mariposa museum and history center

812sandyt

Only a small building but housing such treasures from the past including the complete inside of an old store (absolutely amazing), information and items relating to the gold rush of 1849 (very significant to Mariposa) and numerous other historical artefacts relating to the town and surrounding areas. The exhibits are very clearly labelled, follow logically in numerical order and the staff provide you with a book with more detailed information on each exhibit. We left the museum having learned a lot about the history of the local area and life in times long past. Well worth visiting.

EIriss

Great little museum with loads of history about Mariposa and the gold mining days. I think it was $5 which you put in a little box when you enter. There isn't much else to do in Mariposa if i'm honest so the museum will pass a little time if you are stuck for what to do.

asgrissom

There was so much to take in we had to return for a second visit. The local history is displayed to well. Kudos to the historians that put it all together.

dickandjackie

We spent 2+ hours visiting the museum and enjoyed every minute. It is extremely well organized and had great exhibits. The volunteers were very helpful .

allseeingmeli

My boyfriend and I happened to spend the night in Mariposa on our way to the airport from Yosemite, and stumbled upon this gem. The fee is a measly $4. We are not necessarily the biggest history nerds, but this place was so accessible, engaging, and diverse in it's content. I never expected a small town museum to have access to this much history!Inside, different aspects of historical life in the area are described by colorful sentences and paragraphs written directly onto wooden boards and plaques pasted next to supporting documents, records, pictures, and objects that span from floor to ceiling, giving a collage of histories from mining hazards to frontier medicine to the crazy adventures of John & Jesse Fremont and the Hornitos gang. The gift shop has a great collection of supporting literature, and outside one the grounds are well-kept historic mills and buildings. Reeeeally worth it, even if you aren't big on history. You will find something here that fascinates you.

Gerrypw2711

A small but very informative museum introducing the history if the town packed full of exhibits and information panels. Very helpful staff who clearly are proud of their town.

busymom5

We had time to kill so we stopped in. It ws interesting to me (adult) as well as my 13 year old daughter.

motraveler50

We spent a couple of hours, walking among the buildings, and learning about Yosemite's History, especially loved the covered Bridge.

AHappyMNTraveler

My husband and I were looking for something to do before heading out of town, as we had quite a bit of time to kill. We decided on this lttle gem, and were really happy we did. We intended to have a quick look around, take in a few exhibits, and head back to Fresno. Instead, we ended up engrossed in our self-guided tour. There are many, many exhibits to view, and thousands of items from the beginning of this settlement during the gold-rush days. When we were finished with our self-guided tour, one of the docents approached us with some more items of interest, and ended up showing us pretty much everything behind the counters. There is also an outside area to visit. What was intended to be an hour hour so ended up to be over two. Great for people of all ages and a good value, too!

MKHNAFL

This small museum is jam packed with relics of the gold rush era - both to see and read about. For antique machinery buffs the outdoor exhibits are great - including an operable stamp mill that can be run upon prior arrangements. It is well worth your time while you're in the area!

michaelrE899LU

Actually there are two museums in Mariposa. One on the Yosemite end of town and the Cal. State mineral museum on the Merced end of town. Our recommendation is to visit both as they are full of information and interesting things to see. On the way to Mariposa from Merced, you find an interesting wine tasting room on the left side of the road. This is about five miles out of Merced and is located in a nut orchard.Just north of Merced on highway 99 is the old Castle Air Force base Museum which is also worth the visit.

bjlOshawa_Ontario

A great compact introduction to the California Gold Rush and Mariposa! The exhibits are well presented and visually attractive. The excerpts from letters throughout capture the flavour of the gold rush and the circumstances the miners' faced. Of special interest is the re-created Store which has a great variety of original items displayed well. The museum staff were extremely helpful and conversant with Mariposa and the Gold Rush. Well worth a stop!!

NOI430

Do not definately miss visiting this town. The cradel of the gold madness in XIX Century. Cute and warm. Plenty of details along it's main street. Do not miss going to buy anything to the only Warehouse attended by a family.Unforgetable ¡¡¡

Tenzin_Dream

Great museum with so much history. Spend an hour or two here and read about the history of Mariposa and CA. The displays are excellent. I really enjoyed the "Dear Charlie" letters that others have mentioned. Make sure to see the old mining machinery outside as well as the horse carriage. The donation is $4 for adults and kids are free. The best 4 bucks I've ever spent.

rocklvr03

After spending the morning at the Butterfly Creek Winery, I decided to spend the rest of the day in town. This museum was at the top of my list. I thoroughly enjoyed the outside tour and took several pictures of the gold mining artifacts and farm implements. Inside was a treat as well. You are provided a binder that explained each exhibit. You could see actual things that people used over a century ago. For example, a general store, school house, and doctor office equipment.I appreciated artifacts from pioneer ranching families. Such as their saddles, branding irons, spurs and other horse tack.This museum is worth a visit. About two hours gives you enough time to enjoy all it was to offer. Although, I could have spent another two hours enjoying the displays.