Columbia State Historic Park

Lucy

2024-03

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 great to visit!Picnic area: There's tables to eat if you bring your own food, next to the picnic tables there's wagons that the kids can climb into.

Meghna Prasad

2024-02

Another great spot we just happened to discover while in the area thanks to come local recommendations from wineries here.This is a great little getaway to this area here where one can come explore an old town from gold rush times with some stuff being exactly the way it was in those days. The town has done ana amazing job of preserving its beauty and maintaining these things. Honestly you feel transported back in time and that is beautiful!We also went to grab a nice ice ram in one of the restaurants and happened to notice that the owner has a functioning piano from the 18th century there.This also somehow gave me perspective on the scale of things - everything was so close knit and near by .. the town center/grocerry store is literally walking distance from the jail.. and restaurants near by, to locksmiths stop. It’s quite an experience coming here and we loved to explore this as a family very muchPlayground: Lots of play area to play around for kids but none that I saw with swings and slidesRestrooms: Public restrooms available but also restaurants have them if you grab food thereDog-friendliness: I did see a few dogs so it’s friendly. You can’t take them inside restaurants may be need to check on thatPicnic area: There are benches near by so one can make them picnics areas

Nancy Hann

2023-12

Columbia State Historic Park is a great place to learn about the history of the California Gold Rush. We loved wandering through the historic buildings and streets but would have really enjoyed a guided walking tour so we could learn even more. The shops and restaurants were excellent too. Be sure to stop and say hi to the chickens, and go in the candy shop to grab a treat before you leave.Dog-friendliness: We saw people walking their dogs and sitting outside with their dogs at some of the restaurants.

Erin I

2023-12

It was a perfectly crisp autumn day. It wasn't too crowded and all the staff we met throughout were quite friendly and fun.The stagecoach ride was very enjoyable. This was the first time we had done it, but not our first time to the state park. A little difficult for adults with slight mobility issues to climb up into, but manageable. They have someone there to help you.Restrooms: Restrooms were easily accessible. There are restrooms outside of the restaurants, one near the parking lot that looked locked, but the one down the street nearer the general store was open all day.

Daniel Flores

2023-08

A Step Back in Time at Columbia State Historic ParkVisiting Columbia State Historic Park is like taking a delightful step back in time. From the moment you enter, you are transported to the Gold Rush era, with beautifully preserved buildings and streets that echo the 1850s. The park staff, dressed in period attire, are not only knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly and engaging. They are more than happy to share the rich history of this mining town.One of the highlights of the park is the opportunity to pan for gold. It’s a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults. The shops are charming and offer a variety of unique, quality items, from handcrafted goods to old-fashioned candies. The Fallon House Theatre is a must-visit; the performances there are top-notch and add to the immersive experience of the park.The park is immaculately clean and well-maintained, with plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy a picnic. It's evident that a lot of care and love goes into preserving this historic site for future generations to enjoy.Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a unique and enjoyable day out with the family, Columbia State Historic Park is a gem that should not be missed when you are in California.

Lauren Luhn

2024-05

This gold mining town is a few blocks of easy, flat walking. The town is closed to car traffic making it safe for pedestrians to roam the streets. Parking is available on either end of town. Shops of the era line the street with a chance to do some soap/ candle making, bowling, gold paning or even a carriage ride. Fun day trip for all ages.Restrooms: Clean, well maintained restrooms in seceral of locations.Dog-friendliness: Dogs on leashes are always welcome here.Picnic area: Benches scattered about the town for resting , eating.

Edith Pereira

2023-08

This place is one of those places that make you feel your back in time. Love it. It's a great family experience. It has dining, bars, small museums and other things to offer for all ages. It's always enjoyable to go in the stores, they offer a glimpse of toys from other times and curiosities you don't find in many places. They have a stagecoach pulled by horses and it's a nice thing to do. If you check their website you will find different events thru the year that you can doalone or as a family.There is the Town of Sonora nearby which also has a lot to offer also the Moaning caverns are nearby, which are another adventure in itself. I have been here several times with different people and always love it.Restrooms: There are several restrooms throughout the place.Dog-friendliness: There is an area where you can walk your dogPicnic area: There is a picnic area with tables where you can have a picnic no grills only tables.

Ewa

2023-05

This park is absolutely awesome! They have lots of information when is the best time to visit on their website and I recommend reading it before planning a trip there. My kids and I had an amazing time moving back in time during one of their events. Really cool place to visit! Education, nature, good food (great restaurants there especially Mandy’s Cafe!!!!).

Pachee Thao

2023-08

What a beautiful old town! I've been here only twice. Both visits have been wonderful. I love looking at various types of old things. I love how well most buildings and things are kept in good shape. The creepiest part was the jail cell. I will definitely be coming back.

Brett Austin

2023-08

Historic Columbia State Park is such an amazing place. Its closed off streets are lined with historical wooden and brick built buildings. There are upgraded businesses and those that appear untouched all hidden within the historical exterior. If you want a relaxing stroll, come early in the morning just before 9AM and watch the shops slowly peel back their iron doors. It’s busier during the day and of course more interactive if that’s what you prefer. If you’d like a journey back in time and even a place to stay...it’s a must see location! These photos were taking early AM.Restrooms: There are clean public restroomsPicnic area: There are picnic benches in various locations

Jeff Doan

2024-04

Great place to visit and stroll around. So much to see. Friendly environment.

Barry Allen

2024-05

It's a nice place that was saved to represent history

Mark Jacquet

2024-02

Historic mining town preserved as a state park. Great place for learning about California's Gold Rush era.

Arnold Urbina

2023-11

This place is Awesome!! An experience that should not be missed. The whole place is alive with rich history. All of the people there who live and work there are salt of the earth! Friendly and very knowledgeable!!Playground: Plenty of kid friendly activities.Restrooms: Plenty of clean restroomsPicnic area: Plenty of picnic tables throughout the grounds.

Kyle

2023-12

Awesome place. They've done a great job contracting work to mitigate fire fuel in the park. The transformation is incredible!Playground: Plenty of places for kids to play.Restrooms: Tons of clean restrooms.Dog-friendliness: Dogs on leashes are welocme!Picnic area: Clean picnic areas with plenty of refuse disposal.

Mark Bongato

2024-02

Love visiting this place. Very good for family to learn some old history.

Jovan Kun

2023-12

Old town with many stores. It looks like the old Sacramento. Free of charge, a lot of parking spaces. You can ride the old couch.Restrooms: Very cleanDog-friendliness: You can bring your love pet with you

Teri Gault

2023-05

We absolutely love it for kids and kids at heart. Columbia deserves an all day leisurely experience. It was once to be the capital of CA, preserved as it was, saloons serve great food for families, sarsaparilla and real root beer. Enjoy stage coach rides, gold panning, bowling as in the olden days. View the dentist office, oriental medicine shop and literally dozens of "museum" exhibits. Educational and tons of fun for all.

John C.

2023-06

This is one of those special state parks that you might really appreciate. They’ve laid out the facility very well with great parking, very good bathrooms, hiking trails and family walk around the park trails. There’s also some beautiful trees to admire. I’ve spent a lot of time with the coastal redwoods and the Sierra version is similar but not the same. Still, big trees and up close. You can also drive down to the Stanislaus river and do hiking down there which is really beautiful. If you’re in the area I highly recommend this state park.

Saramay Benavides

2023-05

I had a great time at this historical park. They have a horse and carriage ride, an adult ticket is $11.00 and a child's ticket is $10 dollars children under 2 are free . They had candle dipping the cheapest candle to dip is 2 dollars. This place is great for families and dog friendlyPlayground: Great picnic areasRestrooms: Restrooms are clean and they have plentyDog-friendliness: Yes,

Greg Hoole

2023-05

What a cool dose of little know history this town had in-store for us. We never knew this existed except for a recommendation by a friend of my wife.You feel like your walking through time when visiting this place and get a brief glimpse of what life must have been like for the gold miners and their families.

Samantha Holdaway

2023-06

Pretty neat little town. Lots of tiny museums and things to look at. They have a sweet store with ice cream and drinks. They have candle dipping. Some restaurants that have very long lines so I didn’t try them. It’s small and there’s not much to do.The horse carriage ride isn’t set up well. People kept cutting in front of me and staff just let it happen and let them get on. I waited over 30 minutes with this continuously happening so I never got to go on the ride. Besides the horses looked hot and exhausted and they kept pushing them on.

Conny

2023-06

Awesome place for the whole family. We liked the gold panning and candle making activities. Interesting free museum. You can also feed chickens, watch a blacksmith at work and do some bowling.Dog-friendliness: It's dog friendly.

Phuong Huynh

2024-04

I had an amazing experience at this place and definitely plan on returning to further immerse myself in the local culture. I truly appreciate the presence of historical items that offer a deeper insight into this location and the United States as a whole.Based on a recommendation, we decided to try a traditional miner meal.Restrooms: Very clean and nothing to complain.

Brian Preston

2023-09

Step back into the 1850s at Columbia State Historic Park. Walk the streets to see historic buildings, visit saloons, a candy kitchen, and see how pioneers lived in early California. There is a real stage coach, blacksmith, gold panning, historic school, jail, dentist, market, and museum. Parking is available, as are clean bathrooms, and Park Rangers with plenty of history to share with visitors.Playground: Safe for kidsRestrooms: Several restrooms, clean, and user friendly.Dog-friendliness: Stores and restaurants are dog friendly.Picnic area: Picnic area is large with shade trees and tables.

Fulya O.

2023-09

A must visit if you're in the area. Very well maintained and enternatining for all. They also offer daily tours of the town.

Duane

2023-05

It's like stepping back in time into the Old West. A wonderful place to visit and expect to spend at least a couple of hours there. More if you decide to pan for gold or take the stagecoach ride. There's even a free guided walking tour. This is a must if you're in the area. Even if you're not, I highly recommend going to Columbia.

kaliador18

2023-11

Beautifully preserved & very accessible, with merchants dressed in period costume giving a touch of welcoming, touristy friendliness. The restaurants fill up fast, so plan to get a seat ahead of the lunch rush or be ready to wait.

Chris Bigg

2023-07

This park was amazing. So many unique stores with really authentic items at reasonable prices along with very informative displays and buildings. Rangers are onsite to answer questions and the whole area is a very unique piece of gold rush history.

Bill Hoopes

2023-10

A step back in time. Lots of gold country displays and stores, some of which are filled with cheap stuff, while others, like the western leather and saddlery, were class acts. The restaurants were good and lots of variety. One store in particular, the Columbia Mercantile 1855, was our favorite. Great staff and quality products, the kinds we are used to buying at our local stores which are much bigger. The store is packed with good stuff, from organic produce to fine wines, reasonably priced.Restrooms: Available easily