Columbia State Historic Park

Park Hours

Park Exhibits open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. October 1st through April 30th and 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. May 1st through September 30th. Park exhibits closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Most merchants are open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Contact Information

(209) 588-9128

Are dogs allowed?

Yes: Dogs not allowed in historic buildings.

Reservation Availability

No upcoming camping/lodging reservations at this time.

About Columbia State Historic Park

Gold Rush town that was once known as the "gem of the southern mines" and tells the colorful stories of its miners and merchants.

View the park accessibility information

Maps and Park Directions

Columbia State Historic Park is three miles north of Sonora, off Highway 49.

Brochures

News and Events

Upcoming Events

Sep 19: Back to School 1861
Sep 19: Back to School 1861

All events for Columbia State Historic Park

Passes Information

List of all California State Park passes

Activities and Facilities

EV Information

Overnight Facilities

Lodging
RV Access

Other Facilities

Food Service
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

Day-Use Activities & Facilities

Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs

Trail Use

Hiking Trails

Concessionaires

Historic Clothing Retail

Columbia Clothiers & Emporium

Retail

Saloon

Jack Douglass Saloon

Mine Tours, Supplies, & Gold Panning

Matelot Gulch Mining Company

Ice Cream Parlor

Fallon Ice Cream Parlor (opens in new tab)

Blacksmith Shop

Parrotts Blacksmith

Photographic Studio

Kamice's Photographic Establishment (opens in new tab)

Store

Columbia Mercantile 1855 (opens in new tab)

Food/Beverage Services/ Retail

Columbia Candy Kitchen (opens in new tab)

Parlor

Native Sons of the Golden West Columbia Parlor #258 (opens in new tab)

Meeting Hall

Columbia Historic Lodge (opens in new tab)

Welcome to Columbia State Historic Park. The California Gold Rush drew prospectors to Columbia from around the world. Columbia was once known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines," and by 1853, was one of the largest cities in California. Unlike many other Gold Rush settlements that disappeared due to fire, vandalism, and time, Columbia survived.

Today, the town is still bustling. Columbia State Historic Park hosts numerous events throughout the year and is a popular tourist and school fieldtrip destination. Merchants are also still doing business in town. Visitors can enjoy hand-dipped chocolates, listening to music in historic saloons, sipping a cozy cup of coffee, performances at the Fallon Theatre, dipping a candle, grabbing a bite to eat, or sitting down to full meal. Stagecoach rides are available season and weather permitting. Other highlights include walking to the two-story brick schoolhouse and cemetery overlooking town or hiking the one-mile nature trail.