Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.
Martinez Adobe
The Martinez Adobe, located on the western edge of John Muir’s historic orchard, is currently closed due to structural damage. It is unknown when the public will be able to enter the structure. The Muir/Strentzel mansion remains open to visitors.
John Muir’s life was a tapestry of roles—fruit rancher, family man, writer—each interwoven with his deep love for nature. As one of America’s most influential naturalists, Muir was more than just an observer of the wilderness; he was its fiercest...
The John Muir home at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA.
The John Muir House, also known as the Strentzel/Muir House, is an imposing structure located in Martinez, California. Built in 1882 by Dr. John Strentzel, John Muir's father-in-law, this mansion served as the home of the renowned naturalist and his family from 1890 until Muir's death in 1914. The house is a striking example of late Victorian Italianate architecture. Key features include: Exterior Design: The mansion is constructed with a wood frame and painted a light color, which enhances its stately appearance. The exterior is adorned with intricate wooden trim and decorative brackets under the eaves, typical of the Italianate style. Structure: It is a two-story building with a full basement and attic. The roof is topped with a distinctive cupola, adding to its grandeur and providing a panoramic view of the surrounding Alhambra Valley. Windows: The house features tall, narrow windows with decorative crowns, allowing ample natural light to illuminate the spacious interior rooms. Entrance: The main entrance is marked by a small porch with decorative columns and railings, leading to the grand foyer inside. Inside, the house boasts 17 rooms, including: First Floor: The first floor contains an entrance hall, a formal parlor, a library with a partially enclosed porch, a family parlor, a dining room with an attached conservatory, and a kitchen. These rooms are characterized by their 12foothigh ceilings, adding to the sense of space and elegance. Second Floor: The second-floor houses six bedrooms, a water closet, and a bathroom. Notable rooms include Muir's study, which he converted from a large bedroom, and three restored bedrooms (Muir's, the children's, and the governess'). At the time of its construction, the house included several modern conveniences, such as indoor plumbing and gas lighting. A telephone was installed as early as 1885, and an electrical system was added just before Muir's death in 1914. Water for the indoor plumbing was sourced from rainwater collected from the roof or pumped from nearby wells, stored in redwood tanks in the attic. The John Muir House remains largely unchanged since Muir's time. It has been preserved as part of the John Muir National Historic Site and continues to be a significant landmark, reflecting the life and legacy of John Muir. The National Park Service has undertaken extensive restoration efforts to maintain the house and its surrounding grounds, using period appropriate furniture, artifacts, and decor to accurately represent the historical period. Inside, the house the first floor contains a couple of family rooms, a dining room, a den and a kitchen. The next floor up contains three two bedrooms, one display room (previous bedroom) and the John Muir "Scribble Den" which was Muir's office. The third floor is an attic and contains the staircase that leads to the bell tower at the top of the house. This bell can be run by visitors. The attack and bell tower have windows that look out in front of the home. There is also a large basement, but it is not accessible to visitors. Photo: The photograph showcases the John Muir House, a prominent example of late Victorian Italianate architecture located in Martinez, California. The house stands prominently on a knoll, providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. It is a two-story structure featuring a full basement and attic, adorned with a distinctive cupola at the peak of its roof. The exterior is made of wood and painted a light color, which enhances its stately appearance. Intricate wooden trim and decorative brackets under the eaves are characteristic of the Italianate style. Large, tall windows with decorative crowns are arranged symmetrically along the façade, allowing natural light to illuminate the spacious interior rooms. A small porch with decorative columns and railings marks the main entrance, leading to the grand foyer inside. The house is surrounded by lush greenery, including palm trees and other mature vegetation, which adds to the picturesque setting. The well-maintained lawn slopes gently away from the house, providing a natural frame to the stately structure. The clear blue sky and bright sunlight in the photograph further highlight the elegance and historical significance of the house.
The Martinez Adobe is part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and the John Muir National Historic Site.
Description in English The photo features the Martinez Adobe, a historic building located in Martinez, California. The structure is a two-story adobe house with a simple yet elegant design. The exterior is painted white with yellow trim around the windows and doors. The house has a traditional porch on both levels, supported by slender white columns that give it a classic, timeless look. The roof is covered with shingles, and the building is surrounded by lush greenery, including well-maintained lawns, shrubs, and trees. A wooden bench in the foreground provides a place for visitors to sit and enjoy the peaceful setting. The Martinez Adobe is part of the John Muir National Historic Site and holds significant historical value. Description in Spanish La foto presenta el Adobe de Martinez, un edificio histórico ubicado en Martinez, California. La estructura es una casa de adobe de dos pisos con un diseño sencillo pero elegante. El exterior está pintado de blanco con detalles en amarillo alrededor de las ventanas y puertas. La casa tiene un porche tradicional en ambos niveles, sostenido por delgadas columnas blancas que le dan un aspecto clásico y atemporal. El techo está cubierto con tejas y el edificio está rodeado de abundante vegetación, incluidos céspedes bien cuidados, arbustos y árboles. Un banco de madera en primer plano ofrece un lugar para que los visitantes se sienten y disfruten del entorno tranquilo. El Adobe de Martinez forma parte del Sitio Histórico Nacional John Muir y tiene un valor histórico significativo.
Mount Wanda is part of the John Muir National Historic Site. Hiking trails are available. Please contact the visitor center for more information.
The photo captures a picturesque trail on Mount Wanda, meandering through lush greenery and under the canopy of oak trees. The pathway, bathed in sunlight filtering through the leaves, invites visitors to explore the serene landscape. The grassy slopes and tall trees create a tranquil setting, perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty that inspired John Muir and his family.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area was designated in 2019 as the first National Heritage Area in California. The Delta Protection Commission, a state agency, is the coordinating entity.
Stop 12 of the cell phone tour for the main grounds at the John Muir National Historic Site, which houses the Martinez Adobe. This stop includes interpretive information about the history of the Anza Expedition, part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
This is "Stop 12" of the main grounds tour. This stop is for the Martinez Adobe, which is on the main grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site. The audio tour covers information about the history of the Anza expedition in the late 1700's, and is part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
This is stop 2, which provides a view of the Victorian Muir/Strentzel home.
This is "Stop 2" on the self-guided tour. You can see the Muir/Strentzel home sitting up on the hill, surrounded by trees and a path leading to the front door.
The Strenzel/Muir Gravesite in Martinez, CA. For tours, please contact the visitor center at 925-228-8860 ext. 0.
The Strentzel/Muir Gravesite is a small gated area that contains 8 gravestone of various shapes and sizes. All gravestones are markers for the Strentzel/Muir and Hannah family. A short paved path makes it's way from the parking space to the gated site. A wayside frame and panel are attached to the path. Multiple trees and grass surround the property. Photo:The photo shows the gravesite of John Muir and his wife, Louie Strentzel Muir, located at the Strentzel/Muir Family Gravesite within the John Muir National Historic Site. The gravestones are modest, made of dark stone with inscriptions. John Muir's headstone reads: "John Muir, Born Dunbar, Scotland, April 21, 1838, Died Dec. 24, 1914." Louie Strentzel Muir's headstone reads: "Louie Strentzel Muir, Beloved Wife of John Muir, Born July 4, 1847, Died Aug. 6, 1905." The gravesite is situated in a serene, shaded area, surrounded by a low iron fence that provides a sense of quiet and seclusion. The ground is covered with grass and some fallen leaves, emphasizing the natural, undisturbed setting that befits the legacy of John Muir, who was a passionate advocate for nature and conservation. The property includes the historic pear orchard and a small family burial area, reflecting the historical significance of the site. It is accessible to visitors Monday through Friday, and ranger-led tours are available on weekends with prior reservations. This peaceful resting place honors the memory of John Muir and his contributions to the conservation movement.
The Muir/Strentzel home is located at the main park site and is within walking distance from the visitor center.
Strentzel/Muir Gravesite Tour
The Muir/Strentzel gravesite is not located on the main property of the John Muir National Historic Site.
Mount Wanda Hiking Trail
Mount Wanda is part of the John Muir National Historic Site, but is not located on the main property. It is short drive to reach the parking lot for the Mount Wanda trail entrance. Directions can be found on the website.
Tours
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Main Park Grounds - Audio Tour
Throughout the site, you'll see small signs indicating "Stop..." and the number. The tour begins by selecting "Start Audio Tour" at the bottom of the screen. Tap the play button, represented by a green circle with a right-facing triangle, to start the audio. Swipe left to access the next stop's location (as see on the map at the top) and swipe again to move to the next audio program for that stop. Please let the staff know if you have any questions.
