Step Back in Time at Gold Discovery Day in Coloma
Every January, history comes alive in El Dorado County as locals and visitors alike gather to commemorate one of the most pivotal events in California’s past — the discovery of gold by James W. Marshall on January 24, 1848. This year, Gold Discovery Day returns on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, inviting people of all ages to experience the drama, ingenuity, and spirit of the Gold Rush era.
The celebration marks the anniversary of Marshall’s historic find, which triggered the California Gold Rush and helped propel California to statehood just two years later. Collectors, adventurers, and dreamers poured into the Sierra Nevada foothills in search of fortune. Today, this rich legacy still echoes through the park’s preserved buildings and interactive exhibits.
From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., visitors can wander through a living history encampment that showcases 19th-century life on the frontier. Meet reenactors portraying miners and pioneers, try your hand at traditional gold panning, and watch demonstrations by blacksmiths and period tradespeople. Learn how miners worked and lived and what tools and techniques they used to seek their fortunes along the American River.
Families will find plenty to do throughout the park, from visiting the boarding house and merchant’s cabin to stopping by the gun shop or watching coopers construct barrels right before your eyes. It’s a rare, hands-on chance to walk the same ground where history was made and to gain a deeper appreciation for the people whose lives were shaped by gold.
A $10 per vehicle day-use fee supports park operations and helps ensure that this living history tradition continues for future generations. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or a family looking for an educational day out, Gold Discovery Day delivers a treasure trove of experiences that make the past feel immediate and exciting.
Past Events
Dive into Family Fun at the Ducky Derby on July 13th!
Mark your calendars and gather the family for a day filled with excitement and community spirit at the Gold Discovery Park Ducky Derby on July 13th, 2024! Hosted at the beautiful Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, this event promises a quacking good time for all ages. 🦆🎉
From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, enjoy a plethora of activities that will keep everyone entertained. The highlight of the day? The thrilling Rubber Duck Races at noon and 2:00 PM. Watch in anticipation as hundreds of rubber ducks are released into the miner’s ditch, racing towards the finish line. Feeling lucky? For just a $5 donation, you can enter your very own duck into the race and cheer it on to victory! 🏁🦆
But that’s not all! Support local vendors from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and discover unique crafts and creations from our talented community. Plus, don’t miss out on our mouth-watering Fundraiser BBQ, serving up hotdogs, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and more. All proceeds from the duck sales and the BBQ go directly back into supporting the park’s educational programs and projects. 🍔🌭
And for those who love a bit of fashion fun, the Derby Hat Contest at 1:00 PM is your chance to shine. Whether you sport the biggest, fanciest, or silliest hat, there are prizes to be won in multiple categories. So, dust off those fabulous hats and join the contest! 🎩👒
Remember, while the event is free to attend, there is a $10 vehicle State Park parking fee. So, gather your friends, family, and the whole neighborhood for a day of laughter, competition, and community at the Ducky Derby. See you there! 🦆🎈
