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 and re-created businesses telling the story of old 'Hangtown.' There are displays on the pony express, wanted posters and wagons, a reconstructed old-time grocery and luxurious silk gowns.
El Dorado County Historical Museum
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
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Nearby attractions
1. Hangtown's Gold Bug Park & Mine
2.36 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…
4.16 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…
5.93 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…
4. Gold Discovery Museum & Visitor Center
5.99 MILES
Guided walking tours of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park start here.
5. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
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This state park comprises a fascinating collection of buildings in a bucolic riverside setting at the site of James Marshall's riot-inducing discovery…
12.8 MILES
A true family affair going back 150 years, where nearly everyone pouring has the last name on the bottles.
12.85 MILES
The highly commercial Renwood Winery crafts outstanding Zinfandel, which you can taste in a flight of five wines, optionally paired with 'culinary small…