Columbia Stage Line and Stable — Attraction in Sonora

The stagecoach ride, the small on-site museum, and most of the staff at Columbia Stage Line & Stable were absolutely wonderful. The experience itself is charming, educational, and a highlight of visiting Columbia State Historic Park. Unfortunately, one employee in the ticket office overshadowed an otherwise excellent day.

When I stepped into the ticket office with my service animal, who was in a stroller because I planned to make several purchases and needed support for the long walking day, a middle-aged, heavy-set woman behind the counter began loudly speaking to her young assistant. Her comments were shocking, inappropriate, and clearly directed at me despite pretending to speak only to him.

For nearly ten minutes, she went on about how she’s “seen everything,” how “some people treat their dogs better than children,” and how people pamper dogs in “ridiculous ways.” She then shifted into disturbing remarks from her “rural upbringing,” openly describing how unwanted dogs or puppies would be tied in a bag and thrown into a river. She repeated this more than once, speaking casually about drowning animals as though it were normal, acceptable behavior.

This is a state park, visited by families, children, and tourists who come for history, learning, and a positive experience — not to listen to an employee rant about drowning puppies or to be mocked for having a service animal in a stroller. Her comments were not only insensitive but deeply inappropriate for a public venue and reflect a complete lack of understanding of ADA regulations, service animal etiquette, and basic respect for guests.

Most of the staff were warm, professional, and wonderful. But this particular employee needs immediate retraining on:

ADA service animal rights Guest interaction and professionalism Basic animal cruelty laws Appropriate conduct in a family-friendly state historic park

I truly hope management addresses this, because the experience offered by everyone else at Columbia Stage Line & Stable deserves better representation. Without this employee’s disturbing behavior, it would have been a five-star visit.

I was there Sunday, November 2nd, at 11:00 am if that helps identify...

We had a blast riding on the Columbia Stage Line this past Sunday at Columbia State Historic Park, located about 2.5 hours east of San Francisco in the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills. This ride really gives you a feel for what it was like to travel by stagecoach in the Old West. The adventurous journey offers unique views of Columbia and includes a couple of stretches where the horses gallop along the old stage trail, really getting the adrenaline pumping. Everything was going smoothly until we were held up by Kalamity Karen, who tried to shake us down for gold or candy. We found ourselves in a real pickle with empty pockets, but our cunning driver distracted the bandit and sped off, leaving her in a cloud of dust and a puddle of horse piss! This is a must-see attraction at Columbia, and we highly recommend it. Many thanks to Myia, Rico, and Karen for a fun ride and a...

Always have a good ol time in Columbia State Park. The stage coach was a great experience! Just as I remember it being when I was young! The staff were very professional and friendly. The peace officers out front were also very nice and interacted with my nephews, which made their day! The robbers to their time to interact with each of us and it was super fun and believable! I may have even enjoyed it more as an adult! Bless you all. We are so...