Columbia State Historic Park — Attraction in Sonora

We went on Columbia's Gold Rush Days, second Saturday of each month. This is a MUST VISIT PLACE.

There are many businesses you can visit such as the General Store, the What Cheer Saloon, Candy Kitchen, Blacksmiths and so so many more business. People live in this town so be respectful. Dog are allowed there but not in any business or building.

Entry to park, tours and museum is free. But there are restaurants, stores, a real Blacksmith shop, ice cream parlor and much more to spend money on if you choose too. There is so much to do. Like take a picnic, do a self walking tour, join a guided tour for free, buy a ticket to the stage coach and so much more.

Th stage coach is so fun and the driver was great. It was worth the $17 tickets and don't forget to have something for the bandits!! 😊

You can eat at the Saloons, restaurant, grab picnic stuff at the mercantile or pick up a snack at the candy store or bakery. We brought our own picnic from home but next time we will just buy at the Columbia Mercantile. Also buy the fresh Bread there it's soooo worth it. Wild flower Honey on the sourdough mmmmmm yum!

Columbia's Gold Rush Days is free event every 2nd Saturday of the month, the Docents are dressed in period clothes and they will give tours plus answer any history questions you might have about Columbia at that time. Very knowledgeable people!! The militia guys do a march to raise the flags and a gun salute (fake bullets). It was super cool (loud, only for a second) and they stayed after to answer questions.

I can't say enough about this place, take your time, wear walking shoes and enjoy all the cool history. Every staff member at the business and the volunteers for the park that we spoke with were Just Amazing, nice and super helpful. Amazing people!!!

If you bring a picnic you could spend the whole day not spending money just enjoying your time OR you can treat yourself to lunch & a snack and still spend the whole day having a blast!!!

There are lots of shaded picnic areas, clean public restrooms and places to walk.

We are going back for the Christmas event...

I took this trip with my son's school as a chaperone. It was the best! My family & I are huge fans of history. This is definitely a trip worth taking. We did get a private tour by the state park rangers because of the school. I'm not sure if this is offered on the spot to the public, I do believe it has to be prearranged. It is a town that's almost untouched by time. It was founded in the late 1800's during the gold rush in California. It is up in the mountains & it can get a bit chill. We went during late February & there was no snow, just a bit cold. Many didn't mind the cold. It is a self guided tour. It has a main street that has actual working & selling stores. There is a blacksmith whom still works in the town & sells one of a kind items. Up the town there's a 2 story school from that time era. It is the oldest 2 story school still standing to this day. We got the pleasure to interact with a lady whom pretended to have school with the kids & actually had them act like students back in 1800's. Our boys were separated from the girls. And the lady actually taught them all. I thought that was pretty cool! They have signs to indicate the path to the old school. There are restaurants, candy store, ice scream parlor, coffee, & gift shops. There's also a free 1800's bowling experience that anyone can play with while there. My group of kids were playing bowling for a long while. You set up your own pins as they are made of wood. They do have a candle making store. Areas of artifacts from the time period that are in display. Overall...

I love the history, lots for children and adults to explore. I love that the people in the shops dress in era clothing. The stage coach ride is pretty cool! The working blacksmith shop and candy store are great. They have an old bowling lane, That you can actually bowl in. A really cool school house, (that's a good walk up a very steep hill, but worth it.) and an old cemetery behind the school house. Gold panning, soap and candle shop, saloons, as well as a few other great shops and a theater. They have buildings set up (behind glass) to represent what life there was like. For example, an old dentist office that looks as if the dentist had closed up shop and would be returning the next day. They also have a couple of museums with local historical items and information. I've recently discovered that not only do they have a couple of period hotels right in the little town, you can stay in, there are also a couple of cottages in Columbia for very decent prices. I have yet to stay in either. I would imagine you would have to reserve the cottages way in advance. I'm sure the website would have more information. Columbia is open daily. The weekends have quite a few visitors, as expected. During the week is great as well. Although you may encounter a school field trip group, there are usually not as many visitors. It's very close to Sonora and James town, as well as, other great family adventure places like Mercers, California and...