Tuolumne County is Open – Explore these Top 5 Historic Destinations Now!

The government may be shut down, but Tuolumne County, California is not!  This is a great time of year to visit and experience all this area has to offer:  Fall colors, friendly folks, great holiday shopping, harvest time events and so much more.  In addition, Tuolumne County, California offers visitors a glimpse into California’s historic Gold Rush.  Here are the Top 5 Historic Destinations in Tuolumne County:

TOP 5 HISTORIC DESTINATIONS IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

 Explore the best of California History in Tuolumne County, located just two and a half hours east of California’s gateway, San Francisco.  In addition to being home to over half of Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne County, California is also home to two state historic parks, countless museums and charming gold rush era towns.

1. The town of Groveland, located on Highway 120 in Tuolumne County is the hub for visitors traveling to and from Yosemite National Park.  Here you can belly up to the bar in the oldest continuously operating saloon in California – The Iron Door Saloon which opened in 1851.  Take a walk through town and discover the historic relics of Groveland history including the Groveland Jail.  Enjoy a restful night in a historic hotel or bed and breakfast.

2. Head north on Highway 120 then east on Highway 108 where you will run into the hamlet of Jamestown in Tuolumne County.  Here visitors can head to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where they can take a ride on an authentic old steam train on most weekends and during special events held at the park (well-behaved dogs are welcome!).   Roundhouse tours are also available and a must-see!  Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is known as the Movie Railroad, where over 300 productions have been filmed.  Historic hotels offer both overnight accommodations and excellent dining venues.

3.  Next stop: Columbia State Historic Park, perhaps the best-preserved State Park in California.  Located on Parrotts Ferry Road, just north of Highway 49, the hamlet of Columbia welcomes visitors year-round to relive the days of 49ers, the 1849ers, that is.  Enjoy a ranger or docent led tour of the park.  Gold panning, stagecoach riding, candy-making and blacksmithing are just some of the experiences to be had at Columbia State Historic Park.  Year round events that celebrate California’s Gold Rush as it was in Columbia, make the past come to life.

4. On to the City of Sonora, also known as Queen of the Southern Mines, located on Highway 49.  Take a history lesson at the Tuolumne County Museum and History Center.  Allow a couple hours as there is a lot to discover about this busy city.  Then walk or drive to historic downtown Sonora where you can enjoy a plethora of shops, galleries and dining options.  Note the beautifully preserved Victorian-era homes along the way.  Historic downtown hotels are conveniently located for travelers. This city is bustling throughout the year with many celebrations including dancing in the streets, art walks, parades, farmers market and more!

5.  From Sonora, head east on Highway 108 to Tuolumne City, once a boomtown for logging operations. Visitors can search for remnants of logging railroads which are still present in the area. Today, many are used for trails by both hikers and bicyclists.  Visitors can take part in events celebrating the town’s colorful history, including the Annual Acorn Festival, put on by the Tuolumne Band of MeWuk Indians, and the Tuolumne Lumber Jubilee which includes events like axe throwing and cross-cut sawing.  The Tuolumne City Memorial Museum preserves the history of this mining and logging town.  As a fun sidenote, Tuolumne is the birthplace of the Vaudevillian performer and hipster comedian Lord Buckley, born Richard Myrle Buckley, April 5, 1906.

 Tuolumne County is located in California’s Gold Country and High Sierra regions.  58% of Yosemite National Park lies within the borders of Tuolumne County.  Four-season recreational opportunities and a rich Gold Rush history are just the beginning.   A 2- hour drive south of Sacramento, north of Yosemite Valley and 2 ½ hours east of San Francisco, Tuolumne County is easily accessible from all point on the compass. Visit us online at www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com.

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