Park Exhibits open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Most merchants are open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Columbia State Historic Park
This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(209) 588-9128
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs not allowed in historic buildings.
Driving Directions to Columbia SHP
Columbia State Historic Park is three miles north of Sonora, off Highway 49.Online reservations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance via the ReserveCalifornia website, or by calling the toll free telephone number at 1-800-444-7275. Click on the Online Reservations link or the banner below that to go directly to our ReserveCalifornia page. If your stay will be in the next 48 hours please call the hotel directly at (209) 532-1479 for availability.
Upcoming Park Events
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Lodging
RV Access
Lodging
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Food Service
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Welcome to Columbia State Historic Park!
Columbia was once known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines." Between the 1850s and 1870s over one billion dollars in gold (at today's value) was mined in the area. For a time, Columbia was the second largest city in California. Unlike many other settlements that disappeared due to fire, vandalism and time, Columbia survived. It was never completely deserted. In 1945 the State Legislature made the site a State Historic Park in order to preserve a typical Gold Rush town, an example of one of the most colorful eras in American history. Today visitors can take a step back in time to experience life in Gold Rush era of the 1850's and 60's in California.
Parking and entrance to Columbia State Historic Park are free. Additional fees may apply for special events in the park.
The park itself is still a bustling town with many local business to explore. Visitors can taste hand-dipped chocolates, a superior cup of coffee, savor fine dining, family fare or purchase picnic provisions. Stagecoach rides are available, season and weather permitting. There's also the chance to relax at one of two comfortable hotels, listen to music in historic saloons, or take in a performances at the Fallon Theatre. Visitors can make a candle or purchase Columbia soap, wooden toys, old fashion clothes, or dress-up for a photograph.
Other highlights include taking a walk to the two-story brick school house and cemetery overlooking town, or hiking the one-mile nature trail where mule deer and wild flowers may be seen.
Daily Town Tours:
June 15th - Labor Day: Daily @ 11:00 AM Monday-Friday based on staff and docent availability. Please check with museum upon arrival.
Year-round: Saturday & Sunday @ 11:00 AM
Led by staff and docents. Meet at the museum.
Approximately 1 hour.
For groups over ten people, special tours must be arranged in advance by emailing ColumbiaSHP@parks.ca.gov
Our Museum is currently open from 10:00-4:00pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Gold Rush Days occur the second Saturday of each month from 1 to 4pm. Many special exhibits are open and hands-on activities are led by volunteers in period attire throughout the afternoon.
Explore Columbia
Contact Us
Email: columbiashp@parks.ca.gov
Phone:(209) 588-9128
Address: 22708 Broadway StreetColumbia, CA 95310
Media and Filming Contact for Columbia SHP
