Maidu Museum and Historic Site
Explore ancient Maidu history with interactive exhibits, trails featuring petroglyphs, and engaging cultural events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Maidu Museum and Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Maidu history with interactive exhibits, trails featuring petroglyphs, and engaging cultural events.
"Awesome museum with lots of good books about native stuff and extremely interesting grind holes."
Check for Closures
Parts of the museum or trails can be closed; call ahead or check their schedule. :informationdeskperson:
Book Campfire Tickets Early
These popular family events fill up fast, so secure your spot in advance. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Petroglyphs and Mortars
Outdoor trails
Explore ancient rock carvings and grinding holes, offering a tangible connection to the Maidu people's past.
Campfire Storytelling
Outdoor amphitheater
Gather around a fire for Indigenous stories and marshmallow roasting – a memorable family experience.
Native Plant Sale
Museum gift shop
Discover and purchase California native plants, including deer grass and seedballs, to bring a piece of local flora home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Fuller Experience
Navigating Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Closures
Parts of the museum or trails can be closed; call ahead or check their schedule. :informationdeskperson:
Book Campfire Tickets Early
These popular family events fill up fast, so secure your spot in advance.
Street Parking Available
If main parking is confusing, street parking is an option. :car:
Stroller-Friendly Inside
The museum interior is accessible, but trails can be bumpy. :stroller:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Closures
Parts of the museum or trails can be closed; call ahead or check their schedule. :informationdeskperson:
Book Campfire Tickets Early
These popular family events fill up fast, so secure your spot in advance.
Street Parking Available
If main parking is confusing, street parking is an option. :car:
Stroller-Friendly Inside
The museum interior is accessible, but trails can be bumpy. :stroller:
Bring Cash for Machine
In case the admission machine is down, having cash is recommended. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Maidu Museum and Historic Site to be a beautiful and interesting place, particularly appreciating the historical petroglyphs and grinding holes, as well as the knowledgeable staff. Some note that the museum is on the smaller side and parts can be closed, but the outdoor trails and special events like campfire storytelling are highly recommended for a memorable experience.
"Unfortunately, the second story of the museum was closed. The displays are interesting, can just about finish viewing the museum in less than an hour. We did take advantage of the outdoor dining area just outside the museum before taking the .25 mile walking trail around the federally preserved land. Though we missed the scheduled guided walking tour, the docent generously volunteered to take us around after we finished our picnic lunch. She provided us with interesting facts about the area, but part of the trail was closed. It's an ok museum, there are more interesting ones around the Sacramento region. It's not one I'd look to come back too, but maybe if I had out of town guests and looking for something to show them."
Yonkers Channel
"First time coming here.
Parking is a bit confusing, with no designated parking lot. Unless you park in the activity area which was closed. So we had to park on the street, next to apartments. The museum is almost hidden in a sense. It's modern and not that visible besides the sign out by the sidewalk. The inside is really nice and clean. Really cool stuff, and the gentleman working the front desk was very friendly and welcomed our family. We came on a Wednesday so not that many people besides us, maybe if most 3 other families. The admission is $5 for adults. Children under 5 are free. They also have outdoor seating before you hit the walking trail. The trail is not that long, btw, nice sites as you walk. The museum is stroller friendly. As far as the trail, it can get bumpy if you take a stroller on the trail. Very small museum but a relaxing experience."
Andy M
"Beautiful place and awesome museum. Lots of good books about native stuff. Awesome volunteers and awesome employees there. The grind holes and the boulder with marks from natives was extremely interesting. Everyone should know history and especially the history of their area"
Daniel Jessee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Maidu Museum and Historic Site is located in Roseville, California. Parking can sometimes be confusing, with visitors sometimes needing to park on the street. It's recommended to check for specific directions or call ahead if you have trouble locating it.
Parking can be a bit confusing, and some visitors have opted for street parking. If the designated parking area is closed, street parking next to apartments is an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically $5 for adults, with children under 5 being free. Museum members may also have different pricing or benefits.
For popular events like the campfire programs, it's highly recommended to buy tickets early as they tend to fill up quickly.
The museum is generally open Thursday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
It's recommended to bring cash in case the admission payment machine is down.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore interactive exhibits inside the museum, and walk the outdoor trails to see historic petroglyphs and grinding holes. The site also features a nature trail highlighting local flora.
The museum interior is stroller-friendly. However, the outdoor walking trail can be bumpy, so it might be challenging with a stroller.
Guided walking tours are sometimes offered, and docents may be available to provide additional information about the site's history and natural environment.
The museum focuses on the history of the Maidu people and the land. Some visitors have expressed a desire for more emphasis on the historical mistreatment of indigenous people.
Yes, the museum hosts various events like campfire storytelling, artist discussions, and native plant sales.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full restaurant, visitors can take advantage of outdoor seating areas for picnics just outside the museum. +1
Yes, the outdoor seating areas are perfect for picnics, allowing you to enjoy your own food amidst the historic surroundings. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use. However, it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or commercial use.
The outdoor trails with petroglyphs and grinding holes offer unique photographic opportunities. The natural landscape and native plants also make for beautiful shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Special events like the Campfire Storytelling are particularly well-suited for families, combining entertainment with cultural learning through stories and marshmallow roasting.
+1 While the museum provides historical context, some visitors suggest that more emphasis could be placed on the difficult aspects of indigenous history for older children. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Cultural Enthusiasts
Beyond the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and artist discussions that delve deeper into specific cultural themes, such as the significance of water or traditional crafts.
+1 The knowledgeable staff and volunteers are often praised for their insights and willingness to share historical facts. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Maidu History
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the site boasts outdoor trails that lead to significant historical features. These include petroglyphs (rock carvings) and grinding holes in boulders, which are tangible remnants of the Maidu people's daily activities and spiritual beliefs.
+1It's important to note that the history presented also touches upon the darker aspects of California's past, including the impact of colonization and violence on Native American communities.
Understanding this context provides a more complete picture of the Maidu people's resilience and their ongoing cultural significance. Experiencing Maidu Museum Events
+1 These events are often highlighted on social media for their memorable, family-friendly atmosphere. Beyond storytelling, the museum also features artist discussions and workshops. For instance, events have included discussions with artists featured in exhibitions, focusing on themes like the importance of water, and jewelry-making workshops using traditional materials like pine nuts.
+1 These hands-on activities and insightful talks provide deeper engagement with Maidu art and culture. Seasonal events, such as native plant sales, are also a draw, allowing visitors to purchase and learn about local flora.
+1 Many of these events are free or have a nominal fee, making them accessible cultural experiences. Due to their popularity, it's often advised to book tickets in advance, especially for the campfire programs, as they can sell out quickly. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit