the beaten path, and there were only a couple cars in the parking lot. We started first at the museum, and were impressed by the changes and upgrades since our last visit. Wonderful educational displays of the Miwoks and other tribes in the area, their daily life and history. The Ranger on duty was very friendly and gave us more information about the park and what was going on in general with the State park system these days. Turns out like everyone they are having trouble attracting and keeping people at the moment.We took a lovely trail that started just outside the museum and wound its way through lovely tree Woodlands. It was quiet and peaceful, and we were the only ones on the trail. It's mostly level, with some mild uphill, but the end of the loop was closed so you have to retrace your steps.We then wandered through the Miwok Village, a recreation of Village dwellings and spiritual gathering places. The highlight are the hundreds of acorn grinding holes in a large rock outcropping - the largest grinding rock in North America - that you can admire while standing on an overview deck. In the past, we used to be able to walk on the grinding rock directly, but wisely that is protected now.We also walked through the campground, and in early April during the week there were only a few campsites taken. But the Ranger told us it's very popular on the weekends, even in the spring, and a reservation is recommended.This park is a gem!

Easy, flat hike of less than 2 miles, but so rich in history. We loved every bit of the park, museum, hike and would highly recommend experiencing and learning about it yourself.$5 parking and registration, includes the museum walk through.Enough benches/picnic tables all around, including overhead shades.It's super hot around June-July - so don't forget your cap, sunglasses and a bottle of water.Recommend reading through all the info boards throughout the park and museum - full of rich history and cultural insights.Enjoy!

Stopped in at Indian Grinding Rock State National Park to visit the museum and take a nice little hike to see the sights. This was so cool to see all the grinding rocks and see the TeePees and the Roundhouse. The museum was very informative about the Indians lives, rituals and traditions. They have a lot of artifacts, beautiful Indian baskets, tools they used, Head dresses that the Indians wore during ceremonial gatherings. This is a must stop in when you are visiting this area. It is $8.00 a car and that includes the museums and all the sights.

I've been to Indian Grinding Rock State Park a few times over the years. While the park is somewhat small, it's impact is rather large given the importance of grinding rocks on the native population. This park is on Pine Grove Volcano Road between Pine Grove and Volcano. Funny how that works!The park has an exhibit building that describes the history of the native people and the significance of the area. Over the years, people carved shallow holes in the exposed rock to grind acorns into flour similar to corn meal used as a primary food source. This meant the area was also a major social and political center where many deals and babies were likely made!The rock and other replica structures are the real draw and are still used by local native groups. You can hike back along the river and explore the grounds without too many people. It is a nice place to explore the natural landscape of the lower Sierras.There are a lot of interesting places to explore near Volcano in the lower Sierras. Indian Grinding Rock State Park is a nice way to expose yourself to the long native history of the area and it's importance to the area. It's a quick and good stop.

As a teacher, I brought my students here many times. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Great experience

We stopped in to see the Chaw-se Indian museum and talk to the park ranger who explained so much about the Miwok Indians. It was fascinating and we enjoyed walking around and seeing the native plants and trees and Miwok village. What else when it's a dreary rainy day. The winter houses were interesting.I particularly enjoyed the huge baskets with the decorative designs used for cooking, and gathering acorns.

Awesome history lesson people!!You must visit! The museum is small but has a lot of interesting stories and helpful staff to tell you the answer to any questions you have.. the grinding rocks are very cool! These women busted their asses to grind flour for their families. The trails are great, although we only did about 2 miles. I loved the round houses and was totally intrigued how they still use the one standing ( not authentic, but built with authenticity)Favorite part-I was wondering about the obvious some kind of sports field was.. the info sign was titled "grab the ball, or a girl?". Indian football. They still do it today here on this spot! I was talking about forever, still am. Lol.So, 2 teams. Boys vs girls. Different rules for each.Boys can only kick the ball. Girls tho can hold it grab it, throw it. BUT if she has it he can grab HER and run! I would love to watch one of these games!Wonderful stop on our trip!Highly recommend!

Amazing experience because we had the entire park to ourselves with a private guided tour from Chloe. When we arrived, there was a group of kids just leaving so since they had extra staff, we were given the red carpet treatment. We first toured the Roundhouse, which is the setting for social events, and ceremonial events. Although we could not take pictures inside, we were allowed to view the interior. We then walked over to the grinding rock and Chloe was able to point out several petroglyphs that we would not have seen had she not pointed them out. We then were also able to see the Miwok village and game field. Very nice of Chloe to take us around and give us a personal tour of the park.

Sense of peace, great hiking, informative museum, knowledgeable, friendly staff. The Big Time is a great introduction to current culture.