Julian Mining Company's Pumpkin Patch, Santa Ysabel

There aren’t many ways to relive the California gold rush outside of a time machine. Yet Julian Mining Company recreates that time with its own gemstone and gold mining. Visitors pan through unlimited creek ore on-site or sift through bags or buckets of gem specific ore to reveal natural treasures such as ruby, emerald, and amethyst. Field trips teach students about the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, farm life, and Native Americans with hands-on lessons. Additionally, cabin rental gives people a chance to escape to the great outdoors in view of the mountains, and in the summer and fall, families can pick fresh apple from the tree or pumpkins off the vine, based on the availability.