Sacramento, Calif.--California State Historic Parks include museums and parks facilities or grounds and buildings such as California State Capitol. The public can visit these attractions and learn about the history of California and the people who lived in the places you visit. parks.ca.gov. Below is a list of interesting state historic parks that you might want to visit on your next trip:

STATE HISTORIC PARKS IN SACRAMENTO

Known as the Capitol District State Museums and Historic Parks, there are seven places visitors can see in Sacramento.

1. California State Capitol Museum & Capitol Park 10th and L Streets, Sacramento, CA capitolmuseum.ca.gov

California State Capitol has served as the official government meeting place for California Legislature since 1869. Open to the public, the State Capitol building allows guests to see offices of the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Governor of the State of California. The building features exhibits and tours. As graceful as the building itself is the grounds filled with flowers, gardens, and trees from around the world. Capitol Park features memorials the Civil War, Father Junípero Serra, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and California Veterans Memorial. Address: The park is located downtown Sacramento at 10th and L Streets, Sacramento, CA. It is open daily, except holidays. Free admission

2. California State Railroad Museum 111 "I" St., Sacramento, CA

This world class Railroad museum contains a massive collection of pristine locomotives, cars and artifacts of the rail. The California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) is located in Old Sacramento, and includes a train ride that takes approx. 40 minutes and travels along the Sacramento River. We've visited many rail museums and this is probably the most pristine and best displayed collection in California. It is a highlight to Sacramento trips.
californiastaterailroadmuseum.org Fee charged

3. Governor's Mansion 1526 "H" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

If you are looking for a unique place to get married, the 1877 Victorian mansion is certainly one place you might consider. It is open for wedding bookings, but also open for public tours. Governor's Mansion was built in 1877 and was bought by the State in 1903 for $32,500. During the next 64 years it was home to the families of 13 governors. Italian marble treatments, gold framed mirrors from France, exquisitely handcrafted hinges and doorknobs, and vegetation surrounding the house that includes flowers, shrubs, and trees dating back to 1877 all provide an hour of entertainment as you wander through history. Open daily at 10 a.m., closed on holidays. Fee charged.

4. Sutter's Fort State Historic Park 2701 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is named for John Sutter who received a land grant in the Sacramento Valley from the Mexican government in 1839. The Swiss immigrant named it New Helvetia or New Switzerland, and it became Sacramento's earliest non-Indian settlement in the Central Valley. When the kindly man sent help to the starving Donner Party in 1847, Sutter's properties became overrun by gold seekers. The fort was restored and though it is surrounded by modern buildings, within its walls are exciting adventures and a great gift shop with CDs, books and souvenir gifts. Exhibits include carpenter and blacksmith shops, a bakery, dining room and living quarters. "Living History" events throughout the year provide learning opportunities and public interaction with docents dressed like early settlers. 2701 L Street Sacramento, CA 95816 Fee charged

5. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park 800 "N" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Open to the public as a museum, Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of Victorian era architecture with 17 foot ceilings, 19th century crystal and bronze light fixtures, historic paintings, restored woodwork, re-created carpets and draperies based on photographs from the 1870s to
match the original interior design, and original period furnishings that belonged to the Stanfords. Built in 1856, the Mansion was purchased by the Governor of California from 1862-1863, Leland Stanford. In 1978 the State of California purchased it and the property was listed as a National Historic Landmark in May 1987. Fee charged.

6. State Indian Museum 2618 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

California Indian BasketState Indian Museum includes artifacts such as basketry, beadwork, clothing, photographs, and narratives about California Indian tribes comprised of 150 distinct tribal groups who spoke at least 64 different languages. A section of the museum features a hands-on area with Indian tools, such as the pump drill, mortar and pestle and soap root brush. Open daily except holidays, fee charged

7. Old Sacramento State Historic Park Parking lot at 3rd and J Streets, Sacramento, CA

Old Sacramento State Historic Park is a several block area of early Gold Rush commercial structures located within the Old Sacramento Historic District. Old Sacramento is a California Historical Landmark with the entire original historic 1850s business district containing 50 historic buildings--there are more buildings of historic value in its 28 acres than any area of similar size in the West. Included are 1849 Eagle Theater, 1853 B. F. Hastings Building, 1855 Big Four Building, and the California State Railroad Museum Library.

Other historic State Parks include:

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Star Route 1, Box 148, Earlimart CA 93219

In August 1908 a town 30 miles north of Bakersfield was founded, financed and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other settlers established the community which fell into decline, but was purchased in 1974 by California State Parks. It now includes a collection of restored and reconstructed early 20th-century buildings-including the Colonel's house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.

Columbia SHP

Marshall Gold Discovery SHP

Petaluma Adobe SHP

Railtown 1897

San Juan Bautista SHP

Sonoma SHP

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