Frequently Asked Questions

Visitor Essentials: What to Know

Make the most of your trip to the John Muir National Historic Site with a little preparation. Whether you’re here to tour the historic home, hike the trails at Mount Wanda, or enjoy family-friendly programs, this guide has the essentials to help you plan a smooth and memorable visit.

If you’re not sure where to start, the Visitor Center is a great first stop. Friendly staff are ready to answer your questions, share helpful tips, and provide resources to make your time here even better. Whether you have just an hour or an entire day, the John Muir National Historic Site has something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

 

 

Planning Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve got you covered. From directions and hours to accessibility and program details, this section provides clear and concise answers to help you plan your day with ease.

1. What are the park’s hours of operation?
   The park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

2. Is there an admission fee?
   Admission to the John Muir National Historic Site is free for all visitors.

3. Where is the park located?
   The park is located at 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553.

4. Is parking available at the site?
   Yes, free parking is available at the Visitor Center.

5. Are pets allowed in the park?
   Pets are allowed in outdoor areas but must be kept on a leash. Pets are not permitted inside buildings.

6. Are guided tours available?
   Yes, ranger-guided tours of the Strentzel-Muir Home and grounds are occasionally offered. Check with the Visitor Center for times and availability.

7. What can I see at the John Muir National Historic Site?
   Visitors can explore the Victorian Strentzel-Muir Home, hike the trails of Mount Wanda, and visit the Strentzel/Muir Gravesite. The Visitor Center also features exhibits and a park film about Muir’s life.

8. Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
   Yes, the Visitor Center and the Strentzel-Muir Home are wheelchair accessible. Some areas of Mount Wanda may have limited accessibility due to uneven terrain. See our Accessibility page for more information.

9. Are there any activities for kids?
   Kids can participate in the Junior Ranger Program by completing an activity book to earn a badge.

10. Can I bring a picnic?
    Yes, picnics are welcome in outdoor areas, but please pack out all trash to help keep the park clean.

11. Are there restrooms available?
    Yes, restrooms are available in the Visitor Center.

12. Are there any seasonal events or programs?
    The park hosts seasonal events like campfire programs, guided hikes, and other activities. Check the calendar for upcoming programs.

13. How can I access the cell phone tour?
    The cell phone audio tour is available for the main grounds. Instructions for accessing the tour can be found at the Visitor Center.

14. Can I host a private event at the park?
    Special use permits are generally required for events such as weddings or large group picnics. Visit the link provided to learn more about conditions for permits. You may also contact the park office for details.

15. Is there a park store?
    Yes, the Visitor Center has a park store offering books, gifts, and educational materials related to John Muir and conservation.

16. Are there volunteer opportunities at the park?
    Yes, the park offers volunteer opportunities in various roles. Check with the Visitor Center or park website for more information.

17. Can I hike Mount Wanda?
    Yes, Mount Wanda features trails suitable for hiking. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty that inspired Muir.

18. How long should I plan for a visit?
    Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the Visitor Center, Strentzel-Muir Home, and nearby grounds. Additional time may be needed for hiking or participating in programs.

19. What should I bring with me?
    Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. If you’re hiking Mount Wanda, consider bringing snacks and a trail map. There is a water bottle filling station in the visitor center.

20. Who can I contact for more information?
    You can reach the park by phone at [phone].

 

John Muir: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions and answers that visitors have about John Muir. We are not able to cover every aspect of Muir's life or family, here, but feel free to reach out to park staff if you have more questions.

John Muir’s Early Life

When was John Muir born?
John Muir was born on April 21, 1838.

Where was John Muir born?
Muir was born in Dunbar, Scotland, a small coastal town about 28 miles east of Edinburgh.

About John Muir

Who was John Muir?
John Muir was a writer, lecturer, geologist, botanist, glaciologist, explorer, school teacher, inventor, fruit rancher, husband, and father. Widely considered America’s most influential naturalist, he played a key role in the creation of Yosemite National Park and co-founded the Sierra Club in 1892, serving as its first president until his death in 1914.

What did John Muir write?
Muir wrote over 300 magazine articles and 12 books, focusing on his adventures, the wilderness, and his advocacy for conservation. At the time of his death, he was working on a book about his travels in Alaska and had plans for ten additional works.

What are the names of John Muir’s books?

• Picturesque California (1888)
• Mountains of California (1894)
• Our National Parks (1901)
• Stickeen (1909)
• E.H. Harriman (1911)
• My First Summer in the Sierra (1911)
• The Yosemite (1912)
• The Story of My Boyhood and Youth (1913)
• Travels in Alaska (1915)
• A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf (1916)
• Cruise of the Corwin (1917)
• Steep Trails (1918)

Why did John Muir choose to live in Martinez, California?
In 1880, Muir married Louisa (Louie) Strentzel, whose family owned a large 2,600-acre ranch in the Alhambra Valley. Muir managed the fruit ranch for ten years, which provided financial stability and allowed him to later focus on his conservation work.

Was John Muir wealthy?
In his early life, Muir worked various jobs to support himself. After managing the fruit ranch, he accumulated significant wealth, enabling him to dedicate himself fully to writing and preservation efforts.

Family and Descendants

Did John Muir have children?
Yes, Muir and Louie had two daughters:

• Wanda (1881–1942)
• Helen (1886–1964)

Does John Muir have living descendants?
Yes, Muir had ten grandchildren: six from Wanda, who married Thomas Hanna, and four from Helen, who married Buel Funk.

The Home and Historic Site

What is the square footage of the Strentzel/Muir house?
The house is 10,010 square feet, including all porches, attic, and basement.

Is all the furniture in the house original?
While many pieces are similar to what the Muir family owned, some original items remain in the family. Authentic Muir artifacts, like his desk, are displayed in the house.

Did Theodore Roosevelt ever visit Muir’s house?
No, President Theodore Roosevelt never visited the house, according to Muir’s daughter, Helen.

Who were some notable visitors to Muir’s home?
Visitors included:

• William Keith (artist)
• John Swett (educator)
• Charles Keeler (poet and ornithologist)
• Robert Underwood Johnson (magazine editor)
• William Colby (Sierra Club co-founder)
• John Burroughs (naturalist)

John Muir’s Legacy

How old was John Muir when he died?
Muir passed away at 76 years old on December 24, 1914, from pneumonia in a Los Angeles hospital.

Where is John Muir buried?
He is buried alongside his wife, Louie, in a family cemetery about a mile from his home in Martinez.

What is Hetch Hetchy, and why is it significant?
Hetch Hetchy is a valley along the Tuolumne River in Yosemite that was dammed in 1923 to supply water and power to San Francisco. Muir vehemently opposed the project, calling it “the destruction of the grandest temple of the Sierra.”

How long has the site been a National Historic Site?
The John Muir National Historic Site was established on August 31, 1964.

What clan did John Muir’s family belong to?
The Muir family was part of the Gordon Clan.

Martinez, California

What was the population of Martinez during John Muir’s time?

• 1888: 875
• 1890: Approximately 1,000 (records lost in a fire)
• 1900: 1,380
• 1910: 2,115