Columbia State Historic Park

Columbia State Historic Park is a preserved fully-functioning Gold Rush town complete with dirt roads, wood plank sidewalks, authentic shops, a working blacksmith, horse-drawn wagons (vehicle traffic is actually prohibited) and 'town folk' in period clothing. Aside from being an interactive environment that welcomes visitors to step back in time to experience life in the "Old West" firsthand, the park is also sprinkled with displays of actual items from the era that both educate and intrigue visitors of all ages.

Parking and public transportation at Columbia State Historic Park
Although limited local public transportation is available via bus through Tuolumne County Transit, Columbia State Historic Park offers ample free parking. The entrance to the large main parking lot is located at the Columbia State Historic Park sign on Parrotts Ferry Road and several smaller parking lots can be found further up the road along the right side.

Best and worst time go to Columbia State Historic Park
During the week (Monday through Friday) the park is often inundated by school children on educational field trips. This can make parking tricky as the large busses utilize the main parking lot and many of the more family-friendly activities and businesses get bogged down by the crowds resulting in increased waiting times and lines. Weekends tend to offer the best mix of age groups, increasing your chances of experiencing everything the park has to offer. Also, tours of Columbia are offered on Saturday and Sunday and are worth their weight in gold (pun intended). Just keep in mind that (like in the old west) most of the shops don't post business hours but usually don't open until 10am and close between 4 and 5pm daily.

Admission to Columbia State Historic Park
The park is absolutely free of admission (even the parking is free) except during some special events. It is also handicap accessible and stroller-friendly, but be prepared to maneuver through a few uneven surfaces.

Must see/do at Columbia State Historic Park
Don't miss the chance to take a free tour of Columbia (every Saturday and Sunday at 11am). The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable, will point out intriguing details of the park that may otherwise be overlooked and have an infectious passion for history. For added excitement, check out the once-a-month Ghost Tour (offered June through October). The Ghost Tours are not free but are worth the ticket price to hear tales of Columbia's dark past and find out where the ghosts are rumored to lurk. The stage coach rides are also worth the ticket price, offering a unique view of the park, an authentic Gold Rush-era travel experience and a few interactive surprises. Before you leave, stop at Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen to stock up on handmade candy for the road. The Whipping Cream Fudge and Fruit Jellies are highly recommended.

Other places to visit near Columbia State Historic Park
For a light lunch and unique dining experience, check out Columbia Kate's Teahouse, located in an 1880s period barn within walking distance of the park (one street over: on the corner of State Street and Columbia Street). While the tables are named after area mining claims and the barn is reputedly haunted by the ghost of a dead French woman with a penchant for dimes, Columbia Kate's offers a uniquely calm environment to relax and enjoy authentic tea and delicious sandwiches. Even children enjoy experiencing "The Art of Afternoon Tea" as well as the extensive list of fresh bakery desserts on the menu.

Insider tip for visitors to Columbia State Historic Park
There's something magical about bellying up to the bar and knocking back a cold Sarsaparilla straight from the glass bottle in an authentic "Old West" saloon. Otherwise, you may prefer the ambience of a beautifully preserved old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a tall frosty Victorian-style soda glass, loaded to the brim with hand-scooped ice cream floating in foamy cold sarsaparilla. However you prefer it, don't leave Columbia without trying Columbia Soda Works Sarsaparilla though. Aside from being available for purchase at most of the restaurants and businesses in the park, this locally-made specialty can also be found in many of the area grocery stores because the locals drink it like water.

Author's bio: Ann Milligan is a wife, mom, author and artist who resides in California's beautiful Motherlode region. She can often be found painting the local wildflowers, singing off-pitch with her kids and nom-nom-noming.