Big Springs Gardens is a summer-only outdoor dining and event facility located amongst mixed conifer forest and natural springs two miles up the road from the historic mining community of Sierra City, California. Touring the gardens is a definitive part of the dining experience and shouldn't be missed.

During the summer, Big Springs serves brunch, lunch and early dinners. And on special days it hosts musical performances. The dining area can accommodate over 110 people in one sitting, and the food is served buffet style with outdoor grilling. The outdoor tables are made from recycled redwood and have umbrella and shelters. The level dining area in the forest has a decomposed granite surface. There is a full commercial kitchen disguised as an old-fashioned spring house built into the hillside and there is underground food refrigeration.

The developed area of the gardens is 30 acres in size. There are cobbled paths and stone bridges and trails with stone staircases. The remaining 90 acres in the upper elevations is kept as a natural area. Thousands of flowers, shrubs, and trees have been planted over the last 20 years to fit into the natural beauty of the site. There are many aspen, ash and maples as well as rhododendron and azalea. The area around the ponds are colorful and rich with floral textures.

Trails are all well maintained, sanded, and marked with natural history notes. Grounds are world-class in scope and the vista into the towering Sierra Buttes is spectacular and awe inspiring.

Hours Open: Operating hours and days are available at the Big Springs Web Site. Closed during the colder seasons.

Seasons Open: Summer. Middle of June to beginning of September.

Price Style for this Establishment: $37-39 pp w/o wine

Big Springs Gardens is a multi-generational, family owned operation.

Large old-growth cedar, sugar pine, white fir and ponderosa pine trees. Natural and man-made water features surround the garden. Several high volume natural springs flow from the hillside. The waterfalls are enhanced with lovely native stone. Rainbow trout in the man-made pond can be viewed. All the buildings are created in the gold-rush style of the region. All facilities are modern and of very high standard.

The bridge over the pond is in the style and color of Monet's Garden. Bring your camera and art supplies because you will be inspired by all the beauty.

No pets allowed, even in parked cars.