COLUMBIA HISTORIC STATE PARK
The town's old Gold Rush-era business district has been preserved with shops, restaurants and two hotels. Visitors have the chance to time-travel to the 1850s, imagining life when gold miners rubbed shoulders with businessmen and the other residents in Columbia. Visitors can experience a bygone era watching proprietors in period clothing conduct business in the style of yesterday. There are opportunities to ride a 100 year-old stagecoach, pan for gold, and explore the real working businesses of Columbia.
Columbia Historic State Park is located near Sonora, Modesto
Free Town Tours each Saturday and Sunday, year-round. Led by staff and docents. Meet at the museum. Approximately 1 hour.
For large groups, special tours may be arranged in advance by calling 588-9128.
Gold Rush days- 2nd Saturday of each month. Many special exhibits open and hands-on activities throughout the day. Park docents in period attire lead programs throughout the park. Call 588-9128 for details.
Special School programs designed to meet state curriculum standards for 4th graders are offered from September-June. Students enjoy an hour-long history program at the museum led by park staff, including a bucket brigade. Then students walk to the original brick schoolhouse for an hour-long 1860s living history school program. Registration forms for the program are available at www.columbiacalifornia.com, or may be obtained by calling the park office at 588-9128. Programs are popular and fill quickly.
Columbia State Historic Park is three miles north of Sonora, off Highway 49.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.0364 / -120.4003.
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