From the historic covered bridge at South Yuba River State Park to Truckee’s legendary ski slopes and scenic golf courses, Nevada County has plenty of heavy hitters that put it on the map. But let’s be real. Sometimes it’s the offbeat that sticks with you the most. The oddities. The curiosities. The things that make you pause and go, “Wait… what?” That’s what makes Nevada County so special. The area is rich with weird and wonderful obscurities that are worth the detour and the story that comes with them. Here are just a few that you may not even realize when you’re looking at them.
Old Jail Museum
Historic Downtown Truckee
Wander through historic downtown Truckee and you’ll find dozens of preserved buildings now home to charming shops, cozy restaurants, and lively pubs. Among these historic structures is the Old Jail Museum—a standout worth a visit.
One of the few remaining 19th-century jailhouses in the West, this sturdy structure is also one of Truckee’s last original buildings. Known locally as the old Bastille, it served the town continuously from 1875 until May 1964 and impressively withstood the many fires that swept through Truckee in its early years.
Visit the Truckee-Tahoe museum page to learn more about this site and explore other fascinating museums in the area.
The Lone Grave
Highway 20 (8 miles east of Nevada City)
As you climb out of Nevada City along the scenic byway of US Highway 20, winding through towering conifers, you’ll come across one of Nevada County’s hidden gems for catching a sunset—Omega Diggins Overlook.
This route also closely follows the historic Emigrant Trail, once traveled by pioneers heading west to California in the late 19th century. Among them was a young boy named Julius Albert Apperson, who tragically died along the journey and was buried in this area.
Over time, a simple headstone was placed to mark his resting place, and a protective fence was added. Today, visitors can pay respects to him and others that lost their lives on their journey west at this monument that was erected to honor his memory.
Pine Grove Cemetery
Nevada City
From the lone grave in the foothills, the story expands at Pine Grove Cemetery on Boulder Street in Nevada City. This historic cemetery is the final resting place of early pioneers and veterans of the Spanish-American War—some born even before California achieved statehood. With its ornate headstones and intricate wrought ironwork, Pine Grove offers a quiet but powerful reflection of the region’s past.
For a deeper dive into Nevada County’s unique and historic cemeteries, check out Top 5 Historic Cemeteries to Explore in Nevada County.
Largest Pelton Wheel Ever Constructed
Northstar Mining Museum (Grass Valley)
Waterwheels had been used for centuries, but it wasn’t until Nevada County’s own Lester A. Pelton came along that things truly changed. Instead of relying on the weight or pressure of water, Pelton’s innovative design harnessed the kinetic energy of fast-moving streams. This was perfect for mining operations in the Sierra where large rivers were scarce.
His invention was a game-changer, especially for mining. Its impact was so profound that Pelton wheels are still used today to generate power.
You can see this engineering marvel in action at the North Star Mining Museum, home to the largest surviving Pelton wheel built during his era. And the best part? They fire it up and run it during special events throughout the year!
