California State Mining & Mineral Museum - Mariposa (CA)

5 /5 J. Huang: It’s well worth a visit if you have school-age children, and it’s a great way to help them understand the history of mining, gold mining, and immigration in California.

5 /5 Jamie K: Unexpected gem of a museum. Very interesting and the staff were very informative!! No cameras allowed inside so only have pictures from the outside.

5 /5 Andrea K: Wonderful little museum showcasing the history of California mining and abundance of mineral deposits of the state. $4 in November 2023 is well worth this quick stop to stretch your legs and expand your brain. Kids under 12 go in for free. Located within the Mariposa Fairegrounds, there is ample parking right outside the main gate. There are bathrooms inside and outside the museum. NO photography allowed. The mineral collection here is quite impressive and includes some donated items from around the globe. The highlight comes from a gold rush Era find. A GORGEOUS looking gold nugget is kept in their vault. It was never smelted due to its beautiful shape. You can also explore a 175 ft long replica of a mineshaft. It is dark, damp, and a bit musky in there, so dont go if you suffer from claustrophobia. It does not get to a point where you need to duck or squeeze through. I am 510 and had no issues.

2 /5 Darla Pate: I am sure it is an informative place regarding mining history, however after making the journey up here on our spring break trip, it was closed. :( However, if you are in the area any day other than Thurs. thru Sunday, check out the Mariposa History Center in town. It has lots of stuff on the local mining history as well.

5 /5 Martin Cawthorne: Make a diversion to visit this mineral museum. They have a great collection of very varied rocks from all over, but many from CA. Bentonite my favorite...