Could not get the real historic feeling for this place. Buildings were rebuild according the originals but inside there are lots of stores now selling touristy staff of are restaurants, cafes and so on. You can buy a stage coach ride through town or try gold wash gold.
Lots of fun for children but as being historical interested I was disappointed.
I had a walk around the old town with my friend who lives locally, when I was staying with her.
What I really loved was the atmosphere - it was like stepping back in time, with narrow little streets, old-style buildings and horses giving rides in old-fashioned wagons.
We were here late in the day as everything seems to close down around 4pm, so we didn't have time to do very much, but it seems like there is a lot to see, including a theatre and the opportunity to have a go at panning for gold.
The quirky shops are fun selling a variety of things including souvenirs, toys, gifts, food, sweets, candles and history books.
It's well worth a visit for anybody interested in history or American culture.
Amazingly, this place is not a dumb tourist trap! The people here are really into recreating and keeping alive the spirit of the time and place and create a very high-quality experience. So I guess if you're a dumb tourist, I would say there's nothing here for you, but if you are a quality adventurer, your efforts will be repaid and then some for visiting. Don't miss the fresh bread at the general store!!!
I'm so disappointed that this didn't jump out on Trip Advisor as a must-see. I went to Gold Country looking for ghost towns, haunted things, mining camps and old-timey stuff. What I found were a million antique shops and boring small boutiques, UNTIL I CAME HERE!
I found this place on the recommendation of a shopkeeper in Sonora. I had no idea that it was a living historical museum! Park Ranger Kat told us that every building was over 140 years old and standing in its original location. Everything is beautifully restored and cared for.
Visit the blacksmith's shop to buy a horseshoe or take a blacksmithing class. Visit the wooden bowling alley and bowl for free! Visit the dentist and cringe over the antique surgical tools. Tour the chemist's shop and wonder that anyone lived while taking powdered strychnine and arsenic. Stop by the museum with informative displays about all the people who lived in the area with perspectives from women, children, Chinese men, and miners. Ride in a coach pulled by four horses. Go panning for gold!
*Loads of free parking
*Free admission
*Lots of shade
Old functioning town rich in American West history. Gold panning for young kids, horse drawn carriage rides for the young at heart. Historical bowling alley open for all ages.
