Visit the
Marshall
Gold Discovery
Park and
the El
Dorado County Visitors
Authority
websites
|
|
California's
Gold Country
Location:
Coloma-Placerville
Description:
Coloma Valley, the home of the Gold Rush, lies in
the Sierra Foothills about an hour's drive from
Sacramento. Through its center flows the South Fork
of the American River, made famous in 1848 when
gold was discovered in its stream bed at Sutter's
Mill. When news of the discovery reached San
Francisco, it triggered the 1849 California Gold
Rush, dramatically changing our country's
history.
Today this area is known as a great place for
family fun and as a lure for history buffs far and
wide. Along these same gold-bearing river banks lie
the beautiful rural communities of Coloma and
Lotus, with their ranches and orchards,
cafés, vineyards, B&Bs, campgrounds, and
small-town businesses. Three riverfront parks
provide opportunities for family picnics and
wading; and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic
Park brings California's history to life.
Placerville, well-known for having a colorful Gold
Rush past as well, is minutes away.
The Olde Coloma Theatre offers weekly melodramas
and a Winter's Faire. The annual old-fashioned
Christmas features period crafts and food, music,
strolling musicians, historic trade demonstrations,
19th-century children's games, wreath making, and a
visit from Santa. During the year are Kids'
Discovery Days with candlemaking and more events.
You can rent a bike or plan a group hot air balloon
ride.
Accommodations:
Nearby places to stay include the Historic
Sierra Nevada House in Lotus, the Coloma Country
Inn right next to the park in Coloma, the 19th
Century Albert Shafsky House B&B, Blair Sugar
Pine Inn B&B, and Cary House Hotel in nearby
Placerville, also the Eden Valley Inn B&B
located between Placerville and Coloma.
|
|
