404 votes

Columbia Historic State Park

11255 Jackson St Columbia, Ca 95310, Columbia, California 95310 USA

Independent
Public
Restrooms

“old Gold Rush-era business district”

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. In 1945 the State Legislature made the site a State Historic Park in order to preserve a typical Gold Rush town, an example of one of the most colorful eras in American history. Visitors can taste hand-dipped chocolates, a superior cup of coffee, savor fine dining, family fare or purchase picnic provisions. Stagecoach rides are available, season and weather permitting.There's also the chance to relax at one of two comfortable hotels, listen to music in historic saloons, or take in a performances at the Fallon Theatre.Visitors can make a candle or purchase Columbia soap, wooden toys, old fashion clothes, or dress-up for a photograph.Other highlights include taking a walk to the two-story brick school house and cemetery overlooking town, or hiking the one-mile nature trail where mule deer and wild flowers may be seen.

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Reviewed by
serena.chapman.16

1 Review
1 Helpful

June 23, 2014

We love this little town, we go out of our way to stop here every time we go past the area. Its quaint & adorable. We love the stage coach/bandit ride. gold panning, Candle dipping, tea shop, old fashioned candy shop. dressing up in colonial style clothes to take pics at the back of the museum. & old fashioned bowling.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Luisa

332 Reviews
190 Helpful

September 30, 2014

Rated 3.0

Hear there's a drink to be tried called a 'Sarsaparilla' that was popular in the 19th century. It's is a soft drink, originally made from the Smilax regelii plant and you can try it here! Town supposedly is a little cheesy but fun to do with kids.

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Reviewed by
Greek_nomad

Road Warrior
401 Reviews
296 Helpful

September 26, 2014

Rated 5.0

Arriving at the Columbia State Historic Park is just entering another world. It might be called historic park but it is not with the wider meaning of educating you really. It is more like having fun by letting know the history of the place and watching how this place once was used.

All the buildings are restored and there is no entrance fee. There is music in the streets and while you walk among the Museum you can eat a delicious ice cream bought from the shops!!

We all enjoyed the walk there and the stage rides!

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