Tips on traveling to CA's Gold Country

We loved the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. We also loved the Ironstone Vineyard, where we tasted good wine and we loved their museum.

According to wikipedia Gold Country includes "Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Tuolumne, Plumas and Yuba." I can help you with Sacramento for sure. Will you be headed there?

Actually, I'm not traveling to that area soon, but my friend is and I knew this would be a good place to ask for suggestions! She seemed to think that Sutters Mill was closed to visitors. Although I know we could look it up, I would love to hear any personal experiences there. Thanks akeisel and imsnow!

Yikes, I'm afraid I'm of no help. I've only been to Coloma once for white water kayaking. Though my dad loved panning for gold, I've seldom visited Gold Country. :(

There is a great campground in Coloma along the South Fork of the American River. Rafting is very popular here and great for kids probably 7+. I have been to Sutter's Mill a couple times and it was open. You can pan for gold but check the schedule ahead of time to see when gold panning is open. If you are heading to the Jamestown area, there is a very cool steam train to take. Lots of wine tasting. Gold Country is pretty big so if you give me some specific areas they are planning on visiting, I can give you more details. I lived in Sacramento for a dozen years and visited the region quite a bit.