Colusa is not a town name that most Californians know. If they do, it’s probably because of the casino up the road– Colusa Casino Resort. However, the small farm town of Colusa is a charming place to visit. Spend a weekend in Colusa enjoying the quiet allure of this small town. With lots of history, plus some great restaurants and bars, Colusa is one place you don’t want to miss out on.

Colusa in Northern California is a small town of about 6,400 people. It’s located on the Sacramento River and is the county seat for Colusa County.
City of Colusa California Facebook Page
Many Californians have heard of Colusa Casino Resort but few are aware of this charming town right down the road. It was founded in 1850 and flourished due to its location on the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Colusa’s trademark water towers can be seen from far away, well before you drive into town.
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Right near the towers is where you’ll find Colusa Boat Ramp. Launch boats or kayaks from this point to explore the Sacramento River.
Surrounded by farmland and nature, you’ll see a lot of fruit and nut stands driving in and around Colusa.
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This area of the state is known for growing tomatoes and almonds. Most of the farms in the area are working farms and closed to the public. Colusa is a true farm town in the middle of California’s breadbasket.
Walk around downtown and admire the architecture. Colusa is home to some old buildings because it was one of the first counties formed when California gained statehood in 1850. This stunning white building is the historic Colusa County Courthouse. Completed in 1861, this is the third oldest courthouse in California, after Trinity and Mariposa courthouses.
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The Colusa Carnegie Library was built in 1906 and was done in Classic Revival Style. One of the oldest homes in Colusa County is also the former home of Colusa pioneer Will Semple Green. Green was a newspaper editor and a politician, and is considered the "father of irrigation" in California due to his contributions. Green’s house was constructed in 1868 and later restored to its 1880 condition. You’ll also want to see the beautiful Albery House, built in 1874 for Judge H.M. Albery.

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Colusa has done a good job of preserving its history– both near and far. Take a step back in time by visiting Riverside Lanes, the local bowling alley that opened in the 1960s and hasn’t changed much since then. It’s a very fun, retro experience!
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After a game of bowling, take a leisurely walk west on Market Street to Kittle’s Outdoor & Sport store. Here you’ll find everything you need for fishing and hunting. Down the street is Colusa Veterans Memorial Park where you can see tributes to fallen soldiers from the area. This park is the location for the Colusa Certified Farmers’ Market, which is every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. June through September.
The Colusa County Fairgrounds hosts a large number of events throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Colusa County Fair that takes place in June.
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This multi-day event typically includes a pageant, a car derby, a livestock show, and much more! Ride the rides and enjoy the variety of delicious fair food.
For some live music and a riverfront view, visit Slough House Social. This waterfront restaurant is a short drive (or boat ride) from downtown Colusa.
Slough House Social/Google Images
In the downtown area you’ll find a larger concentration of bars and restaurants. Colusa has a few excellent Mexican restaurants as well as a carniceria all within walking distance of downtown.
Even though this is a remote town (the nearest city is Yuba City located 30 minutes to the east) there is plenty to do in this area of the state.
Jerry Durk/Google Images
Just a short drive south is this tiny church. Even closer to Colusa is the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to migratory birds, deer, and even the occasional mountain lion.

Only in Colusa in Northern California can you visit a casino and a nature reserve, have authentic Mexican food, and see some of the oldest architecture in the state. Have you visited Colusa in Northern California?

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Colusa, CA 95932, USA