8 Of The Most Enchanting Man Made Wonders In Northern California

Located in Redding, Sundial Bridge is one of California's most marvelous architectural wonders. The bridge itself reaches 217 feet high and spans 710 feet across the Sacramento River. It even forms a giant, working sundial. How cool is that? The bridge was constructed with the environment in mind. It intentionally doesn't have river footings in order to leave the salmon spawning site below undisturbed.

Located in Napa Valley is the only authentic 13th-century Italian Tuscan castle in the country. Castello di Amorosa was officially opened to the public in 2007 after being constructed over a span of 13 years. The impressive castle is comprised of 136,000 square feet which includes 107 rooms, 8,000 tons of stones, 8 levels, and a gigantic wine-barrel room. The stunning castle even contains some truly medieval features including a drawbridge, dungeon, and a church.

Bodie is a former mining town that looks to be frozen in time. Established in the 1800's, the town has long been abandoned. However, remnants of buildings remain to this day. Bodie is considered one of the most well-preserved ghost towns in California, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like during the Gold Rush. If you want to feel like you've really traveled back in time, then Bodie is the perfect place.

Shasta Dam is a curved gravity dam located across the Sacramento River and Lake Shasta. The dam is approximately 600 feet high, making it the ninth tallest dam in the entire country. It also forms the largest reservoir in California. It is most noted for providing an important role during World War II when it was used to supply power to many California factories.

California's Capitol Building is one of the best in the country. It is a beautiful example of Roman architecture which is common in many capitol buildings, but is most well-known in Washington DC's capitol. Every Californian should make the visit to Sacramento to tour this incredible building. The architecture is intricate and unique. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time to Ancient Rome.

California is home to many lighthouses, but one of the most impressive is Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City. First lit in 1856, the lighthouse has an impressive history of surviving earthquakes and tidal waves over the years. The structure itself is so charming, you'll feel like you've been transported to a scene on a postcard. Some even say the lighthouse is haunted, making it a popular spot for ghost hunters. The lighthouse is only accessible during low tide when the beach connects to the island and forms a path for visitors.

The railroad tunnels at Donner Pass are one of the most exciting places to explore in California. Located near Truckee, the impressive tunnels were constructed in order to make passage across the steep, rocky terrain possible. The construction of the tunnels was harrowing. Many underpaid workers died while constructing these magnificent tunnels due to the dangerous setting. The tunnels were completed in 1867 and still stand to this day, making the perfect location for a scenic hike.

The Foresthill Bridge spans across the North Fork American River outside of Auburn. Reaching 730 feet high, it is considered the highest bridge in California by deck height and the fourth highest in the United States. Walking across this magnificent bridge is something every Californian should experience. The view from the bridge of the surrounding mountains is something you'll never forget.