Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Trails

The Levee Trail is a 0.25 mile trail that starts at an accessible parking lot located near the northeast side of the Mt. Murphy Road bridge. The trail takes visitors along the South Fork of the American River and terminates at a river overlook. Accessible parking is provided at the trailhead.

The Gold Discovery Trails are a 1.0 mile system of trails located between the Gold Discovery Museum and the Gold Discovery site. The trails provide access to historic mining infrastructure and native American bedrock mortars. Accessible picnicking and restrooms are provided along the trail route.

Exhibits/Programs

Approximately a dozen historic structures are located along the main street or on a hill overlooking the street. Most buildings are usable. Many freestanding interpretive panels are scattered throughout the park and are accessible.

Emmanuel Church: The church is available by reservation and for park sponsored special events only. Accessible parking and the accessible route into the church are located at the rear southwest entrance. To preserve the historic architecture of the church, a portable ramp is available for accessing the main room of the facility. All reservations and park sponsored special events are monitored by park staff who will assist with movement and placement of the detachable ramp. Contact the park directly for reservations or for more information at (530) 622-3470.

Gold Discovery Museum: The museum and exhibits within are accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at the museum, and across Highway 49 at the North Beach Group Picnic Area. An accessible route that crosses Highway 49, connects the museum to the Gold Discovery Site, Sutter's Mill, and accessible exhibits at the site of the mill.

Please plan ahead, know the water, now your limits, know about life jackets, and supervise your children in and around open bodies of water. Let's all make safety a top priority when recreating this spring.

Reexamining Our Past at

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

State Parks is expanding its interpretation beyond what was once a narrow focus on memorializing the people and events leading up to the gold discovery and its immediate aftermath per the 1979 general plan. Today’s efforts involve engaging in formal government-to-government tribal consultations, conducting archival research, and meeting with families whose history is connected to the Coloma Valley. This reflects a commitment to broadening the historical context and bringing forward those stories that were too often overlooked or marginalized in interpretation program and exhibits. Learn more at Reexamining Our Past at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.