Gold Discovery Museum & Visitor Center

Gold Country


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gold Country attractions

2. El Dorado County Historical Museum

5.99 MILES

On the El Dorado County Fairgrounds west of downtown (exit north on Placerville Dr from Hwy 50), is this complex of restored buildings, mining equipment…

3. Hangtown's Gold Bug Park & Mine

6.35 MILES

About 1 mile north of town via Bedford Ave, this historical park stands on the site of four mining claims that yielded gold from 1849 to 1888. You can…

4. Boeger Winery

7.98 MILES

Amid vineyards that were planted in the gold rush era, relegated to producing sacramental wine for the local church during Prohibition, and then restored…

5. Lava Cap Winery

9.23 MILES

A family of oenophile-geologists picked this spot for its volcanic soil, which grows very fine wine grapes. Free tastings, though sips from their limited…

6. Auburn State Recreation Area

11.53 MILES

This is a park of deep gorges cut by the rushing waters of the North and Middle Forks of the American River, which converge below a bridge on Hwy 49, 4…

7. Bernhard Museum Complex

11.79 MILES

This museum, built in 1851 as the Traveler’s Rest Hotel, exhibits depictions of typical 19th-century-farm family life. Volunteers in period garb show you…

8. Gold Country Museum

11.83 MILES

Toward the back of the fairgrounds, the Gold Country Museum includes a reconstructed mine and gold panning, both great for kids.