Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
The spot where James Marshall found gold in the millrace at Sutter's Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush that transformed the American West.
The park sits in the Coloma Valley and preserves buildings from the Gold Rush era. A reconstructed Sutter's sawmill stands near the discovery site, and a marker by the river shows where the first gold was found. Visitors can tour the museum, the site of a former Chinese store, Marshall's cabin, and the Marshall Monument on the hilltop. On summer weekends, visitors can pay to try gold panning. Entry is charged per vehicle. The South Fork of the American River is one of California's most popular rafting stretches, and summer rafting trips can be booked here.
Opening hours
Grounds approx. 08:00–sunset; museum approx. 10:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Apple Hill
- Folsom Lake
- Folsom Prison Museum
- Historic Folsom
- Aerospace Museum of California
- Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
- Midtown Sacramento
- American River Parkway & Discovery Park