In 1848, thousands of gold seekers flocked to the area following the discovery of James Marshall’s famed gold nugget in the river in the tailrace of a sawmill that Marshall and his crew were building for land baron John Sutter.
Within months, Coloma’s population had swelled to 10,000. Eventually, most of the goldseekers moved on, but the mystique of gold will forever define the area. Every year, thousands of fourth graders visit the park as part of their history appreciation curriculum.
There are interpretive paths, historic buildings and a museum. Park volunteers often demonstrate Gold-Rush-era crafts and trades including gold panning and blacksmithing.
The Gold Discovery Museum is a beautifully remodeled diorama depicting the gold discovery that instigated the California Gold Rush. The outdoor exhibits include a Mineral and Assay Office, Chinese store, Sutter’s mill replica, along with Beakert’s Gun Shop where for $7.00 you can pan for gold and find your fortune.
Cathy
Off the Grid with Cathy Herman 
Posted by Mike Holcomb on April 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm
And since you went and panned for gold, are you rich and able to fulfill all your dreams?
Posted by Peggy Lind on April 30, 2011 at 4:47 pm
What a beautiful place. I would love to see it sometime. I’d also like to take a pan out and find some little spot and try some panning of my own! Great fun! You did at least try it didn’t you?
Posted by Bob on May 1, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Oh that looks super cool! It’s fun to learn about history like this (in real life vs text books). Thanks for keeping us up-to-date!
Posted by don from Reseda high on September 17, 2014 at 12:35 am
Nice the Cathy!
Posted by don from Reseda high on September 17, 2014 at 12:36 am
Thx cathy