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John Muir National Historic SiteJohn Muir's desk in his Scribble Den.
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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.

 
Muir home in the 1890's

Where is the Muir home?

John Muir NHS is located in Martinez, California. Muir lived here because his wife and her family were here. John lived with his new inlaws, the Strentzel's, for 2 years while they built their dream house; soon to be the Muir family home.

 

 
California poppies on Mt. Wanda.

Mt. Wanda

Originally part of the 2600 acre ranch, John Muir NHS aquired 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.

 
Muir in his

Museum Collections at John Muir National Historic 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.

 
John Muir at Muir Woods

Are You Muir Woods?

No, we are not the glorious grove of coastal redwoods named for John Muir. Their name is Muir Woods National Monument. They are located just north of San Francisco in Marin County. Whether you visit there or here first, save your receipt to get free access to the other Muir park site on the same day!

 

Write to

John Muir National Historic Site
4202 Alhambra Ave.
Martinez, CA 94553

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(925) 228-8860

Fax

(925) 228-8192

Climate

SPRING: February - April, wet to dry.
SUMMER: May - September, dry to dryer.
FALL: October - November, dry to wet.
WINTER: December - January, wet to wet.
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Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
"...and doubtless, under certain precautionary restrictions, these useful, progressive, blunt-nosed mechanical beetles will hereafter be allowed to puff their way into all the parks and mingle their gasbreath with the breath of pines and waterfalls..." LIFE & LETTERS OF JOHN MUIR

Last Updated: May 01, 2009 at 18:21 EST