52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

CA State Parks

Columbia State Historic Park

Visitors to Columbia State Historic Park are offered a unique opportunity to step back in time. Established in 1945, in the heart of California's Gold Country, the park encompasses the historic downtown area of Columbia, a town that boomed during the Gold Rush era. Today, Columbia State Historic Park is not just a collection of preserved buildings, but a living representation of California's past.

Today, visitors to the park can stroll down wooden boardwalks lined with original 19th-century buildings. Many of these structures now house shops, restaurants, and saloons, staffed by park interpreters dressed in period attire. These interpreters bring history to life by engaging with visitors, demonstrating period crafts, and even participating in staged reenactments of events like bank robberies or town meetings.

Beyond the lively costumed townsfolk, Columbia State Historic Park boasts a wealth of historical points of interest. Visitors can explore the Columbia State Park Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the town's gold rush past. A highlight for many is the opportunity to pan for gold, a popular pastime that allows visitors to experience the thrill of discovery that fueled the Gold Rush. For a deeper dive into 19th-century life, visitors can tour the Wells Fargo Express Office and learn about how gold was transported and secured in the Wild West.

Columbia State Historic Park offers a captivating glimpse into California's Gold Rush era. With its immersive atmosphere, historical reenactments, and fascinating points of interest, the park provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Columbia Chamber of Commerce
CA State Parks

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Columbia State Historic Park

One of the more unusual features of Columbia is its use of a water-powered stagecoach, known as the "Waterford," which operates within the park. The Waterford draws its power from a series of underground pipes that harness the energy of the nearby stream, providing visitors with a unique and eco-friendly mode of transportation around town.

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CA State Parks

Unlike many other "ghost towns" that have fallen into disrepair, Columbia State Historic Park has retained its authentic character.
CA State Parks

Visitors to Columbia can participate in a variety of living history demonstrations and hands-on activities, including gold panning, blacksmithing, candle making, and more.
CA State Parks

The park is a living museum, with period-appropriate costumed docents, horse-drawn carriages, and historic reenactments that bring the town's colorful past to life.
CA State Parks

Today, visitors can step back in time and explore over 30 historic buildings, which have been carefully preserved to reflect life in the mid-1800s.

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