Once one of California’s largest cities during the Gold Rush, Columbia’s population has dwindled until it was nearly non-existent. In 1945, Columbia was resurrected with a bill that established it as a state park. Columbia is now aptly nicknamed The Ghost Town that Never Died. Columbia is located in the Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada’s beautiful foothills.
Today the historic buildings of the original town of Columbia have been restored and are populated with businesses whose owners have committed themselves to maintaining the historic flavor of the Gold Rush Era Columbia. Merchants and volunteers dress in period costume and sell items that would only be available in California in the mid-1800’s. While motorized vehicles are banned on the streets of the historic section of the park, horses and carriages are permitted.
For dining, several options are available, including the What Cheer Saloon, Columbia House Restaurant, Lickskillet Café, Jack Douglass Saloon, and St. Charles Saloon. Handmade candy is available at Nelson’s Candy Shop. A large window allows visitors to watch candy and candy being made. During December, candy makers demonstrate how old fashioned candy canes are made.
Fallon House Theater is one of the homes of the professional, nonprofit Sierra Repertory Theater, an exceptional theater group. While visiting Columbia, check the listing for a matinee or evening show. The lobby of the theater houses an old fashioned ice cream parlor.
While in Columbia, visit one of the saloons for an authentic sarsaparilla soda or a bag of sarsaparilla candy. Sarsaparilla tastes similar to root beer and was a popular flavoring during the Gold Rush Era.
Many hands-on activities help visitors experience what life was like in historic Columbia. Visitors to Columbia can ride a stagecoach, take a mine tour, or pan for gold. The schoolhouse and cemetery are also a short walk away. On the second Saturday of each month, Columbia hosts Gold Rush Days, where many special exhibits and hands on projects are available. Children especially will enjoy learning how to make their own candles and soaps.
Pilots will love that the Columbia Airport is a walk away from the historic district of Columbia. Drivers will also enjoy taking the nature trail from the town to the airport.
Drivers can expect Columbia to be an hour away from Sacramento and two and a half hours away from San Francisco. Columbia is located on Highway 49, several miles north of Sonora.
