SUTTER'S FORT

In 1840, Captain John Sutter began what would become an adobe fort in Sacramento. This fort would be instrumental in settling California after the gold rush of 1849. This State Historic Park is a wonderful excursion. It is a self-guided tour through the fort, with audio stations at most every room. They well explain the purpose of each stop, and give a good flavor to the fort. The fort stands today very much the same as it did 150+ years ago.

We found this a very interesting place to visit, though it is certainly much more so on the Living History Days or Demonstration Days (Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day). A nice trip back in time. We've been playing the Oregon Trail II game for awhile now, so my children were familiar with the movement west and the importance of Forts in that expansion. For children who have not yet studied it, it's probably best to read The Cornerstones Of Freedom's Sutter's Fort beforehand. There is no eating or drinking allowed inside ('cept water fountains), but there is a big grassy area outside for picnics. We opted instead to walk a block down to J street and eat at Carrow's Restaurant (kids meals are ~$3; well worth the air conditioning!). The California State Indian Museum is adjacent to the fort -- however, it requires its own admission fee.