Columbia State Historic Park: Hidden Jewel of the Gold Country
Just a little north of Yosemite, tucked among the picturesque and historic foothills lies one of California’s hidden gems, Columbia State Historic Park.
Once known as the “Gem of the South Mines”, Columbia is a town frozen in time. Columbia provides a first-hand look into life into California at the peak of the gold rush and Columbia should know, it produced over one-half billion dollars (at today’s standard) in gold between the 1850’s and 1870’s.
Columbia is fun for the whole family with stagecoach rides, gold pannning, shopping, and a world renowned candy store. A working blacksmith shop and docents give you a look at what life was really like. Stay at one of the local bed and breakfasts to catch a night of theatre at the Fallon House Theatre.
Columbia is definitely worth the short drive from Yosemite and makes an excellent day-trip. For more information on Columbia State Historic Park call 209-532-0150 or online via the Columbia State Historical Park website. Information, links, coupons, and a list of upcoming events is also available through the Columbia California Chamber of Commerce website.
For a little over 30 years now I've enjoyed hiking, backpacking, fishing, photographing and exploring Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. Yosemite Blog presents me with the opportunity to share, with you, the beauty and the grandeur of Yosemite and the High Sierra. Read the 