These 7 Small Towns in California's Sierra Nevada Have the Best Historic Districts
The Sierra Nevada has 400 miles of mountain ranges and a soul of gold. Stretching from the Great Basin to the Central Valley, some of the settlements have transmitted their heritage to us. These historic districts in California's Sierra Nevada provide something for every taste. History buffs can head to Angels Camp for a story about a legendary frog that jumped further than any competitor, old-school aficionados can sip a drink back in time inside the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland, and outdoor lovers can venture along the mountains on the historic Highway 40 Scenic Bypass near Norden. So, prepare to assimilate the expansive history this stunning region can give.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a tiny town on the western hill of the Sierra Nevada Mountains famous for its namesake worldwide renowned natural wonder. Yosemite Valley is also a natural U-shaped valley in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley is home to the park's most famous cliff and waterfall and was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Moreover, the LeConte Memorial Lodge, now the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, was built as a memorial to John Muir's (Sierra Club's first president) close friend and is now a historic landmark.
As the newly-created ranger service replaced the Buffalo Soldiers, the Rangers' Club was built in 1924 as a gathering place for the troops. With its "rustic architectural style", this historic building is considered by architects the first example of "Parkitecture". The Yosemite Valley historic district is further enriched by the Wawona Hotel & Thomas Hill Studio (1876), the Parsons Memorial Lodge (1915), and the Ahwahnee Hotel (1927), so make sure to pay a visit to this never-ending history source.
Groveland
Groveland is a historic Gold Rush town that has drawn seekers for more than 170 years. Named Big Oak Flat at its founding in 1848 and renamed Groveland in 1863, this small town's impressive Main Street on Highway 120 is where the town's historic district is found. With a collection of old-school shops, restaurants, hotels, and, best of all, Groveland's best-known landmark and California's longest operating Saloon, the Iron Door. This iconic business, established in 1852, continues to serve up an authentic Western experience.
Just steps away from the Iron Door, the Groveland Hotel is another local landmark with an eclectic history. Since opening as a trading post in 1849, the Monterey-style adobe construct evolved into a Saloon and ranger station and is now a boutique hotel with suites with beautiful views of the surroundings. Additionally, Groveland is a gateway to Yosemite National Park, which is only 37 miles away. For a deep dive into Groveland and Yosemite history, walk a few blocks to the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, which displays the area's natural and cultural history.
Angels Camp
Angels Camp is home to one of the best historic downtowns in California's Gold Country. Set against the beautiful Sierra Foothills scenery, Angels Camp hosts one of the largest collections of carriages and wagons in the nation at the Angels Camp Museum. This museum is a destination with a worldwide appeal thanks to its more than 30,000 square feet of exhibits on Gold Rush history. Angels Camp is also known for the Jumping Frog Contest, made notorious by Mark Twain in his story that propelled him to fame. The Celebration of the jumping frogs of Calaveras has been a defining feature of Angels Camp culture since 1928, with the annual jubilee every May. Moreover, historic downtown Angels Camp grants a charming Main Street made easier to navigate thanks to the historic walk tour map in the back of the Calaveras Visitors Guide, so make sure not to miss the Frog Hop of Fame plaque embedded in the sidewalk.
Norden
Norden is a small community along the historical first transcontinental railroad near the Donner Pass. The Central Pacific Railroad laid 690 miles (1,110 km) of track in 1863 and continued over the rugged 7,000-foot (2,100 m) Sierra Nevada mountains through Donner Pass into the state of Nevada. Commissioned in the 1930s, The Donner Pass Airway Station & Beacon mirrors the railroad's achievement and is the first transcontinental airway. Another popular attraction with outdoor lovers and hikers alike is the historic Highway 40 Scenic Bypass that guides visitors along the mountains, including Mount Judah and Donner Summit, passing through the Donner Summit Bridge and Norden railway station. With these and many other landmarks, Norden stands on a historic district of rare beauty amidst the High Sierra.
Nevada City
Nevada City is among the most appealing California Gold Rush towns, attracting tourists from far and wide. The town was once the home of the indigenous Nisenan for thousands of years and then became a mining town in 1849. with its historic buildings and businesses, Nevada City's historic district tells some of the town's stories. The entire downtown is a national historic landmark. Strolling in the beautiful Main Street, one can see some of California's oldest continuously-running hotels, The National Hotel, which has operated since 1854. Or The Nevada Theater, built in 1865, which is the oldest theater in the state. On top of the endless historical exploration, Nevada also provides outdoor opportunities. For example, just a short drive away, The Tahoe National Forest allows for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
Bridgeport
The jagged spires of the Sawtooth Range support the town of Bridgeport as a gateway to numerous Sierra Nevada majestic natural features. Crossing the South Yuba River, Bridgeport (or Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge built in 1862 was part of the Virginia Turnpike Company road, which reached the mines to the north and the busy Nevada Comstock Lode. Utilizing lumber from his mill and a combination of truss and arch construction, David Isaac John Wood managed the longest wooden single-span covered bridge in the United States. Visitors can also take a stroll of the historic downtown, featuring the Mono County Courthouse, Mono County Museum, and Mono County Jail from the 1800s.
Truckee
Truckee is a historic town that grants guests a glimpse at the Old West. Although the area was originally home to many Native American tribes, including Washoe, Maidu, and Paiute, Truckee became a small settlement centered around a train stop in the 1860s. Within the historic Donner Memorial State Park's boundaries, one can find the Emigrant Trail Museum and the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate immigrants who came to California from the East back in the 1800s.
Furthermore, inside Truckee's historic district, one can take a walking tour and admire the buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including the Old Jail Museum and Railroad Museum located in a caboose of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts will love the tranquil water at Donner Lake, which provides the perfect setting for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Whether one is looking to escape urban life, enjoy breathtaking views of nature, or learn more about the California Gold Rush, the Sierra Nevada region is a gorgeous place to visit. From the privilege of sitting in The Nevada Theater in Nevada City, the oldest theater in the state, to the huge collection of carriages at the Angels Camp Museum in Angels Camp, or the immense beauty of the Yosemite National Park near Yosemite Valley, these small towns have a long history. With outstanding natural scenery, long-lasting businesses, and intriguing museums, these districts are surely going to captivate anyone's interest.
