Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma commemorates the place where James Marshall found gold in 1848, setting off the California Gold Rush. You can visit the discovery site, see historic Gold Rush-era buildings and learn about the find at the Gold Discovery Museum; the park is about 8.7 miles from a two-star motel in Placerville.
- Location: Coloma, on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn.
- Key stops: The gold-discovery site, a full-size replica of Sutter’s sawmill, historic buildings and the James Marshall Monument.
- Museum hours: Open daily
- Vehicle day-use fee: $10 per car; $9 per car for seniors age 62 and older.
Why Coloma Matters in California History
Coloma is where James Marshall’s gold discovery helped trigger the California Gold Rush. The state historical-landmark account dates the discovery to January 24, 1848, in the tailrace of John A. Sutter’s sawmill on the South Fork of the American River.
The park preserves the setting and tells the story of how a find at the sawmill became a defining moment in California history. Sutter’s sawmill replica and the discovery site make the connection between the landscape and the event tangible, while the museum provides context about Coloma and the Gold Rush.
The Park and Its Main Visitor Stops
The park’s main stops bring together the discovery site, Gold Rush-era structures and a monument to James Marshall. Start with the gold-discovery site, then see the full-size replica of Sutter’s sawmill and the historic buildings that help convey Coloma’s Gold Rush history.
The James Marshall Monument is southwest of town. The park map shows it reached by a winding access road with parking, so you can treat it as a separate stop from the streets and museum area. For a quieter outdoor pause, a trail along the South Fork of the American River ends at a river overlook.
Museum and Historic Buildings
The Gold Discovery Museum and Visitor Center interprets the discovery, the California Gold Rush and Coloma’s history. Its daily opening pattern changes by season: it is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 1 through February 28, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 1 through October 31.
Allow time to pair the museum with the outdoor historic sites rather than treating it as the whole visit. The museum is west of the town streets, while the James Marshall Monument lies southwest of town, making the map useful for planning the order of your stops.
How do you get to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
The park is at 310 Back Street, Coloma, CA 95613, on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn. From Placerville, follow Highway 49 toward Coloma and use the park address to navigate to the site.
Placerville can be part of a broader local outing around the park. A one-day itinerary for Placerville gives you a way to plan time in town alongside the Coloma visit.
Hours, Fees and River Access
The park charges a vehicle fee. California State Parks’ seasonal schedule covers the day after Labor Day through October 31; November 1 through February 28; March 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend; and Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM–8 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The vehicle day-use fee is $10 per car, with a $9 per-car rate for seniors age 62 and older. Special rates may apply during peak seasons, high-demand holidays and weekends, and prices may change without notice.
The South Fork of the American River is part of the park’s setting, and the riverside trail leads to an overlook. Dogs on leash are allowed on trails and in the river, but not inside buildings. Check the official site before you go for current hours, fees and any changes to park activities.
FAQs
What happened at Coloma in 1848?
James Marshall found gold at John A. Sutter’s sawmill on the South Fork of the American River. The discovery helped set off the California Gold Rush.
What can you see at the park?
Highlights include the gold-discovery site, a full-size replica of Sutter’s sawmill, historic Gold Rush-era buildings, the James Marshall Monument and the Gold Discovery Museum.
Are dogs allowed at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park?
Dogs on leash are allowed on trails and in the river, but they are not allowed in park buildings.
Does the park offer gold-panning lessons?
The park advertises a 15-minute lesson followed by 30 minutes of panning, with sessions at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on most days.
Public lessons are first come, first served; availability can be affected by hot weather and spring school-group visits. If you are planning another outing from Placerville, an Apple Hill visit is a separate option.