Columbia State Historic Park
add photos4 Reviews for Columbia State Historic Park
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2 families found this helpful
"A fun history lesson, worth its weight in gold!"
A 45-minute drive from our hometown of Modesto, CA, is all it takes for old-fashioned fun and history to come alive at Columbia State Historic Park!
Columbia's Candy Kitchen is always the first stop we make on Main Street. Lollipops the size of their heads always entice the kids, but they typically end up with a handful of a modern favorite and a handful of an old-timey confection (candy coated licorice? sarsaparilla drops?).
With a sugar high to sustain us, where we head next depends on what happens to be happening in the park. On weekends, visitors will often find themselves smack dab in the middle of a group of costumed docents, re-enacting or just re-living the glory days of Columbia's past. Town Tours depart every Saturday and Sunday at 11am. Gold Rush Days occur the second Saturday of every month from 1pm - 4pm: exhibits not typically open to the public are open that day.
If it's a quiet day at the park, we'll just stroll down Main Street, stopping in at the stores, ice cream shop, bowling alley, and Columbia Museum. The littlest things — boardwalks rather than sidewalks, jail cell to peer into, saloon doors, harmonica players in the street — are what my children are always drawn to, and it's kind of amazing to see their realization that life used to be a whole lot simpler but a whole lot harder a hundred years ago.
Gold panning is an activity we usually save till the end of the day, since the kids suddenly become pillars of concentration and can spend hours, literally, panning. The stagecoach ride is a bit pricey if you've got a large family, but worth the cost at least once (gentle souls may not like the attempted robbery that will be made during the ride). Be sure to check out the school house and cemetery for a full "way-back-when" experience!
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1 family found this helpful
"Gold Country"
Travel back in time when you visit Columbia. One of the few gold mining towns left. It is great to walk the streets without vehicles. Horse drawn coaches are the only mode of transportation allowed. We loved the stage coach ride, the saloon, and the candy shop. When we can, we love to watch a play in the old playhouse theater. Candles and Blacksmith creations are two unique crafts sold in the local shops. We love Columbia and have camped at the Quarry Inn RV park too.
0 families found this helpful
"Cheap and fun :)"
We've been here several times with my girls. They've dubbed it "cowboy town," and look forward to going at least once every summer. We always make a point to do some gold panning, followed by a trip to the candy store so the girls can each pick out a *huge* all-day lollipop.
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"Fun with the Family"
Experience the gold rush era firsthand in this living historic town complete with costumed shopkeepers, stagecoaches, saloons, and more. Watch candles and soap being made, taste homemade chocolates, or dress up for a photograph (fees for some of these offerings).
Free one-hour guided walking tours depart from the main museum at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday and Sunday year-round. During the summer additional tours may be offered. The second Saturday of each month is Gold Rush Day with many special exhibits and hands-on activities.
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