California's heritage and its growth were greatly influenced by the Gold Rush, which occurred when word leaked out about James Marshall's gold discovery in the American River at Coloma on Jan. 24, 1848. Highway 49 retraces the route of the Gold Rush, and many of the cities and towns along this windy road are authentic places where gold was found. Some gold mines still exist for tourists to visit and there are many events and re-enactments that honor this important era that brought immigrants to California from around the world. When you visit, the locals have many stories to tell about their treasured past.

• California Gold
• California Gold Rush Christmas Was Difficult Time to Cope

CITIES & TOWNS

Things to see in California Gold Country

Logging Museum Big Trees Gold Nugget Frog Jubilee

Things to do in California Gold Country

Canoeing Golf Pan for Gold Swim

AIRPORTS

Sacramento International Airport

PARKS & FORESTS

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Columbia State Historic Park
Moaning Cavern
Mercer Caverns California Cavern State Historic Landmark
Daffodil Hill
Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark
Sutter Gold Mine
Lake Natoma State Recreation Area
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Empire Mine State Historic Park
South Yuba River State Park
Auburn State Recreation Area
Tahoe National Forest
Toiyabe National Forest

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