The Plumas County Museum is an active, “living museum” with historic and contemporary exhibits, events, research, and meetings. Permanent exhibits include an outstanding collection of baskets woven by Mountain Maidu people. The Industrial History Wing features Railroads of Plumas County, Gold Mining on the Feather River, and an exhibit about the lumber industry. Other developing collections include natural history specimens, audio-visual resources, the Chinese influence, competitive ski racing known as “longboarding,” medical exhibits, and children’s toys.
The Variel House at the Plumas County Museum in Quincy
The Variel House at the Plumas County Museum in Quincy
The Exhibit Yard provides visitors with a glimpse into pioneer life with a sleigh, horse-drawn hearse, water wagon, mining and logging equipment, a working blacksmith’s shop, a stamp mill and a restored miner’s cabin.
While the basis of the museum’s collection is historical, the Stella Fay Miller Mezzanine Gallery often features contemporary cultural displays by Plumas County artisans.
The museum’s archival library houses a comprehensive collection of official county records, v photographs, documents, and literature which are continually added to by museum staff and volunteers. It is a valuable record of the people and places of Plumas County.
vintage bottles at the Plumas County Museum
vintage bottles at the Plumas County Museum
1800s horse-drawn hearse
1800s horse-drawn hearse
Mountain Maidu basket collection at the Plumas County Museum
Mountain Maidu basket collection at the Plumas County Museum
Museum Bookstore
The Museum Bookstore sells local and regional historical books and publications, note cards, postcards, calendars, prints, and locally mined and fashioned gold nugget jewelry. Also,housed at the Museum is a collection of complementary sightseeing brochures.
The Variel House
In addition to indoor and outdoor exhibits, the 1878 Variel Home is an interesting and beautiful stop. This restored three-story Victorian is furnished from the museum collection to represent a middle-class family home in turn-of-century Plumas County. The home is owned by the Plumas County Museum Association, Inc. and is open on weekends and by appointment in summer.
Plumas traveler guides
Where to See Fall Colors in Northern California
In early October, the leaves in Plumas County begin transforming to create stunning natural beauty. From creek beds to mountaintops, vibrant leaves contrast brilliantly against the dark green pines and firs that dominate the landscape. We’ve pulled together the best routes that offer an abundance of color and adventure. Our fall foliage guide gets you off the beaten path and into the heart of Plumas County.
If you love birding, waterfall hikes, and wildflowers without the crowds, this four day road trip will take you from one end of the Lost Sierra to the other. Plumas County is beautiful all year-round but late spring and early summer offer some incredible nature-based experiences for the intrepid traveler.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Plumas County– the valleys are verdant, rivers are rushing, and snow is still on the high mountains. Spring weather is perfect for activities like hiking, birding, wildflower watching, kayaking, and more.
Plumas County is a summer wonderland of outdoor activities with over a hundred lakes, music festivals, world-class hiking, and mountain town events. Plan your perfect summer vacation high in the Sierra Nevada of Northern California.
Winter in Plumas County is quiet and magical. The region offers everything from cozy cabins and backcountry skiing to family activities like Christmas tree cutting and holiday events. Beat the crowds at Tahoe and other popular winter destinations for your own serene and charming Lost Sierra seasonal adventure.
With over 100 lakes to choose from, Plumas County offers visitors an opportunity to soak up some of the most beautiful lakes in Northern California. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports with a group or relax and unplug on a solo adventure, the diversity of our lakes offers something for everyone. We invite you to unplug and feel the magic of our mountain lakes and the vast forests that surround them.
With over 100 lakes to choose from, Plumas County offers visitors an opportunity to soak up some of the most beautiful lakes in Northern California. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports with a group or relax and unplug on a solo adventure, the diversity of our lakes offers something for everyone. We invite you to unplug and feel the magic of our mountain lakes and the vast forests that surround them.
