columbia state history park
 

Hi, we are thinking of going to Columbia State History Park just beyond Senora on our way back to San Francisco from Yosemite. On Saturdays they do a 45 minute tour of the park. Is it worth the trip? If not we will stick with the 140 highway as the consensus on this board seems to be that that is the easier route in spite of Mapquest mapping the 120 highway as its preferred route.
If we do go back on 140 can anyone suggest a nice lunch place? Thanks

You did not say who "we" consists of. If you have kids with you, they will enjoy the stop. There is a panning for gold place and old stage coach for rides, and similar activities. If you have adults with an interest in history, I think they will also enjoy it. It is a well done reconstruction of a California gold mining town with a number of interesting displays and businesses.

I spent 4-5 hours there on my last trip through gold rush country and enjoyed it.

Sorry, I wasnt very clear was I! It will be just me and my husband, I think we would enjoy it from your positive post.

We have gone to Columbia regularly for years (www.columbiacalifornia.com). It was more fun when the kids were young, but if you have never been, you may like it. We used to use it as a sane place to celbrate New Year's. Now that the kids are older it sure would not fly! We usually end up eating at the Saloon (real root beer too!). I have heard the best place to et in town is the city Hotel. The menu is on their web site also.

It was so hot today in the central valley. Even though it was well below 100 it still seemed so hot due to the angle of the sun. If you go to Columbia this weekend get an early start. It is expected to be in the 90s there. My memories of Columbia are that it was hot.