COLOMA, Calif. — January 5, 2026 — Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park will host its annual Gold Discovery Day on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., commemorating the discovery of gold by James W. Marshall at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 — an event that helped trigger the California Gold Rush and reshape the history of El Dorado County and the state.
The free community event (day-use parking is $10 per vehicle) invites visitors to explore the park’s historic Main Street and participate in living history demonstrations, including gold panning, blacksmithing, and displays of period mining techniques.
“Gold Discovery Day gives people of all ages a chance to step back into a pivotal moment in California history and understand how local pioneers lived, worked and traveled,” said a park spokesperson. “It’s a meaningful way for families and students across El Dorado County to connect with our shared heritage.”
Activities scheduled throughout the park will include:
-
Gold panning stations and mining demonstrations where visitors can try their hand at historic techniques.
-
Historic trades and craft displays such as blacksmithing and trade demonstrations.
-
Family-friendly games and learning experiences for children and adults alike.
Gold Discovery Day has been celebrated annually in Coloma since 1948, when the centennial of Marshall’s find was first marked by local residents.
James W. Marshall’s find on Jan. 24, 1848, in the tailrace of the sawmill he helped build with John Sutter set off the greatest voluntary migration in the Western Hemisphere and played a key role in California’s rapid transition from territory to statehood by 1850.
This living history program forms part of the park’s ongoing mission to preserve and interpret the region’s Gold Rush legacy for residents and visitors alike, offering a tangible look at how this watershed moment shaped local communities.
The park is located at 300 Back Street, Coloma, just off Highway 49, and features a replica of Sutter’s Mill, historic cabins, a mining museum and opportunities for year-round educational tours.
