Step back in time on a museum tour. There are several museums in Tuolumne County where visitors learn about the rich Gold Rush history, view historical artifacts and discover geological sites.

• Tuolumne County Museum is located in downtown Sonora in what was Sonora’s original Jail, which is reason alone to pop in, but the depth of their collection is astounding. Learn about the gold rush and the enterprising spirit of our county’s earliest residents. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Tuolumne County Veterans Museum located on Washington Street in downtown Sonora displays uniforms and weapons used in past wars. This is a must-see for history buffs.

• Columbia State Historic Park Museum. Learn about Columbia’s contribution to the Gold Rush and what everyday life was like for its residents. The museum is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. inside Columbia State Historic Park, a free state park operating as an 1850’s mining town. Enjoy a libation to warm up at the What Cheer Saloon at the City Hotel or a spot of tea at Columbia Kate’s.

• Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum is located at 18990 Highway 120 (adjacent to Mary Laveroni Park heading to the Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park) and has a large display of mining equipment, wildlife and geology exhibits. The museum is open Sunday to Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While you are in Groveland, don’t miss California’s oldest drinking establishment, the Iron Door Saloon, or Charlotte Hotel’s Fork & Love Restaurant.