This California City Is Full Of Fun Tourist Attractions And Gold Rush History

The California Gold Rush of 1849 was one of the most pivotal and fundamental events in the formation of the modern United States. It was an enormous migration of people, with around 300,000 fortune seekers arriving in California over the space of just five years. Gold Rush history is, as a result, a fascinating part of California's past, and makes for an incredibly exciting focus for a vacation or trip.

There are plenty of destinations in California that are brilliant for history-lovers who want to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of the Forty-Niners. Whether it's a scenic road trip through California ghost towns, Coloma, where gold was first discovered at Sutter's Mill, or the historic downtown of Grass Valley, it's easy to enjoy a wonderfully historic and interactive Gold Rush experience all over California. Nevada City, located on the edge of the Tahoe National Forest, is sometimes overlooked, but it is one of the best Gold Rush towns in the state, filled with fun attractions, a thriving art scene, and plenty of historic sights.

Nevada City lies about 60 miles northeast of Sacramento, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The nearest airport is Sacramento International Airport, around 67 miles away, and the small town is best reached by car.

Nevada City was once an indigenous Nisenan village called Ustumah, but was taken over by prospectors, miners, and fortune hunters in 1849 as they arrived in their thousands to pan for gold in nearby rivers. The next 50 years saw enormous development, with grand houses and ornate buildings constructed with the wealth that came from the Gold Rush. The town's historic center now has some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture to be found anywhere in California, thanks to active conservation efforts in the mid-to-late 20th century. It remains one of America's best small towns that look stuck in time.

Exploring Nevada City begins by strolling around Broad Street, admiring the glorious historic shopfronts and facades, and discovering the perfectly-preserved heritage buildings that make up its historic downtown. Nevada Theater is California's oldest existing theater building, while the National Exchange Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1856. There are also several charming historic homes, including the Rector House, built in 1888, and the Martin Luther Marsh House, built in 1873.

Nevada City is also full of unusual attractions for curious travelers to enjoy. One of the best is the Old Stonehouse Brewery, a brewhouse built back in 1882, which includes a beer hall in a cave, carved out of the hillside itself. Another is the Firehouse No.1 Museum, the old firehouse for the town, built, rather unusually, in grand, gaudy, eye-catching Neoclassical-Greek Revival style. The building now houses the Nevada County Historical Society's quaint museum, which is also worth a visit. Outside of the town, the Malakoff Diggins Historic State Park offers a glimpse into the reality of gold mining, with its enormous, colorful cliffs exposed by destructive blast mining.

With its location in the Sierra Nevada mountains and on the edge of the Tahoe National Forest, Nevada City is also a fantastic base camp for travelers looking for outdoor adventures. There are some spectacular hiking trails to explore, including the Buttermilk Bend Trail and the Deer Creek Tribute Trail, as well as some excellent whitewater rafting opportunities and delightful swimming holes along the South Yuba River.

Nevada City also has a surprisingly lively and vibrant arts scene, with a strong and active cultural community and a packed events program. The annual Film Festival, nicknamed the 'Sundance of the Sierra,' is a highlight, showcasing independent and international films alongside a varied program of workshops, talks, and other events. Nevada City's Hot Summer Nights street festival has been running for over 30 years and boasts some awesome live music and street dance performances. Finally, at Christmas, the preserved historic architecture makes the perfect backdrop for a magical Christmas festival, which has been running for almost 50 years.