5 Museums in Calaveras County That You Shouldn't Miss

Located in the center of the gold mining district of California, Calaveras County is rich in history, tradition, romance and lore. Whether you plan to spend an hour or an entire day, come to San Andreas and enjoy the Historic Downtown Museum. Open daily 10-4. The Downtown Museum is located on historic Main Street in San Andreas. Comprised of three buildings, the Museum is a reflection of the history of Calaveras County, its industry, its people, and even its notorious outlaws. The Museum is included in European travel guides as a "must see" destination and we have guests from all over the world.

Our purpose is to inform and educate the public about the rich history of the Murphys area, especially of the Gold Rush period and of the Native American and other cultures that once prospered here. The museum has an extensive collection of mining artifacts, period clothing, photographs, news clippings and journals of pioneer families as well as superb examples of Miwok and other tribal basketry and tools.

In the historic gold mining town of Mokelumne Hill, Petroglyphe Gallery is located in a building originally constructed in 1858. They feature imaginative contemporary works of art in oil, acrylic, watercolor, glass, ceramic, copper, and present drypoint etchings and jewelry. Part of the gallery is Copper & Willow Inspired Gifts offering unique American made items, each with its own story.