Mother Lode River Center

Class 3 River Rafting year round on California's South Fork of the American River. Guided tours depart daily.

This state historic spot marks the location where the California Gold Rush began in 1848, with the discovery of gold by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill. Established in 1942, the park contains two California Historical Landmarks: a statue to commemorate James Marshall and the actual spot where he first discovered gold in 1848; the statue was the state's first historic monument and overlooks the site of the original gold discovery. Visitors can see a replica of the original sawmill and twenty other historic buildings including a mining exhibit, Chinese store exhibits and schoolhouse exhibit. Other activities include gold panning in the American River, hiking, and picnicking.