We are proud to display the Fricot “Nugget”, a rare and beautiful specimen of crystallized gold discovered in the American River in 1864.  This spectacular 13.8-pound. specimen is the largest remaining intact mass of crystalline gold from 19th century California, when these finds were more common but usually were simply melted down.  You can also take a trip back in time as you walk through our mine tunnel and see how gold was mined in the mid-1800s, when California was a wilderness, being transformed by rapid development. Our assay office and working scale model of a stamp mill will help you discover how gold was found and extracted from the rocks.

The museum is dedicated to helping families and students learn about the importance of mining and minerals to our history, our environment, and our future.  We offer free activities for children and youth groups, including our Junior Ranger Program.  We also provide school tours relating to geology, rocks and minerals, the gold rush, and mining history to hundreds of students each year. We encourage teachers and youth groups to call about our free, hands on, fun and educational programs, which also support California state curriculum standards.  Custom tours can also be arranged for special groups.

State Parks Tagged With: Mariposa