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California State Mining & Mineral Museum

5005 Fairgrounds Rd, Mariposa, California 95338 USA

28 Reviews
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Opens Fri 10a
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“There's Gold in Them Hills!”

“There’s gold in the hills of California!”  These words echoed around the world in 1848 and started a mass migration to the wilderness of interior California.  Gold seekers trekked from every part of the world and every walk of life to sift the streams for gold.  Mining companies brought machines to the mountains and turned camps into boomtowns as they blasted and dug deep into the earth to follow the gold bearing veins.  There is still gold in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, in historic Mariposa.  This is where explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson found the rich Mariposa Vein and opened the first mill to crush ore and extract gold in California.  You are invited to discover for yourself California’s mineral wealth, colorful history and geologic diversity as you view the official mineral collection of the state of California.  The collection, which began in 1880, contains over 13,000 objects including mining artifacts, rare specimens of crystalline gold in its many forms, as well as beautiful gem and mineral specimens from California and around the world.  The collection was moved to Mariposa in 1983 after residing in San Francisco, for over 100 years.  The museum became a state park in 1999. We are proud to display the Fricot “Nugget”, a rare and beautiful specimen of crystallized gold discovered in the American River in 1864.  This spectacular 13.8-pound. specimen is the largest remaining intact mass of crystalline gold from 19th century California, when these finds were more common but usually were simply melted down.  You can also take a trip back in time as you walk through our mine tunnel and see how gold was mined in the mid-1800s, when California was a wilderness, being transformed by rapid development. Our assay office and working scale model of a stamp mill will help you discover how gold was found and extracted from the rocks. The museum is dedicated to helping families and students learn about the importance of mining and minerals to our history, our environment, and our future.  We offer free activities for children and youth groups, including our Junior Ranger Program.  We also provide school tours relating to geology, rocks and minerals, the gold rush, and mining history to hundreds of students each year. We encourage teachers and youth groups to call about our free, hands on, fun and educational programs, which also support California state curriculum standards.  Custom tours can also be arranged for special groups. A visit to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum offers you the chance to explore the variety of California’s mineral wealth, view breathtaking gems and minerals from around the world, and to experience a bit of California’s exciting mining history.  We have a number of rotating displays so there is something new to see each time you visit.  This museum is a must see stop on any trip through the Mother Lode gold country or to nearby Yosemite National Park. Operating HoursBeginning November 1st 2009, the California State Mining and Mineral Museum will be open Thursday through Sunday and closed to the public Monday through Wednesday. Winter Hours Oct 1- Apr 30 10:00am - 4:00pm Summer Hours May 1-Sept 30 10:00am - 5:00pm Admission is $4.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free.

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Photo of Jeromy W.

Reviewed by
Jeromy W.

Loved this place. There are many different rocks and minerals from all over the world. The best part was the mine dug into the mountain attached to the museum. Sadly, this museum is slated to be... Read more

Photo of Stephanie A.

Reviewed by
Stephanie A.

They now have a Minecraft Scavenger hunt to compare minerals in Minecraft to reality! Excellent stuff. Read more

Photo of Breanne C.

Reviewed by
Breanne C.

My kids loved it!! The staff was friendly and we enjoyed his vibe. We would definitely make a quick stop to see again Read more

California State Mining & Mineral Museum

5005 Fairgrounds Rd
Mariposa, California
95338 USA
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Closed Now
  • Sun, Thu - Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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