Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
State Park · Coloma, California
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is in Coloma, in El Dorado County, on the South Fork of the American River. On a January morning in 1848 James Marshall found gold in the millrace of John Sutter's sawmill here, which set off the California Gold Rush. The park preserves much of the small town that grew up around the find, including a working replica of Sutter's Mill, the Marshall Monument on the hill above town, the Gold Discovery Museum and a number of historic buildings, among them the Chinese Store - confirm which are open. It is a good half-day stop on Highway 49 for history, gold panning and river views. Summers are hot, the river is cold and fast, and weekends are crowded with rafters, so pick your day with care. Most visitors do the museum, the mill and the monument in one unhurried morning and spend the afternoon on the river or in nearby Gold Country towns, which is a sensible shape for the day.
310 Back St, Coloma, California, 95613, United States
The park grounds have generally been open from morning until around sunset, while the Gold Discovery Museum, the mill replica and other historic buildings keep shorter hours, typically open daily or on most days with a closing time in the afternoon - confirm the current days and times with State Parks before you drive up. Some historic buildings open only on weekends or for special events and tours, and demonstrations such as gold panning follow a seasonal schedule. Winter hours are shorter, holidays can close buildings, and heavy snow or storm damage on Highway 49 can affect access. Rafting outfitters in town keep their own seasons and hours, running mainly from late spring into early fall.
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