Columbia State Historic Park
The Park is currently OPEN.
Please check the hours of operation.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.