Explore Historic Gold Rush Towns and Legends
Amber B.
On this adventure, you’ll explore three of Northern California’s most fascinating remnants of the Gold Rush era — each with its own unique story, lingering legends, and eerie echoes of the past. Learn about the history of these towns while exploring places like Shasta State Historic Park, including the museum and the jail. Downtown French Gulch, where the French Gulch Hotel still stands. Then travel to the overlook of Whiskeytown Dam, where the submerged town is located. Learn how this town was named as well as the dedication of the dam by President JFK himself. Every stop is a photo op!
Departure Point
- Park in the parking lot, a guide will be wearing a San Francisco Giants hat
- Park in the parking lot, a guide will be wearing a San Francisco Giants hat
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Shasta State Historic Park15312 Hwy 299, , Redding, CaliforniaTravelers stroll along the preserved brick ruins of Main Street, where saloons, hotels, and general stores once bustled with miners and fortune-seekers. You’ll step inside the Shasta State Historic Park museum, with its courtroom frozen in time, shelves still stocked in the old general store, and chilling jail cells that once held outlaws. Travelers will learn the importance of this “Queen City”, and why it is important to locals in our history that this gold rush town is preserved.Duration: 1 hourStop At: French GulchFrench Gulch, CaliforniaTravelers will walk past the weathered remains of old saloons and homes, and peek into landmarks like the French Gulch Hotel. Travelers will learn that French Gulch is a living community, with historic buildings still standing strong. They’ll hear tales of stagecoach robberies, mining riches, and devastating fires that shaped the town’s fate. Duration: 40 minutesStop At: WhiskeytownWhiskeytown, CaliforniaFinally, we’ll dive (not literally!) into the mystery of Whiskeytown, a Gold Rush settlement that now lies buried beneath the shimmering waters of Whiskeytown Lake. Today, the only reminders are bits of history displayed at visitor centers and the whispers told by locals — of submerged cemeteries, hidden relics, and spirits that still rise with the mist over the lake at night. Duration: 25 minutesAdditional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On this adventure, you’ll explore three of Northern California’s most fascinating remnants of the Gold Rush era — each with its own unique story, lingering legends, and eerie echoes of the past. Learn about the history of these towns while exploring places like Shasta State Historic Park, including the museum and the jail. Downtown French Gulch, where the French Gulch Hotel still stands. Then travel to the overlook of Whiskeytown Dam, where the submerged town is located. Learn how this town was named as well as the dedication of the dam by President JFK himself. Every stop is a photo op!
Departure Point
- Park in the parking lot, a guide will be wearing a San Francisco Giants hat
- Park in the parking lot, a guide will be wearing a San Francisco Giants hat
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Shasta State Historic Park15312 Hwy 299, , Redding, CaliforniaTravelers stroll along the preserved brick ruins of Main Street, where saloons, hotels, and general stores once bustled with miners and fortune-seekers. You’ll step inside the Shasta State Historic Park museum, with its courtroom frozen in time, shelves still stocked in the old general store, and chilling jail cells that once held outlaws. Travelers will learn the importance of this “Queen City”, and why it is important to locals in our history that this gold rush town is preserved.Duration: 1 hourStop At: French GulchFrench Gulch, CaliforniaTravelers will walk past the weathered remains of old saloons and homes, and peek into landmarks like the French Gulch Hotel. Travelers will learn that French Gulch is a living community, with historic buildings still standing strong. They’ll hear tales of stagecoach robberies, mining riches, and devastating fires that shaped the town’s fate. Duration: 40 minutesStop At: WhiskeytownWhiskeytown, CaliforniaFinally, we’ll dive (not literally!) into the mystery of Whiskeytown, a Gold Rush settlement that now lies buried beneath the shimmering waters of Whiskeytown Lake. Today, the only reminders are bits of history displayed at visitor centers and the whispers told by locals — of submerged cemeteries, hidden relics, and spirits that still rise with the mist over the lake at night. Duration: 25 minutesAdditional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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