John Muir National Historic Site

4202 Alhambra Ave.
Martinez, CA 94553

Phone
Visitor Information
(925) 228-8860

The "Father of the National Park Service"

John Muir was many things, inventor, immigrant, botanist, glaciologist, writer, co-founder of the Sierra Club, fruit rancher. But it was John Muir's love of nature, and the preservation of it, that we can thank him for today. Muir convinced President Teddy Roosevelt to protect Yosemite (including Yosemite Valley), Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Grand Canyon and MT. Rainier as National Parks.

Things To Do

Start with an orientation to the site at the visitor center, and enjoy the twenty minute biographical film of Muir's life,"A Glorious Journey". It is shown on demand throughout the day. Restrooms and our bookstore are also located in the visitor center.

The Muir Home is available for self guided tours from 10 am to 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday. Public tours are available at 2:00 Wednesday through Friday, and 2:00 and 3:00 on weekends. Please call (925) 228-8860 to organize group tours. There are picnic tables available on the grounds.

The Martinez Adobe, built in 1849, is also on site and open to the public.The two downstairs rooms of the adobe have exhibits about John Muir, the Martinez family and early California history.

MT. Wanda is available for sauntering seven days a week, sunrise to sunset. It is 1 mile uphill to get to the top. Always bring water and wear comfortable shoes when setting out for the 640 foot summit!

Wildflower walks, Bird walks and Full Moon walks are available on Mt. Wanda. Call the site for more information at: (925) 228-8860.

Outdoor Activities

With almost 9 acres of fruit orchards surrounding the Muir home, the oppurtunity to arrive at the right time of year (summer & fall) and sample something to eat is great! As fruit becomes available, it is picked by staff and park VIPs and put in wooden boxes around the park. There is no charge for fruit.

Spring offers not only the many colored blossoms of fruit and nut trees in our orchards, but of wildflowers on Mt. Wanda. Mt. Wanda is our 326 acre natural area where Wildflower and Bird walks are offered by rangers during the spring. Sauntering on Mt. Wanda is encouraged anytime of the year. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

During the summer on Mt. Wanda, Full Moon walks are offered in June, July, and August. Reservations are required for these walks.

Mt. Wanda

Originally part of the 2600 acre ranch, John Muir NHS acquired this 326 acres of oak woodland in 1993. Named for his oldest daughter, Muir took both girls on nature walks here to look at the trees, wildflowers and birds. We continue that tradition today with ranger led wildflower and bird walks in the spring, and full moon walks in the summer.

Site

This Museum Collections Exhibit celebrates John Muir, preservationist, writer and friend to National Parks. It features Muir's family and home in Martinez, California, including personal belongings, photographs, and specimens that he collected.