NEVADA CITY, Calif. — Residents and visitors can explore local history on foot during two guided walking tours offered as part of this year’s Nevada County Reads program.
The Nevada County Library, Nevada County Historical Society and Grass Valley Historical Commission will host simultaneous historical walking tours in Grass Valley and Nevada City on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Each tour will highlight the rich history, notable buildings and colorful characters that shaped Nevada County’s two historic downtowns.
Grass Valley Historic Walking Tour
The Grass Valley Historic Walking Tour will begin at the corner of Main and South Auburn streets next to the Stamp Mill. The tour covers approximately five blocks and lasts about one hour.
Participants will hear stories about bordellos, secret tunnels, colorful historical figures and Grass Valley’s role in Nevada County’s history.
The tour will be led by Terry McAteer, retired Nevada County superintendent of schools, former history teacher, chair of the Grass Valley Historical Commission and a longtime local storyteller.
Nevada City Historic Walking Tour
The Nevada City Historic Walking Tour will explore the history of downtown Nevada City, highlighting historic buildings, homes and the people who lived in them.
Featured stops include Ott’s Assay Office and home, the Powell House and the Kidd/Knox Building. The tour begins and ends at the intersection of Union, Commercial, Main and Coyote streets near the Pelton wheel in Robinson Plaza, home of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.
The tour will be led by Cathy Wilcox-Barnes, board member and Firehouse No. 1 Museum director for the Nevada County Historical Society.
Both tours will take place simultaneously at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged to choose their city, wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy a morning exploring local history.
More Information
For more information about this program and other library services, visit https://nevadacountyca.libcal.com or call 530-265-7050. Don’t forget to follow Nevada County Library on Instagram and Facebook for the latest program updates.