The Gold Country Museum, housed in a historic Works Progress Administration (WPA) building located inside the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, interprets Placer County’s Gold Rush history. Visitors are treated to a stroll through a replica hard rock mining tunnel, which leads to the assayer’s office. Exhibits of a miner’s cabin and a mining camp saloon where a game of Faro is underway provide a glimpse into the lives of miners. Other exhibits highlight the various gold mining methods and the three main routes people took to get to California.

Visitors are encouraged to learn more about the Gold Rush by exploring the museum’s mystery trunks, panning for gold, and playing a game of Faro. A tent theater provides the perfect ambiance to enjoy a video on Gold Rush history. Visitors who wish to pan for gold can either pan gravel collected near Placer County rivers for free, or they can purchase bags of gravel guaranteed to contain gold.

The Gold Country Museum is located at 1273 High Street in Auburn, California.

Driving Directions: From eastbound I-80, take the Maple Street exit in Auburn and stay straight. Continue through the first stoplight, then turn left at the second stoplight onto High Street. Turn right into the Gold Country Fairgrounds and stay to the left. The Museum is located at the back of the fairgrounds on the left.

From westbound I-80, take the Hwy 49 Grass Valley/Placerville exit and turn right onto Hwy 49. Turn right onto Lincoln Way, and left at the next stoplight onto Auburn Folsom Road. Turn left at the next stoplight onto High Street and follow the directions above.

Seasons Open: Year Round

Hours Open: Tuesdays through Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fees: FREE!