Columbia · Destinations · Sonora · Things To Do · Tuolumne
Text size Print This Page Send by emailIf you’re looking for bargains and deals on things to do in the Motherlode area here are a few places to consider.
For visitors and tourist some of the places that you can enjoy locally are completely free and you can even eat and shop on a budget with a great selection of local bargains. Our first choice for a day trip would be Columbia, this historic town is a great place for a family to walk around and see the sights. Recognized as a Historical State Park, Parking is free and the downtown main street is closed to vehicles so people can walk and enjoy the town on foot. Columbia is full of historic sights and has numerous places for great photos. Free and bargain activities include gold panning, rock climbing, candle dipping, stagecoach rides, ghost tours, a blacksmith shop and more. Pizza and sarsaparilla sodas are a great find at the saloon and the candy shop has a great selection of hand made candy as well.
The Gold Miners shack at the end of town always offers some really good bargains with great prices on souvenirs and gift items, and many of the shops downtown have bargain prices as well.
Jamestown Railtown Park is another great place to visit. The 1897 Historical Railtown train station and park offers free parking and free admission to walk around, see the trains and learn some the history of California railroads. This California State Railroad Museum offers visitors self-guided tours, and guided 45 minute train rides on full size trains are available for $12-15.
Knights Ferry – Located just off hwy 108 between Oakdale and Sonora in the Knights Ferry river park. This park is popular in the summer as the river runs directly through it and family’s can picnic and enjoy the outdoors in this scenic park. The park features a covered bridge and numerous locations for photographs as well. On the other side of the bridge visitors can hike along the river and enjoy some remarkable views of the foothills and surrounding scenery. There are no stores or food on site so plan ahead and bring food and drinks.
There are numerous other natural sights and places to see and visit in the motherlode area without having to pay, so if your looking for some great places to go on a budget this area seems to have you pretty well covered.
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