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Reviews

Indian Grinding Rock


User Reviews

Gary Haxby

March 12, 2026

Family friendly park with plenty of shaded bench areas for picnic lunches. Easy to moderate hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Native Culture that occupied the area. The Grinding Rock is the largest on the U.S., the main trail takes you to Native dwellings, amd a Ceremonial Roundhouse still used by local Native Tribes today. The Visitor Center has additional educational opportunities to learn about the Mi-Wuk Culture with helpful staff to answer any questions you or your young ones may have. I highly recommend this park for an easy day trip. Nearby towns of Volcano and Plymouth also offer plenty of historic buildings, shops, bars, restaurants, and wineries.

Scott Whitman

November 14, 2025

Pretty neat park is passed a few times but only just got around to stopping by. The big grinding rock site that gives the park its namesake is obviously the initial draw but there are also lot of neat structures and that explore Native American history and the continued use and importance of the site to culture today. The museum inside the roundhouse building is really well done as well, and there’s a few nature and history trail loops to walk the surrounding area with the option of a handout sheet that explains each of the numbered marker points along one of these too. This is also a location a state park pass will get you into as well, and there’s a campground I didn’t explore yet but which looked pretty nice in passing.

irgod32

September 25, 2025

If I give this place a high rating then one of my favorite campsite will be too crowded. But I can't give it a bad rating because it wouldn't be true! All I will say is the camp hosts are the best and keep the facilities running as it should be. 😀

Kathy Corrion

July 19, 2025

Smaller litte gem of a CA State park. Lots of shade in campsites. Flush toilets and coin-operated showers on site. Friendly staff. Nature center (free) full of background on the natives who once lived in the area along with stuff to buy.

Yasmine S

May 13, 2025

Beautiful location to camp or hike. We camped here for 2 nights, its clean and quiet.. was very enjoyable.

Gary Standke

April 08, 2025

You can pay for parking in the museum. The museum gives great information on how the Native People lived prior to the arrival of the Europeans and then how everything changed. Great examples of their tools and baskets. From the museum it is a short, fairly level, walk to a recreated village and round house. Lots of picnic tables. Nature trail with guide pamphlet and many stops to examine the forest around you. The largest grinding rock in North America with some petrographs.

Gabriela Del Mar

March 31, 2025

Beautiful place to bring the kids to learn about history and the Miwok people. We packed a lunch and had it under a beautiful structure. Museum was beautiful and free to enter. It has a gift shop area.

Kimber A. Bradley

March 29, 2025

Very cool place . It's great for kids to learn about the Indians. There is a lot of walking, but it is easy Hills. The people their are very knowledgeable and enjoy teaching the kiddos.

Nipun Nair

February 23, 2025

Nice place to hang out for a few hours and learn about the Indian heritage of the region. Dog friendly trail and ample parking (paid entry). Loved the trails and the quiet ambience - the experience had a religious vibe.

Clyde Smith

November 28, 2024

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is a hidden gem rich in history and natural beauty. The park offers a fascinating glimpse into Native American culture with its impressive grinding rock and petroglyphs that tell stories of the past. The Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum is a must-visit, providing deeper insight into the Miwok people and their traditions. The peaceful hiking trails are perfect for a relaxing stroll, surrounded by oak woodlands and vibrant wildlife. The picnic areas are clean and well-maintained, making it a great spot for a family outing. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love being in nature, this park has something special to offer. Highly recommend visiting for a meaningful and serene experience!

D T (xThe_Real_dx)

May 17, 2024

Very beautiful historical park. There are nice walkways that taper into into a mile or so hike into the woods. If you want to take the trail, it goes in a loop. There are huge trees and a re-created village and the actual holes from grinding. If you are in the area, you must stop.