Olompali State Historic Park
Rate this placeNearby: Miwok Park Marion Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Olompali State Historic Park is a California state park located in Marin County.
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Summary
The park was once the site of a Miwok village and later a Mexican land grant. It is now a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.
One of the main reasons to visit Olompali State Historic Park is to learn about the park's rich history. Visitors can explore the remains of the Miwok village and the adobe ranch house built by the Burdell family in the 1800s. The park also offers guided tours, educational programs, and exhibits that provide insight into the park's past.
Some specific points of interest to see include the Burdell Mansion, the Miwok village site, and the old adobe buildings. The park also features several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Interesting facts about the park include that it was once frequented by famous musicians, including members of the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. The park also served as a setting for the HBO series Big Little Lies.
The best time of year to visit Olompali State Historic Park is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed during wet weather.
In summary, Olompali State Historic Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in California history and natural beauty. The park offers a glimpse into the past while providing ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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