One of the most interesting, educational, and fun vacations is in the Gold Country hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains at Columbia, Calif. The Columbia State Historic Park makes up the town and ingredients for some rustic, unique living.

Forget the cell phones and other amenities when you stay at the historic hotels inside the park. It's possible that they have been upgraded but a few years ago they weren't and you simply had to resort to reading at night, or going to bed early because there wasn't any cell service, nor TVs. That's roughing it!

Shops, restaurants and two hotels preserve the Gold Rush era, taking visitors on a trip back in time to when  gold miners sought their fortunes in the region after the first big gold strike was discovered.  Ride a 100 year-old stagecoach, pan for gold, and take a tour of the town through the eyes of a docent dressed like one of its earlier residents.

Scheduled events and programs throughout the year provide living history days in which you actually will feel like you are living in another era.

Regularly Scheduled Programs Free Town Tours: June 15th - Labor Day: Daily  11 a.m.  SEE FULL LIST EVENTS

Year-round: Saturday & Sunday - 11 a.m.  Led by staff and docents. Meet at the museum. Approximately 1 hour. For large groups, special tours may be arranged in advance by calling 209-588-9128. Our Museum is open daily from 10-4, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Gold Rush Days: Second Saturday of each month from 1 to 4pm. Many special exhibits open and hands-on activities throughout the day. Park docents in period attire lead programs throughout the park. Call 209-588-9128 for details.

Location: Columbia State Historic Park is three miles north of Sonora, off Highway 49. Latitude/Longitude: 38.0364 / -120.4003

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