California
Columbia State Historic Park
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026
Columbia State Historic Park is California’s living Gold Rush town—the largest collection of 1850s structures in the state! Walk car-free streets, pan for gold, and ride a stagecoach!
Attractions
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛏️ Gold Panning | Try your luck! |
| 🐴 Stagecoach Rides | Authentic 1850s experience |
| 🔨 Blacksmith Shop | Working demonstrations |
| 🏫 Historic Schoolhouse | Restored 1850s building |
Gold Rush History
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Founded | 1850 after gold discovery |
| 💰 Gold Extracted | $150 million (1850s–1900s) |
| 👗 Interpreters | Costumed docents in period dress |
2025 Events
Columbia Diggins 1852 (May 15-18): 150+ volunteers recreate 1852 mining camp! Miners Christmas (Dec 20-21). Stories in Stone lantern cemetery tours (Sept-Oct).
FAQ
Is there camping at Columbia?
No camping within the historic park. Nearby camping at Calaveras Big Trees or New Melones Lake.
⛏️ California’s Gold Rush Time Machine
Visit CA State Parks.
Last updated: February 20, 2026
