What could be a better mini vacation than learning something AND having fun? You can do both at Columbia Historic State Park on Columbia Gold Rush Days. These days are offered the second Saturday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. Volunteers dress up for the day in costumes representing people from the 1840s in the bowling alley, the Wells Fargo office, the old schoolhouse, and the replica dry goods stores. There is also a special performance from the Great Motherlode Brass and Reed Band to celebrate California’s statehood in [...]

Columbia, California is located about 20 minutes from Twain Harte. Once you enter the Columbia Historic State park, you’ll immediately feel like you’re walking back in time.  Old shops line each side of the ‘western gold mining town’.  You may get an old picture taken as an outlaw or saloon girl, or treat yourself to some delicious old western candies.  Try a root beer float or stop by and buy an historic costume.  Each store is unique and gives you insight into what it was like the 1850s in California. [...]