Page 71 - North State Parent March 2021

Birthday Party Destinations
NORTH STATE PARENT FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2021 MUSEUMS & HISTORICAL SITES
Seven Places to Enjoy the Northern California’s Rich History
BY JENNA CHRISTOPHERSEN
This summer delve into the rich history of Northern California and let adventure redefine your family. Although young in terms of
contemporary settlement, our state’s diverse natural stories run back to prehistoric ages. Use the list below to get your family started and then enjoy adventuresome new roads as they unfold before you.
Lava Beds National Monument, Tulelake
www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm
Driving into the high desert of Lava Beds National Monument takes your family into a world of geological, ecological and historic intrigue. Molten lava rushing beneath its rapidly-cooling crust from the Medicine Lake volcano created this fascinating network of lava tubes. Wander through caves with names like Mushpot, Skull, Golden Dome, Blue Grotto or Labyrinth, and learn about plants, fungi, cave invertebrates and bats specially adapted to this unique environment. Cave drawings hint at the cultural legacy of the Modoc Indians, and the monument lands contain the battlefields of the Modoc War of the early 1870s.
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Oroville wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/North-Table- Mountain-ER
Popular for viewing springtime flowers and seasonal waterfalls, Table Mountain has additional hidden gems — literally. The first diamond discovered in the United States came from the plateau’s former gold mining boomtown of Cherokee. Drive up Cherokee Road and stop near the Cherokee Historic Landmark to see remnants of stone buildings and relics of the hydraulic gold mining that still scars the landscape. A few minutes away, crossing a historic covered bridge brings visitors to Oregon City, where one of California’s oldest schoolhouses still welcomes visitors on some weekends and by appointment.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484
In 1848, James Marshall discovered flakes of gold in the American River near Coloma while working on a sawmill for John Sutter. Marshall may as well have discovered magic; those little flakes initiated a radical transformation of the population, culture and landscape of California. Today, visitors can take guided walking tours of the area, exploring the Marshall Gold Discovery Museum or stepping into the American River. The State Park offers seasonal programs, exhibits and activities for all ages, as well as areas for swimming, hiking, picnicking, boating and fishing.
Old Faithful Geyser of California, Calistoga
visitcalistoga.com/directory/old-faithful-geyser-of- california/
While much smaller than the famed geyser of Yellowstone, California’s version still awes visitors as it shoots over 400 gallons of water 60 feet into the air every 30-40 minutes. After witnessing the spectacle for yourself, visit the geyser’s geology museum to learn the about the “plumbing” of geysers and how California’s Old Faithful can predict earthquakes up to 500 miles away. Those who prefer the warm fuzzies of nature will enjoy the Old Faithful Animal Farm, while those with a green thumb can stroll through the Old Faithful Gardens, centered around a natural mineral water fountain. After exploring works up everyone’s appetite, enjoy a family picnic with a view of the geyser and a game of bocce ball.
Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
schulzmuseum.org
Did Charlie Brown always wear that iconic zig-zag shirt?
Was the Little Red-Haired Girl inspired by a real person? Find answers to these questions and more in the world’s largest collection of original “Peanuts” art. Visitors of all ages will enjoy entering the spirit of his work by drawing their own cartoons.
Fort Ross, Jenner
www.fortross.org
Fort Ross offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, redwood forests and the San Andreas faultline. Visitors exploring the natural landscape and the Russian-era buildings can find lingering evidence of the 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco. Although established in 1812 as the southernmost reach of Russian settlement, Fort Ross has a very multi-cultural history, including the locally native Kayasha people, native Alaskans and Hawaiians and California land giants like John Sutter and John Bidwell. Investigate these layers of history at your own pace or book a guided tour for a wider look at the area’s rich cultural story.
Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco
www.presidio.gov
The Presidio became a U.S. Army post just before the Gold Rush and became a national park in 1994. Today, a mixture of businesses, untamed parks, historical landmarks and residential neighborhoods make the Presidio an engaging compilation of history and modernity. Visit Baker Beach, the Korean War Memorial, the Walt Disney Family Museum or the Lucasfilm headquarters. Complete the family adventure by camping at Rob Hill or make it a romantic getaway with reservations at the historic and glamorous Inn at the Presidio.
Whether or not an exotic summer vacation fits in your family’s schedule this year, you can still make room for a memorable day trip or weekend adventure to strengthen family bonds and deepen your appreciation of the North State.
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