The historical significance of Sutter Creek, California cannot be understated. Its chief role in the American Gold Rush of the 1800’s will forever provide appeal to those looking to learn more about a fascinating time in the country’s history.
There are a lot of artifacts and reminders preserved from that time that are still in existence there today. But the area also possesses wonderful natural geology to go along with acclaimed vineyards.
Sutter Creek has a little something for everyone, whether they are looking to relive the past, or enjoy the present to its fullest extent.
History
The city was named for a creek that passes through it, which was named after John Sutter. He was actually originally from Germany, and helped kickstart a small settlement.
The town flourished in the years to come due to the explosion of the Gold Rush, but the town had a lot of international influence in the first few decades of its existence.
Immigrants from all over the world would come to Sutter Creek contributing different types of architectural styles and ideas.
Claim To Fame—The Gold Rush
Sutter Creek was basically introduced on to the map because of the presence of gold that was discovered there around 1850.
It is in the northern part of what is considered the California “Mother Lode Gold Belt”, which miners flocked to in hopes of changing their lives forever.
While Sutter himself hoped to maintain his influence on the area, it proved to be an impossible task with the influx of people flooding the community.
With that said, the infusion of people essentially forced the town to develop faster than it otherwise might have, and it was legally founded on September 4th, 1854.
In addition to the droves of people that came looking for gold, Sutter Creek was also an area ripe for the mining of quartz as well. It is well known as the “Jewel Of The Mother Lode”, as one of the pre-eminent mining cities of its era.
Location, Distance and Proximity Details
Sutter Creek is located in Amador County, California. State Route 49 is the most convenient way to get there. It’s an hour east of Sacramento, and about two hours northeast of San Francisco. While it’s not all that close to Las Vegas, it is about a two and a half hour drive away from Reno.
Population, Real Estate And Weather
It usually doesn’t get much colder than 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Sutter Creek, California. As a result, snowfall is not totally unheard of, but it only occurs every so often. During the summer, the city can experience temperature highs of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sutter Creek is home to about 2,500 people. There aren’t too many opportunities to rent in the area; however, Zillow has a recent listing for a three bedroom townhouse for $1,700. Homes for sale there usually go for a baseline of $400,000.
Recreational Tips For Sutter Creek, California
1. Walk On Main Street
Investing in a time machine to see what life was like way back when might be an expensive, if not impossible endeavor.
However, the next best thing might be a stroll down memory lane, otherwise known as Main Street in Sutter Creek.
A jaunt down Main Street features buildings from the 19th century, which were home to many saloons, shoemakers and a telegraph office.
Retro hotels, eateries and post offices are also prevalent as well. They are either original, or have been strategically restored since the last large fire the town experienced in 1888.
Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
2. Miners’ Bend Park
However, not all of Sutter Creek’s attractions date back a hundred plus years. Mines’ Bend Park is a popular destination that was only built within the last decade.
Local contractors and citizens worked hard to put this together in just about a year, as an ode to the gold mines and miners who rushed to the area in the 1800’s.
An old stamp mill, ore carts and vintage signs can be found at Miners’ Bend. The park also contains three bronze statues of determined miners, donated by a local resident.
29 Old Rte 49, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
3. Knight Foundry
(photo: Jet Lowe)
It is not often travelers come across the “last” of anything in the United States, but Sutter Creek’s Knight Foundry truly signified the end of an era.
It is the country’s final foundry(a factory that produces metal castings) powered by water. The machinery is still in operation, and self guided tours on the second Saturday of each month are available to the public.
The foundry was an industrial hub of Northern California, and still serves as a resource for the next generation. Classes, internships and workshops are all available to impart knowledge on the inner workings of the facility.
81 Eureka St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
4. Kennedy Gold Mine Tours
Mining gold was not for the faint of heart, especially for ones brave enough to descend into the deepest of mines.
Kennedy Gold Mine is 5,912 feet deep, and produced just over $34 million worth of gold according to a valuation conducted by the California Department of Conservation in 1948.
The Gold Mine tour gives visitors a chance to see where flakes were melted into large gold bricks, and the opportunity to see a timeless classic video of men plunging into a mine in 1914.
Guided tours are offered three times per day, and upon request.
12594 Kennedy Mine Rd, Jackson, CA 95642
5. Gold Country Lanes
Whether a traveler consistently knocks on the door of a perfect game, or needs bumpers to help get the ball where it needs to go, a bowling outing is always a fun idea.
Sutter Creek’s Gold Country Lanes is a good place to unwind and bowl some strikes or spares. It’s open every day, starting at 10am.
If you’re able to get there on a Tuesday, players can enjoy an extremely cost effective $2 per game per person special. In addition to bowling, laser tag is also offered to groups of up to 18 people.
81 Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
6. Avio Vineyards
For the more spirited(pun intended) traveler, a stop at Sutter Creek’s Avio Vineyards is a great way to unwind and spend a weekend.
Only open Friday-Sunday, Avio offers a wide variety of Italian wines, in a setting that reminds many of Italy.
The vineyard is broken out into five sections, which focus on different types of wine.
For example, Zio Giorgio’s Lot is primarily dedicated to Cabarnet Sauvignon, while Zio Paulino’s is concentrated on Pinot Grigio.
If a traveler can’t get enough vino in their visit, they can join the vineyard’s Bacchanalia club, and received wine delivered at home four times a year.
14520 Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
7. Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark
(photo: Dave Bunnell)
It can be a bit of a challenge finding the entrance to Black Chasm Cavern National Landmark, as its official website cautions of spotty cellphone service in the immediately surrounding area.
While Google Maps may not be of much use during a trip there, the camera on your phone certainly will be necessary to capture images of the natural beauty in the living cave.
Black Chasm has a breathtaking array of crystals and stones that majestically appear on its walls. There’s also a stunning view of a lake reflection there which is worth the journey.
15701 Pioneer Volcano Rd, Volcano, CA 95689
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