California’s Gold Rush days may be long over but there are still a few places throughout our state where you can experience them for yourself. For example, located in the heart of the “California Mother Lode”, this historic park is like taking a stroll through California history. Not only does this place perfectly resemble an early gold mining town, but it’s packed full of cool attractions and fun things to do. For a day trip you and your family are bound to love, visit this fascinating historic park in the depths of Gold Country.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk the streets of an authentic California gold mining town? It turns out you can do just that when you visit this one-of-a-kind historic park in Columbia. This place looks to be frozen in time and it's bursting with amazing attractions you'll want to check out.
Columbia State Historic Park is a "living gold rush town" which features the largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the entire state. Visiting this place really feels like entering a time capsule of 19th century structures and artifacts. The entire family will be totally enthralled by this unique destination.
The streets of this old mining town are lined with a variety of shops and boutiques, many of which you would've seen in a typical 19th century town. Saloons, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and so much more are there for you when you're in need of a little pick-me-up during your visit.
This place seems to run exactly as it did over 150 years ago. Check out the working blacksmith shop where you can watch iron actually being forged in a blazing fire and then shaped on an anvil. It doesn't get more authentically Western than this.
You'll also find a myriad of activities in the park to keep you busy all day long. The Hidden Treasure Gold Mine is a must-stop. Here you can visit a working hardrock gold mine and learn all about how mining was done during the 1850s.
Watch costumed docents recreate the atmosphere of this unique mining town's early days. Like many mining towns of the past, Columbia had to use a system of flumes to funnel water into the town and pan for gold. Try your hand at gold panning and see what type of treasures you come up with.
A visit to an Old West town isn't complete until you've ridden in an authentic stagecoach! For a small price, you can ride in a real horse-drawn carriage through the historic town. Ride shotgun or inside of the coach while experiencing this town the way it's supposed to be experienced.
You'll find that there's so much to see and do in the park that you'll require multiple days to accomplish it all. Go ahead and take advantage of the multiple lodging options throughout town including historic hotels, delightful cottages, or one of their scenic campgrounds.
Columbia State Historic Park is conveniently located right off of Highway 49. It's also located in close proximity to other historic destinations like Jamestown and Angels Camp. Make a weekend of it and explore this fascinating region of California's Gold Country. It's begging for a visit!
Entry into Columbia is totally free of charge (with free parking and free guided tours by docents). For detailed directions to this incredible park, visit their website here.
