The now-abandoned tunnels were built for the transcontinental railroad on the route where the first wagon train entered California.

Bits and pieces from the ill-fated Donner Party's winter cabins.

Despite being a perfectly pleasant place to be, Loyalton can't seem to attract any visitors.

A unique museum where guests can rent and operate a locomotive.

Downieville's largest Gold Rush structure still standing has one of the longest bars in California.

The beauty and the beast of hydraulic mining is on full display at this California Historic State Park.

Once the largest town in eastern Yuba County now sits abandoned.

Built to hold Gold Rush wealth, this building has withstood the test of time.

This fully intact Neoclassical-Greek Revival style firehouse operated until 1938.

Hidden in a hotel parking lot is a strange historical plaque erected by an obscure fraternal society.

The Empire Mine is "one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California."

The oldest continuously operating Catholic school west of the Mississippi.

Established in 1853, this crumbling cemetery sits forgotten on the corner of Church and Chapel in Gold Country.

The first U.S. town to secede from the Union, only to vote themselves right back in.

The tallest bridge in California was constructed for a project that was eventually cancelled.

This 19th century hydroelectric powerhouse was the first of its kind.

A working miniature city designed to teach kids about safety and presumably city planning.

The last of a gourmet supermarket chain, this store helped spark California's Food Revolution.

A tiny survivor of the Donner Party disaster.

This 15-story mural celebrates the 50th anniversary of the musician's iconic "At Folsom Prison" album.

Where the first "expert riders, willing to risk death daily" for the Pony Express were recruited.

This 19th century train workshop is a treasure trove of railroad history.

The California capital city once stood 10 feet lower than it does today.

A replica of the first public theater built in California.