Contact Info
Martinez, CA 94553
- Phone:
- 925-228-8860
Basics
- Location:
- North of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Type:
- Historical Site
Description
The John Muir National Historic Site preserves the 14 room mansion where naturalist John Muir lived from 1890 to his death in 1914. While living in Martinez, Muir accomplished many things: he battled to prevent Yosemite National Park's Hetch Hetchy Valley from being dammed, served as the first president and one of the founders of the Sierra Club, played a prominent role in the creation of several national parks, and wrote hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles and several books expounding on the virtues of conservation and the natural world. Muir's work laid the foundations for the creation of the National Park Service in 1916.
In 1992, Mt. Wanda was added to the Site. The 325-acre tract of oak woodland and grassland was historically owned by the Muir family.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
John Muir NHS is open:
Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day.
Season:
Amenities
Amenities:
Visitor Center
Picnic Area(s)
Details
Additional Details:
Receive orientation to the site at the visitor center. The park film is shown at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 1:30, 2:30, 3:30.
Muir House is available on self-guided tours any time of the day. Public tours are available at 2:00 Wednesday through Friday, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 on weekends. Please call 925-228-8860 to organize group tours. There are picnic tables available on the grounds.
Mt. Wanda is available for hiking seven days a week, sunrise to sunset.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Eastbound I-80 to eastbound Highway 4. Exit at Alhambra Avenue, turning left at ramp. Cross beneath highway; Site is immediately on your left.
I-680 northbound to Highway 4 westbound. Exit at Alhambra Ave. Turn right at bottom of ramp; the site is located immediately on your left.
