Sacramento is full of student-friendly activities that are educational, fun and affordable. A visit to California’s capital city is a rite of passage for many students in California and surrounding states – and there is a reason why. Sacramento’s historical significance extends beyond California. Our history is significant to the westward expansion of America. And we continue to create history as the political capital of one of the largest economies in the world. Here are 10 of our top student-friendly experiences available to your student groups in Sacramento.
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California State Capitol: Learn what makes California’s capital tick. Open to visitors in 1869, the State Capitol features changing museum exhibits and historical rooms offering a view into California’s political past while the rest of the building acts as a “living museum.”
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Old Sacramento: Step back in time to the days of the Gold Rush. Against the Sacramento River as a backdrop and set among recreated or restored Gold Rush-era buildings, wooden plank sidewalks and horse-drawn carriages are more than 125 boutique shops, restaurants, attractions and museums.
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California State Railroad Museum: Learn about the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and how trains have shaped people's lives, the economy and the unique culture of California and the West. With 21 meticulously restored locomotives and cars, the museum is widely regarded as one of North America’s finest and most visited railroad museums.
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Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: Stand in the exact spot where John Marshall discovered gold in 1848, setting off one of the most significant migrations the world has ever seen. The tiny town of Coloma, with its various Gold Rush-era structures and cemetery, is located about an hour east of Downtown Sacramento.
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Sutter's Fort: See what was once called the “capital” of a settlement known today as Sacramento. Established in 1839 by John A. Sutter, a German-born Swiss entrepreneur, Sutter’s Fort marks a pivotal point in the history of California and westward migration. The fort was a self-sufficient community that served as Sacramento’s original commerce center, offering supplies and rest to pioneers coming west.
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Gold Bug Mine: Hard hats are provided! There are three sites to visit in the park: Gold Bug Mine is the major historical and geological attraction, and is an excellent example of hard rock mining; the Hendy Stamp Mill provides a full explanation of the ore extraction process from the quartz; and the Priest Mine is the original 1849 mine.
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Crocker Art Museum: The Crocker Art Museum, established 1885, is one of the leading art institutions in Northern California. Recently expanded to 125,000 square feet, the Crocker houses more than 14,000 works of art and offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European, Asian, African and Oceanic artworks.
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Sacramento Zoo: The Sacramento Zoo has a magnificent collection of rare and endangered animals set among majestic, 100-year-old oaks, unique gardens and open lawns with picnic tables. There are wildlife stage shows, animal encounters, monthly special events, overnight campouts, special animal feedings and much more.
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California Museum: Providing insight into California’s legacy by uniquely showcasing the stories of inspirational people and events, the California Museum is the home of the California Hall of Fame. Inductees include Walt Disney, Amelia Earhart, Serena Williams, Jackie Robinson and Mark Zuckerberg. The museum covers events including the birth of Hollywood, the discovery of gold, the earthquake of 1906 and the table grape boycott.
- Sacramento History Museum: The Gold Rush is only part of the story. The Sacramento History Museum is a reproduction of the 1854 City Hall and Waterworks. The Sacramento History Museum explores Sacramento’s city founders, the Gold Rush, industry and more.
Of course, there are many more activities for your student groups. We are here to help you plan your student groups’ custom itineraries. Contact me for more information about brining your student group to Sacramento.
