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Sutter's Mill – Start your explorations at the
wooden sawmill. It's a replica of the original and it's been moved from
the original site along the river, but it's impressive. There are ranger
talks and a sawmill demonstration, where you can see the parts move. Nearby
are samples of the original handhewn timbers and a mill worker's cabin. |
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 Gold
Discovery Site – You can walk from the sawmill replica to the original
mill site along the river, and further long to the small section of river
where gold was found. It's a short walk and close by is the North Beach
picnic area. |
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Museum (Visitor Center) – See the movie presentations about
the discovery that changed California overnight from a sleepy frontier
territory into a populous state. Rusted gold pans and exhibits bring the
miner's toil to life. Don't miss the diorama showing of the main street
of Coloma, called "Queen of the Mines." Next to a creaky stagecoach,
"Tips for Stagecoach Travelers" are good for everyone in the
family – "don't growl at the food served" and "don't
keep the stage waiting." |
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Blacksmith Shop – The blacksmith's shop was essential to
the frontier town, to make hammers, saws, nails, shovels, axes, horseshoes
and wagon wheels. At the blacksmith shop, there are demonstration using
traditional tools, a wood fire and anvil to forge implements. |
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Pan for gold – Buy pans at the Visitor Center
and pan for gold in the American River (cross the bridge to the other side
of the river). Or, if you want results, you can pan for gold in the sluices
behind Bekeart's Gunshop (10:00am – 4:00pm). |
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James Marshall Monument – Although Marshall discovered
gold, he didn't make millions and died poor in 1885. He did get a wonderful
monument at the top of the hill, overlooking the American River. You can
drive or hike up to the monument (2.3 miles from the North Beach Picnic
Area). From the top you get a good view of the Sierra foothills. Nice picnic
tables in the shade. |
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North Beach picnic area – At the north end of Coloma, North Beach is a large picnic area, with tables in the shade next to the river. Watch people rafting and kayaking down the river while you eat your lunch. |
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Living History Days – Throughout the
year on "Living History Days" and special events, volunteers dress
in the period clothes of miners, tradesmen, etc. and you can watch period
demonstrations such as ice cream making, spinning, blacksmithing, gold panning,
there are horse carriage rides and Gold Rush music. Call the park for information
530.622.3470. |
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"Boys, I believe I found a gold mine!" exclaimed James Marshall on January 24, 1848. This was the beginning of a stampede to the goldfields. First hand accounts of hardships, toil and treasure, vividly illustrated. (Illustrated chapter book)
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Essential
guide to miners and mining – panning techniques, sluices,
hard rock mining, miner's tools, what's a stamp mill, inside a
mine and hazards of life underground. (Picture book)
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Action-packed overview of the gold rush, starting right here in Coloma. James Marshall discovers gold while building Sutter's Mill. When the news gets out, prospectors come, but at the end of the day, Sutter is ruined. (Graphic novel)
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(More children's
books on other Gold Country pages) |
