A Twenty Mile House Wedding Weekend: 7 Things To Do in Graeagle, California
Founded in 1916 as a lumber town, Graeagle, California, offers plenty of rural charm for those looking for a quiet escape. Despite its low population and small-town feel, this pocket of Northern California is quite the destination — offering locals and out-of-towners ample things to do, see, and explore. We should know: Twenty Mile House, our private outdoor wedding venue, is situated on 200 forested acres within Graeagle, making it an ideal spot for an unforgettable romantic weekend.
With its rich history, breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails around the Plumas National Forest, and an eclectic mix of local shops and restaurants, Graeagle and the nearby Lost Sierra region offer the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Eager to make the most of your matrimonial celebrations and extend your festivities in Plumas County? Below are a few of our favorite must-visit spots and can’t-miss activities to add to your weekend wedding itinerary after tying the knot at our venue.
7 Things To Do in Graeagle, California
1. Take a Hike
An eventful wedding weekend in the great outdoors calls for hiking — and Graeagle, located within the northern Sierra Nevada mountains and Plumas National Forest, has no shortage of incredible trails. For a simple, yet scenic stroll, head to Plumas-Eureka State Park (a 20-minute drive from Twenty Mile House) where you’ll encounter the 1.6-mile Madora Lake Loop, a kid-friendly trek that features wide, walkable trails, an elevation gain of around 100 feet, and views that span lakes and creeks.
Another nearby family-friendly option is Frazier Falls Trail, a paved, one-mile loop that has a sweet end-of-hike reward: a nearly 200-foot-tall waterfall that drops into a glacially carved canyon. If you’re seeking a more moderate challenge, lace up your hiking boots and set out for the 4.3-mile, out-and-back Eureka Lake Trail. Expect an elevation gain of more than 1,300 feet over the course of your journey, but with that comes spectacular views of the 7,447-foot Eureka Peak and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
2: Explore a Museum
From gold mining and logging to its storied railroad heritage, Plumas County is brimming with history. There are multiple museums to visit while you’re in town. Railroad enthusiasts will want to stop in Portola, California, at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. The 37-acre facility is home to one of the largest collections of diesel locomotives in North America — plus records, photographs, and personal collections from Western Pacific workers. It’s a hands-on experience, meaning guests can board train cars, take a caboose ride, or even operate a vintage diesel locomotive on museum grounds (under supervision, of course), thanks to its unique Run-a-Locomotive program.
The Plumas County Museum in Quincy, California, is a living museum that spotlights artifacts from the region’s logging and mining days as well as more than 5,000 vintage photographs of the area. Continue your educational journey at the Plumas Eureka State Park Museum, an indoor-outdoor homage to the region’s Gold Rush era. Located in a historic miners’ bunkhouse, museum-goers can explore archeological finds, mining artifacts, and a working-scale model of the stamp mill, which was used in mining times to crush rock and separate precious gold and silver.
3: Grab a Bite
After a morning of hiking or perusing museums, you and your wedding guests might be feeling a bit peckish. Good thing Graeagle offers dining options to suit just about everyone’s tastes. For casual eats and drinks, head to The Brewing Lair — a 15-barrel local craft brewery just 10 minutes away from Twenty Mile House. Sip one of its many seasonal ales and enjoy bites from the Ricochet Cafe food truck (hello, wild-caught cod tacos). You can also bring your own snacks and lay down your checkered blanket for a picnic — all while taking in the scenic, 15-acre grounds.
For pizza fans, Portola’s Mountain Pizza dishes out inventive takes on well-crisped, traditional pies. Think: a chicken tikka masala delight laced with red onion and cilantro, and a barbecue pizza studded with pork belly, bacon, corn, mozzarella and a cheddar blend. For special-occasion dining, stop by Firewoods Restaurant at the historic Gray Eagle Lodge — a cozy spot serving up hearty eats like burgundy-braised pot roast and fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with chipotle-citrus barbecue sauce. End your evening with s’mores around the fire pit.
4: Indulge in Retail Therapy
Should you need a last-minute gift or memento to remember your time in the Lost Sierra region, there are a number of charming local boutiques, gift shops, and antique stores to explore. Pop into Stardust Gift & Supply Co. in Blairsden (located within walking distance from another popular dining spot, Grizzly Grill) and scour its curated collection of clothing, home goods, and accessories.
At Portola’s Broken Stick Arts & Crafts, you can peruse even more one-of-a-kind finds. The cozy boutique has its shelves filled with items crafted by the hands of local artisans. Think: stunning artwork, eye-catching home accents, ceramics, glassware, and so much more. Graeagle Outfitters, purveyors of outdoor sporting goods, stocks a bevy of recreational gear — plus goodies for your canine friends. If you’re in the mood for a treasure hunt, antique shop Happy Hunting Ground, located in the former Old Graeagle School House, is a must.
5: Enjoy A Festival
No matter the season, there’s always something going on in Plumas County. For example, if you’re in town in January or February, the Plumas Ski Club hosts its Annual Historic Longboard Races every third Sunday. You’re invited to watch skiers race downhill in 1860s-era wooden skis and period-appropriate outfits. The event promises lots of old-timey fun — complete with food, drinks, and music.
In April, the town comes alive with the sounds of country music and poetry. The annual Cowboy Poetry & Music Show features performances from top poets and singers over the course of two days and even serves up a country-style pork rib dinner.
In September, Portola toots its train horn with its annual Railroad Days, offering two days worth of railroad-inspired fun.
If you and yours are looking to learn a new skill post your “I dos,” keep an eye on the aforementioned Portola’s Broken Stick Arts & Crafts, which occasionally hosts workshops led by local artists.
Every July, the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy buzz to life for the High Sierra Music Festival, an energetic four-day fest featuring a stellar lineup of bands and singer-songwriters that span multiple genres. Expect music aplenty, daily parades, yoga, eats from local food trucks, kid-friendly activities, and beyond. For even more ideas to add to your wedding weekend, find a list of year-round events here.
6: Perfect your Golf Game
Twenty Mile House couples love tying the knot at our private estate wedding venue because there are so many nearby activities to keep their guests and bridal party occupied — and golf just so happens to be a particularly popular one. At the close-by Nakoma Resort, book a tee time for you and your wedding party at the picturesque Dragon golf course. This 18-hole championship course was designed by Robin Nelson, who also created the equally beautiful Dunes at Maui Lani.
Alternatively, you and your wedding crew can spend the morning at the Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club — a par 71 course designed by Dick Bailey, set among towering trees of the High Sierra’s Mohawk Valley. If a family-friendly round of golf (complete with trick holes and obstacles in the form of giant bears) is more your speed, go for the Graeagle Miniature Golf and Driving Range at the Graeagle Golf Center.
7: Unwind at the Spa
A spa session leading up to your big day is always a good idea. Bring the bridal party for a bonding moment or opt for a solo visit to the Spa at Nakoma Resort, a luxe and lavish space located inside the property’s iconic teepee-inspired Lodge, which was constructed from plans designed by late American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. From a Swedish massage with hot stones to an organic sugar scrub with body brushing, the spa offers an array of services to get you glowing.
Enjoy a Fun-Filled Wedding Weekend Escape at Twenty Mile House in Graeagle, CA
Whether you spend your days exploring the great outdoors or getting your retail fix at local boutiques, there are so many ways to make the most of your wedding weekend in Plumas County.
At Twenty Mile House, we are always happy to offer even more suggestions — and provide you with ideas on how to make your wedding an unforgettable experience for everyone on your guest list. Reach out to us to start planning your big day.