California State Highway 49 runs nearly 300 miles through the center of California Gold Country. Starting in Sierra County, the “Mother Lode Highway” winds its way through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the central valley.
Malakoff Diggins State Park
Malakoff Diggins State Historical Park is the site of the largest hydraulic mine in California. A giant water cannon nozzle called a monitor was used to blast away the gravel, and whole hillsides gave way, releasing gold into the miner’s sluice boxes. The hillsides let go of its precious gold, but the result was permanent scarring to the mountainsides.
South Yuba River State Park
Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, and exploring the trails leading to historic mining sites, panning for gold and gorgeous wildflowers in the spring. Venturesome hikers can explore more than a dozen trails ranging from easy to strenuous, which meander their way through the deep, rugged canyons.
Nevada City California
Nevada City started during the gold rush and is rich in history. Several sites are on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites include Nevada City Firehouse No. 2 and the National Hotel, the oldest, still-functioning hotel west of the Rockies.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
853-acre state historic park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, preserved since 1975 and frozen in time for visitors to see and explore. Inside the park is a visitor center and many of the mine’s original buildings, including the restored gardens and historic home of former mine owner — William Bourn, Jr.
Marshall Gold Discovery Park – Coloma
Located in present-day Coloma, California, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is one of the most significant historic sites in the United States today, preserving a living portrait of the story that unfolded into “Yellow Fever.”
Placerville – Hang Town
Initially called Dry Diggins, Placerville was later called “Hangtown” because it was one of the first places where justice was carried out at the end of a rope when outlaws took what they wanted. Today a dummy of a man hangs from the second floor, and there is a tree stump hidden in the cellar of the Hangman’s Tree bar, a historic spot on Main Street that marks the location of many of the town’s hangings.
Amador Flower Farm
Amador Flower Farm is a beautiful destination within easy day-trip distance of Sacramento. Located in the center of Amador County Wine Country, the flower farm is a quiet retreat specializing in daylilies. Most day-trippers visit the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County for wine tasting, missing out on this hidden gem. : 22001 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth, California. Website.
Amador City California
Amador City is a small California Gold Country boom town along Highway 49 with around 200 folks. A walking tour of the city takes you past the 1879 Imperial Hotel, Mooney Saloon, Koehler Bakery, and the Amador Hotel is one of the city’s oldest structures. Stop by the Whitney Museum (open on weekends) to learn about the history of Amador City.
Sutter Creek
The town of Sutter Creek is the most walkable in Gold Country. Many reminders of the significant Gold Rush era can be seen on foot, like Knight Foundry, the Sutter Creek Cemetery, and Preston Castle —one of the oldest and best-known reform schools in the United States.
Black Chasm Cavern
Walking Tours are an excellent way for guests of any age to explore the Black Chasm Cavern. A wooden walkway has been constructed to take you through the main room of the cavern and show off the unique rock formations hanging from the ceiling. – 15701 Pioneer Volcano Rd, Volcano, CA 95689
Volcano California Gold Country
Early gold miners thought this valley looked like a Volcan0, giving the town its name. By 1865, most of the gold was mined out, and the miners moved on. Several historic buildings still stand today, including the Union Hotel, which dates to 1880, Volcano Schoolhouse, and The Jug & Rose Cafe. If you visit Volcano during the spring, check out Daffodil Hill Garden – 18310 Rams Horn Grade Volcano, California.
Mokelumne Hill California
The little town of Mokelumne Hill was the site of one of California’s most significant gold discoveries. During the height of the gold rush, Mokelumne Hill boasted a population of 15,000. Today about 500 people call Mokelumne Hill home. A gold rush tourists visit each year to learn about California’s gold rush years. Historic buildings include I.O.O.F. Hall, Wells Fargo & Co. Office, and The Hotel Leger was built in 1851.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Park is designed to be a park for all seasons and is operated year-round. Some portions of the park’s facilities are closed during certain seasons of the year, especially winter. However, even in winter, there are adventures to be found.
Angels Camp – City of Angels
Angels Camp is a friendly town of about 3,000 people. The town makes a great day trip to discover California’s Gold Rush story. The town is identified as California Historical Landmark #28. It is recognized as an area rich in gravel mining and one of Mother Lode’s most prolific quartz mining sections.
Columbia State Historic Park
They were established in 1850 by a small group of prospectors; the once second-largest city in California exploded into a thriving commercial and mining district. Unlike many early settlements that eventually changed or disappeared, Columbia’s shops and buildings remain preserved for visitors today.
Sonora California Gold Country
Beautifully located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the heart of California’s Gold Country along winding California Highway 49, it has a lot of history popular with families, those who enjoy the outdoors, history lovers, and antique shoppers.
Jamestown 1897 State Historic Park
California’s past still lives in Jamestown 1897 State Historic Park, from the architecture of its buildings along Main Street to Railtown. This state park has preserved a still-functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back as far as 1897.
Chinese Camp California
Chinese Camp is an attractive little gold country town. Hwy 49 runs right by Chinese Camp, but the city is so tiny many people drive by without stopping. At one time, the city had a population of nearly 5,000. Today it is around 100. Chinese Camp is well worth a look. Several historic buildings can be found along the main street.
Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad
Along with the four-mile train trip, the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad offers moonlight specials during May. Enjoy a barbecued steak or chicken dinner and a stop-over in Lewis Creek Canyon for live music by the Sugar Pine band.
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park features above-ground and below-ground adventures. Activities include cavern tours, Zip lines, and gold panning. Moaning Caverns Adventure Park is just a two-hour drive from Sacramento and a one-hour drive from Stockton, California.
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