Columbia Historic State Park in California offers a unique picnicking experience. Visitors can enjoy their meals at the picnic tables available within this well-preserved Gold Rush-era town setting. The park does not have barbecue grills, but visitors are allowed to bring and use their own small portable barbecues for cooking food during daytime hours only. There is also plenty of open space where families or groups can spread out blankets and relax while enjoying the historic scenery around them.

Free Town Tours each Saturday and Sunday, year-round. Led by staff and docents. Meet at the museum. Approximately 1 hour.

For large groups, special tours may be arranged in advance by calling 588-9128.

Gold Rush days- 2nd Saturday of each month. Many special exhibits open and hands-on activities throughout the day. Park docents in period attire lead programs throughout the park. Call 588-9128 for details.

Special School programs designed to meet state curriculum standards for 4th graders are offered from September-June. Students enjoy an hour-long history program at the museum led by park staff, including a bucket brigade. Then students walk to the original brick schoolhouse for an hour-long 1860s living history school program. Registration forms for the program are available at www.columbiacalifornia.com, or may be obtained by calling the park office at 588-9128. Programs are popular and fill quickly.

Columbia State Historic Park is three miles north of Sonora, off Highway 49.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.0364 / -120.4003.