Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
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Sutter's Fort - by Sergey Gavelovskiy on Google
Description
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park preserves the fort that was established in 1839 as an agricultural and trade colony in the Mexican Alta California province. It was the first non-indigenous community in the California Central Valley and triggered the formation of the city of Sacramento. It was abandoned after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill (also owned by John Sutter) in Coloma (60km NE of the city) in 1848. The main 2-storey building is the only original surviving structure. Various rooms recreate how people worked and lived there when it was active. The park is open for self-guided tours.
Access & Transport
The park is located in midtown Sacramento between K and L Streets and 26th and 28th Streets. By car, take exit 7 from the I-80 onto N street Buses 30 and 38 stop there. Accessibility info: http://access.parks.ca.gov/parkinfo.asp?park=111&type=0
Instructions & Recommendations
Dogs allowed only in park surrounding Sutter's Fort. Only service animals are allowed inside the fort gates and in exhibit areas.
Environmental & Social
No or little carbon footprint. Helps preserve the city's historical heritage.
Conclusion
Visually, Sutter's Fort is a little underwhelming, but it is almost an obligatory step for anybody wishing to learn more about the very beginning of the settlement that was to become Sacramento. The lifestyle and Gold Rush historical aspects are also interesting.
Key positive
Interesting historical background
Affordable and easy to get to
Key negative
Guided tours would add a lot to the experience
Suitability
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility though some assistance may be required in places
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in July 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday10:00 - 17:00
Thursday10:00 - 17:00
Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 17:00