This Weekend Itinerary Is Perfect For Exploring Jackson In Northern California

Many lovers of American history proclaim the discovery of gold in California as one of the defining moments of the nation’s development into what it is today. The prospect of striking it rich tempted many eventual settlers who would have otherwise been uninterested in braving the hazardous journey west. Thanks to that inflow of new residents, many small towns sprang up in Northern California that are still thriving to this day. One of the more important to the Mother Lode Era is the town of Jackson, and making a weekend visit is a perfect getaway idea for any history lover and their family.

City of Jackson/ ci.jackson.ca.us

The website for the City of Jackson has a printable guide for you to take a walking tour of all the historic places you can visit in the town. But you don’t need internet access to learn about Jackson’s past. There are 21 bronze plaques marking historic places right on Main Street, so all you need are your two feet and a willingness to learn!

Michelle Gerdes/ Google

An excellent first stop of any historic excursion is the local museum, and the Amador County Museum is practically overflowing with artifacts from the past. You’ll find exhibits showcasing clothing and artifacts from the region’s gold mining glory days, Native American and Chinese collections, and so much more. Once you’ve seen everything in the main house, go to the exterior building to find incredible working models of the mines and mills surrounding Jackson.

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Kennedy Gold Mine/ Facebook

After seeing a working model of a mine, it’s only a six-minute drive north to see the Kennedy Gold Mine in person. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or follow a guide to get special access to some of the historic buildings still standing today.

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Ramkumar Menon/ Wikimedia

Responsible for hauling around 850 tons of tailings every day, these engineering marvels helped keep the Kennedy mill’s leftover waste from polluting the surrounding valley. The park is a lovely spot for a picnic too.

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Richard and Sherry’s Trading Company/ Facebook

If you’re more interested in owning some history than just looking at it, there are plenty of wonderful antique shops to be found in Jackson. Richard and Sherry’s Trading Company has a little bit of everything, from jewelry to an entire marble top bar set.

Ramkumar Menon/Google

The historic four-story Hein & Company Bookstore is perfect for any media lover. With two floors full of books, movies, music, video games, art, and other collectables, you could spend a whole day just browsing the shelves here. And if the first two floors can’t keep your interest, then perhaps one of the plays they perform on the third floor will!

Richard Wehrman/ Google

This charming cafe is the definition of a farm-to-fork restaurant, which is actually pretty easy to accomplish when the family that runs the cafe also tends the farm that supplies it. Stop by for breakfast or lunch and taste the difference fresh produce makes.

Roger Arlich Jr./ Google

For dinner, why not visit an Italian eatery that’s served the residents of Jackson for a hundred years? It’s only a short drive north of Main Street, and the food and wine list are well worth the easy car ride. The secret to the family-owned establishment’s longevity is their practiced blending of delicious recipes, delectable wines, and comfortable atmosphere. Whether you eat in the main room, sit at the bar, or dine on the patio, you’ll feel like one of the family.

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Reed Chavez/ Google

No visit to Jackson is complete without a stop at this delightful sweet shop. They have one of the widest selections of candy in the state. No matter if you’re looking for classic candy from your childhood or newer confections, you’re likely to find it here. And they don't just sell candy. There’s fudge and ice cream for your sweet tooth, and wooden trains made by the owner himself for your toy box!

There’s so much to see in Jackson, you might have to visit multiple times just to see it all! Have you wandered through this historic mining town before? We’d love for you to tell us all about your trip in the comments!