Gold Country: Columbia & Railtown

Pan for gold, ride a stagecoach and see a real steam railroad roundhouse. A living history weekend in the foothills.

2.5 hrs drive · 2 days · Best for little kids to big kids · Mar–May & Sep–Oct

Day 1: Gold Rush town

At Railtown, the only way into the roundhouse is a guided tour, which is a lot of standing for small kids. Kids 7 to 12 can join a hands-on Junior Ranger tour at the same time. They climb into engines and drive a hand car. Inspired Imperfection blog
Steam or diesel can change without notice, so don't promise kids a steam engine. On steam days, stay after the 3 pm run to watch the engine turn on the turntable. Marin Mommies
Railtown sells only snacks and cold drinks, so bring lunch. Families liked the shaded picnic area that overlooks the roundhouse. Marin Mommies
For younger kids, ask at the Railtown customer service window for a scavenger hunt sheet. One parent found the exhibits not very interactive without it. Modesto View
On the Columbia stagecoach, a staged robber stops the coach and asks each rider for coins, so hand kids a few coins first. The limestone boulders around town are a free climbing spot that kids love. This Is My Happiness blog
Gold panning takes patience. One 10-year-old spent two hours and found mostly rocks. At Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen, kids can watch candy being made by hand. ABC30 Hidden Adventures

Railtown train rides run on select weekends, so check the schedule
Many Columbia shops close on weekdays in winter
Bring small bills for gold panning and the stagecoach
Railtown train rides run on weekends April to October only; the Columbia stagecoach runs daily only in summer