Sutter Creek California Gold Country Day Trip

Sutter Creek is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, about 45 miles southeast of Sacramento; this quiet town is the perfect hub to explore the past and present. The Sierra Foothill Wine regions, including Amador County Shenandoah Valley, have 40 plus wineries dedicated to making renowned fine wines.

Sutter Creek is Amador County’s most walkable town. Many other reminders of the significant Gold Rush era can be seen on foot, like Knight Foundry, the Sutter Creek Cemetery, and Preston Castle —one of the oldest and best-known reform schools in the United States.

Things to Do in Sutter Creek, California.

Knight Foundry Sutter Creek

Knight Foundry, located at 81 Eureka St, Sutter Creek, CA, is a historic foundry machine shop that was once used to manufacture machinery for the gold mines of the Mother Lode region. Today, it is powered solely by water and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours are available on the second Saturday of each month. It has been designated a California Historical Landmark. Website.

Monteverde Store Museum

The Monteverde Store Museum, originally a country store established in 1896, has been preserved in its original state since 1971. The museum still exhibits all the relics and items from the past on its shelves. If you wish to visit, it is typically open on weekends, with no admission fee. The museum is located at 11 Randolph St., Sutter Creek, California.

Hotel Sutter Rooms & Restaurant

The Hotel Sutter location has undergone many changes since its beginning in 1852. Several structures burnt down before a fireproof building was erected. The property was home to the American House and The Bellotti Inn before it became the Hotel Sutter. Today, the hotel features 21 modern rooms and a popular resturant and bar. Website.

Wine Tasting Sutter Creek

Many tourists visit Sutter Creek to discover California’s Gold Country, but several wine-tasting rooms are also there. Amador County, located in the Sierra Foothills, has over forty wineries, several of which have tasting rooms in Sutter Creek. Bella Grace Vineyards Wine Tasting Room, Baiocchi Wines, Scott Harvey Winery, and Uphill Vineyards are all located on Sutter Creeks’ main street.

Sutter Creek Bed & Breakfast Inns

If you are planning a weekend trip to California’s Gold Country, Sutter Creek offers a variety of historic bed and breakfast inns, hotels, and vacation rentals. The Eureka Street Inn, The Foxie, Inn at 161, Sutter Creek Inn, and nearby Amador Harvest Inn are all excellent options for a comfortable stay and a delicious breakfast in the morning.

Attractions, Points of Interest Near Sutter Creek

Preston Castle near Sutter Creek

Preston Castle was built in 1894 and is a California State Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.  The castle was used as a reform school for boys (Preston School of Industry) up until 1960, when it closed. The building is currently vacant and in need of restoration. Self-guided tours are available during the summer months on special days. The building is also used for special events, including a Halloween Haunt—location 900 Palm Dr, Ione, California.

Amador Flower Farm

The Amador Flower Farm is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. It boasts nearly 1,000 floral varieties spread over 13 walkable acres. Visitors can enjoy accessible picnic areas on the premises and the floral beauty. Amador Flower Farm is at 22001 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth, California, 14 miles from Sutter Creek.

Indian Grinding Rock State Park

Nearby Sutter Creek is also Chaw’s Indian Grinding Rock State Park, with its large valley oaks that once provided the Native Americans of the area with an abundant supply of acorns. Nestled in a little valley 2,400 feet above sea level, Suter Creek Park preserves an enormous outcropping of marbleized limestone with North America’s most extensive collection of bedrock mortars. Location: 14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Rd, Pine Grove, California.

Roaring Camp Mining Company

Even though visitors are attracted to Sutter Creek by its natural beauty, “gold fever” is still the biggest draw and a trip to the area would be complete without a stop at the Roaring Camp Mining Company. An old camp for Forty Niners, Roaring Camp, provides a unique look at the California Gold Rush. And because the base was difficult to access at one time, most of the gold remains, offering visitors a chance to see a real operating gold mine where they too can mine their gold by panning, sluicing, dredging, and dry washing in the Mokelumne River.

Mokelumne River

The Mokelumne River offers exceptional fishing because its crystal clear waters allow visitors to observe the swimming fish. Additionally, there are secluded swimming holes nestled among natural rock formations and waterfalls, a perfect spot for a refreshing dip during hot summer days. The river is open from May to September.

Black Chasm Cavern

Visitors can explore the rich history of Gold County by visiting Black Chasm Cavern, known for its rare helictite crystals, and taking a tour of the historic Kennedy Gold Mine, one of the most famous mines in the Mother Lode. With so much to do in and around Sutter Creek, it’s worth spending a few days in the area.

Getting to Sutter Creek

To get to Sutter Creek, from the north, take I-5 south to Hwy 50 East, then Hwy 16 East to Hwy 49 South. From the south, take 99 North to Stockton, then 88 East to Hwy 49 North.

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California Gold Country Day Trips

Marshall Gold Discovery Park

Sutters Fort Sacramento

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