Home > The Groveland Hotel - A Serenite Hotel Near Groveland > Local Attractions
Local Attractions and Adventures:
Hike through a tree.
Yes, you heard us right, you can hike through a giant redwood tree with a stop by the Giant Redwood Tunnel in Tuolumne Grove. An easy hike through the beautiful redwoods will lead travelers to this beautiful stump: where you can walk through the very heart of this old retired giant.
Originally carved out to allow tourists to drive their horse-drawn buggies through, now this easy hike takes visitors down an old road through the very heart of this beautiful tree, with helpful placards and signs along the way explaining the significance of the area and the process of carving history through the redwoods.
Explore the Moaning Caverns.
The amazing Moaning Caverns were first explored by gold miners in the 1840s and 1850s and are now a very popular activity for the entire family. Explorers will descend into these magical and mysterious caves by way of narrow spiral staircases, and then expert tour guides will teach you the history of these caves as you explore further below the earth's surface. Learn about the various minerals that make up the dripping walls, or go spelunking in unit areas if you’re feeling brave.
Above the surface, other activities include axe throwing, panning for gemstones and exploring the visitor center where you can see old arrowheads and even a necklace that is estimated to be over 8,000 years old.
Visit the Yosemite History Center.
While many people come to Yosemite, few take the time to learn the history of this beautiful park or see some of its more special artifacts and treasures. Stop by the Yosemite History Center year-round to see some of the original buildings that were in the park, from a Chinese Laundry to a blacksmith’s forge.
It took a massive coordinated effort to preserve Yosemite for future generations to enjoy. The History Center truly commemorates the efforts of people, the events they experienced, and the issues they faced during the establishment of Yosemite as a national park.
Stop by the Cowboy Museum.
The Cowboy Museum is just a short drive away and commemorates the adventuresome spirit of the American West, as well as the essential role that California’s Central Valley played in shaping that history.
Packed full of local memorabilia from rodeo trophies and working saddles, explorers can learn about the history of cowboys in California and the cattle ranching that still thrives in the Central Valley today. It's a hands-on museum, so feel free to touch a bronc rein, listen to the bell attached to a bull rope, or pick up a cattle brand to feel the heft of it in your hand.
The Legend of Lyle
Step into Room 15 at the Groveland Hotel, and you may find yourself sharing quarters with Lyle, a prospector from the 1920s who has never quite checked out. Lyle, a quiet and somewhat eccentric miner, first arrived at the hotel after searching for gold in the nearby Spring Gulch region. He was known for his peculiar habits—like sleeping with a case of dynamite under his bed—and for his fondness for the Groveland, where he lived until his peaceful passing in 1927. But death didn’t deter Lyle from his beloved room. To this day, guests report that Lyle remains a steadfast, if somewhat finicky, resident, ensuring his room remains just as he likes it.
Ghostly Quirks
Visitors to Room 15 often experience Lyle’s presence through small, mysterious occurrences. He’s known for rearranging items on the dresser, particularly disliking women’s cosmetics, which he frequently moves to the sink. Lyle is also fastidious about hygiene, as evidenced by faucets that mysteriously turn on and off. He’s not a fan of bright lights, either - those who try to read late at night might find their lights dimmed without explanation. Yet, despite his ghostly quirks, Lyle’s presence is more playful than menacing, adding a touch of supernatural charm to the room.
A Haunting Attraction
Far from scaring guests away, Lyle’s ghostly antics have made Room 15 the most sought-after suite at our haunted hotel in Northern CA. From reports of locked doors refusing to open to late-night calls from an empty room, Lyle’s activities have become part of the hotel’s unique appeal. Some guests even claim to have seen Lyle himself, a tall, slender figure with a beard, who occasionally makes appearances late at night. While the Groveland Hotel’s elegant décor, cozy bar, and first-class dining are reason enough to stay, it’s Lyle’s enduring presence that gives the hotel its singular, unforgettable character.
Explore the Groveland Museum.
Groveland and big Oak Flat were instrumental towns in the 1850s as gold rush towns, and later both served as gateways to the newly established Yosemite National Park. Explore the Groveland Yosemite Gateway museum to leam more about our beloved town, the local residents, see artifacts from around Groveland, and more.
This museum is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the life and history of southern Tuolumne County. and if you look carefully you may even be able to see a photograph or two of the Groveland itself. We are proud to be members of the city of Groveland’s beautiful and unique history.
