The economy is always a hot topic in an election and Olympic year. The search for gold – that elusive substance that is the basis of U.S. currency – is a popular activity. That’s especially true in the heart of California’s Gold Country, Tuolumne County.
The where and how are easy to discover. Start at Columbia State Historic Park to learn about California’s Gold Rush and how prospectors worked the land and the waters in the hopes of finding a fortune.
Matelot Gulch Mining, at the end of the main street, offers gold panning activities that are informative and fun for all ages. Prices for panning adventures are good for the whole day so visitors can spend as much time as they like searching for real natural gold and gemstones.
The shop was built in the mid 1800’s and was originally a beekeeper’s cabin. The cabin was originally located on Shaws Flat Road and was relocated about three miles to Columbia State Historic Park in the mid 1900’s. To this day, the structure remains the only privately owned building in Columbia State Historic Park and has been family owned and operated for more than 50 years.
To dig deeper, literally and figuratively, book a visit to “Nugget Nick” Prebalick and his team at California Gold Panning in Jamestown. The website alone is like hitting paydirt, with information about the Gold Rush, gold in Tuolumne County and the history of Wood’s Creek, where the company operates.
From school groups and field trips to corporate and team building events, the goal is to get everyone into the act of panning and sluicing. Experiences can last from one to four hours or even a full day. The two-day adventure is designed for novice or expert gold miners who want to learn more about mining or just want more time at the claim. Their motto: “You will get dirty, you will get muddy, you will have fun!”
For more information, go to www.visittuolumne.com