Placer County Museum

69

228

519

8 months ago

Gone day tripping to check this out. Found myself confused as we went thru metal detector and security entrance. It was a small room museum and a part of the lobby you can look into inside a courthouse. It is rich in local history. There were artifacts on judges clothings, native Americans history, jail cell and reward system. Medicine and Nursing related technology evolution. There were lots of information to read on along each possible spot. Good museum if you are killing time, not much enjoyable for small kids other than the pretend jail prisoner props you can use for picture taking and the phone code transmission you can try. Free museum. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tom S.

372

2507

4258

2 years ago

Fun and free admission. Even if you are a good student and read the info at each display you can see it all in one hour. Little kids will probably be bored to death in 8 minutes. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Jacqueline S.

393

812

5046

3 years ago

This museum is full of beautifully curated items. There are docents that point out interesting things. Loved the Video on trains, "Mastering the Mountains " Basket collection is fantastic. Free Museum! read more

Placer County Museum - Pate Collection of baskets and Indian artifacts - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Paiute Basket- 1961, beautiful colors - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Basket with Lid, Western Eskimo 1900 - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Beautiful Carriage- very stylish and in great shape - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Part of the basket collection - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Part of the basket collection, several shapes - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Large safe- beautiful painting. Manufactured in Detroit Michigan 1878. - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Rachelle P.

Elite 26 All-Star

652

1641

11359

7 years ago

On Saturday morning we stopped by to visit this historic landmark which was originally a courthouse and jail. We decided on taking one of their guided tours with a museum staff member to learn a bit more of the history. The woman was very patient with taking the time to answer some of our curious questions and I learned a lot from the history of gold, American Indians etc. and even got a chance to see an original painting of Thomas Kinkade depicting the town! Such a fan of his and a very well done painting! Not to mention they had this funny photo props area with fake mustaches and wanted frames and I dawned one lol, ever hear of the bearded lady, if she can pull it off, then so can I!? One last tid bit, did you know the American Indian babies wore moss diapers and were carried on their mama's back in a cradle while she worked, quite the multitasker?! I would highly recommend stopping in and visiting this free museum here in Auburn, don't forget to put in a donation before you leave, your funds help to keep this museum alive and running! On Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. rain or shine they offer free guided tours of Old Town Auburn starting here, check it out! I know I will my next visit when it's a bit warmer! read more

Placer County Museum - Tuesday April 15th at 9:30 Am, free coffee and donuts, Board of Supervisors crucial vote for funding, locals come support the landmark! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - They have a scavenger hunt for children, too fun! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - The outside of the historic landmark, just amazing! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - 1900 made by C.M Henderson & Co, boys school high-top button shoes, one of the leading 19th century shoe companies in the midwest! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Beautiful horse and buggy! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Cool vintage Shell station complete with Pinup girl posters and a retro coca-Cola machine!! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - My wanted picture complete with a big mustache and all, rofl! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Indian Messengers tied knots of buckskin etc to keep track of days to an event, each traveled day they'd untie 1 knot until destination! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Stagecoach for delivering mail back in the day! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Beautiful stained glass artwork! - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

See all

Helpful 42

Thanks 1

Love this 41

Oh no 0

David F.

80

669

3154

11 years ago

On vacation in Auburn on a November rainy Sunday afternoon, we passed by the historic Courthouse, but doubtful anything would be open. Lo and behold, cars were in the parking lot, and the Placer County Museum was open for visitors! Turns out the museum is open seven days a week. Jo Ann, the wonderful museum docent on hand, started us out with great tips and brochures on things to see in Auburn and the museum. It is so nice (and sometimes all too rare) for a tourist to be welcomed by natives! Although not a large museum, there is more here than it appears at first look. The exhibits are thoughtful and well designed, and we ended up spending an enjoyable hour or more visiting here. Exhibits ranged from the original Native Americans to early settlers, and into the 20th century. Don't miss the film on the Lincoln Highway (that runs through Auburn). We were reminded again on some exhibits how things we take for granted today were a huge leap forward, connecting a once isolated California with the rest of the country. For museum and history lovers this museum is definitely worth a stop. read more

Placer County Museum - Early wedding certificate - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Placer County Museum - Beautiful hallway display of Indian artifact collection - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Janell W.

92

142

94

4 years ago

How awesome to see such history. Come visit. Great for children and adults!! And it's free.

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Melissa S.

Elite 26 All-Star

113

1838

5255

10 years ago

When we came it was closed, but we were able to enjoy the outside. The steps go on forever and you can take some amazing pictures on them. The place is beautiful and a great place to visit. Some day I hope to make it inside. read more

Placer County Museum - Long walk, great view - Museums Near Me - Auburn, California

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Mel B.

0

44

12

7 years ago

I had a great time here with the entire family. The docents were extremely welcoming, and the officers at the front were friendly as well. This is a great place for a piece of local history. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kristian D.

Elite 24

452

1589

4673

10 years ago

The Placer County Museum is a small historical museum in the ground floor of the historic county courthouse near Old Town Auburn. It is easily seen from the freeway with decent parking, although Saturday mornings are difficult with the farmers market. Coincidently, the museum offers a free walking tour of the courthouse and old town every Saturday morning at 10:00 am. This popular tour is led by a docent and gives a brief and interesting history of the area. It ends in Old Town around lunch which is a perfect opportunity to get some food before returning to explore the exhibits. Overall, the museum is small, but anyone living in the area or interested in California history will appreciate learning a bit more about the region. The museum is probably boring for little kids, but older ones will be more interested. Definitely a great way to start your day in Auburn. read more

Helpful 9

Thanks 0

Love this 7

Oh no 0

Sharon K.

149

502

351

12 years ago

If you enjoy history of an old gold town, you will enjoy this museum. We walked in, and it felt like we were warped back into time. There's a room with an old carriage and buggy, which was fascinating. Along the hallway, you see artifacts of the native Americans that were settled there, as well as more information of the town. I especially enjoyed the Sheriffs office! Such debauchery and scandals! After you look in there, there's the old men's prison that has been changed to the history museum of the town. Very interesting to go to, and the ladies volunteering there are extremely friendly and sweet. Be sure to stop by the women's jail under the stairs - quite chilling! read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Larisa S.

Elite 9

16

197

1

19 years ago

This museum is in the large domed court house building that dominates downtown Auburn. It has a basic history of the area, an extensive collection of Indian spear points and woven baskets and a recreated sheriff's office. Oh yeah, and a huge display of GOLD, NUGGETS AS BIG AS YOUR FIST! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Metallic O.

550

195

310

18 years ago

Quality displays, great location, and a beautiful courthouse - you can't go wrong!

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tim B.

0

43

1

11 years ago

Every Saturday at 10AM the museum offers a free guided tour of Old Auburn. Our guide was Carol and we had so much fun with her! If you're interested in local history it is something worth doing. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Linda M.

34

51

0

10 years ago

Very nice small museum in a beautiful building. Free to the public. Security. Clean bathrooms. 5 stars!

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

More info about Placer County Museum

101 Maple St
Auburn, CA 95603
Directions
(530) 889-6500
Call Now

Hours

What time does Placer County Museum open?

What time does Placer County Museum close?

Other Amenities

Does Placer County Museum have free WiFi?

Yes, Placer County Museum has free WiFi.

Review Highlights - Placer County Museum

“On Saturday morning we stopped by to visit this historic landmark which was originally a courthouse and jail.”

Mentioned in 6 reviews

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Museums 724 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Gold Rush Museum

4.3

(14 reviews)

0.7 mi

Free admission, interactive and friendly staff! TINY! Only worth a stop if your hiking in Auburn,…read moredon't go out of your way for it. Next to viral thrift shop Moon Walk thread. Famous Ikeda is also close by. You can hit all 3 in an hour.

It's on the same level immersion-wise as most theme parks... AND ITS FREE! Great place for children…read moreto learn Just stop by

Train

See all

Bernhard Museum Complex

4.6

(23 reviews)

0.4 mi

Awesome tour with such wonderful knowledgeable guides! So much history here. Daisy and the…read morewonderful lady who did our tour (forgot her name) were so wonderful in sharing all the special moments in the house and all the history. We really enjoyed our visit here and learning about the family and the home.

We only did the tour of the house but it was amazing. The two tour guides were so knowledgeable and…read morefriendly. The house is a replica of exactly what it would have looked like back in the day. There were so many special things to see in there including art from unusual materials, a wedding dress and a kitchen with old fashioned "appliances." My 5 year old was enthralled and it was short enough that she didn't surpass her attention span. The guides were truly incredible and the highlight of the experience. You can tell they care about preserving the history of it all.

House in background behind the winery building

Fruit tree blossoms

See all

Winery door on street

Van Howd Studios & Gallery

5.0

(5 reviews)

3.7 mi

What an incredible talent and place. Staff is always so welcoming and informative. Where you are…read morebuying or just browsing, everyone is treated beautifully and every inch of the place is a feast for your soul

Beyond amazing. I've seen the Dave McCoy statue and the giant Willy Mammoth statue at Mammoth ski…read morearea. Van Howd made Both ! ! He made 2 Ronald Reagan statues. One is in the capital in Sacramento and many bigger than life statues of African game animals. Worth visiting if in Auburn.

Artist Douglas Van Howd sculpting a life-size baby African elephant in clay.

See all

Visit our website: www.vanhowd.com

Placer Nature Center

(6 reviews)

6.4 mi

We were invited to a birthday party at the Placer Nature Center. This was the first time we've…read moreever been or even heard of it. It was super easy to find. Parking was easy. The party was such a great idea. Something different. And it was a beautiful day to be outdoors. We were able to look around different rooms filled with all different things from water animals, local animals, even dinosaurs!!!! Then we went on a nature walk with scavenger hunt. Everyone was engaged and having fun! Then the kids got to check out the pond....and catch tadpoles! So fun. My daughter had such a good time, she didn't want to leave.

My youngest son had a field trip here and it was just perfect. We were bussed in and split into…read moreserval groups, each group had a different activity but in the end was able to do them all. We had a nature walk, guess who, got to check out butterflies and all the stages they go through. All staff was so informative and kept the small aged kiddos engaged!

See all

Nature Hike

Old Town Auburn

4.4

(19 reviews)

0.1 mi

From my separate City of Auburn review:…read more Auburn is an attractive city, especially Old Town Auburn, which attracts passersby on the highway between Reno and Sacramento with the quaint architecture on a hill flanked by a giant sculpture. Its small-town charm is likely why movies like Rocky and Bullwinkle, Breakdown, Wisdom, and xXx had scenes shot here, but the town relates most to the 1996 John Travolta movie Phinome Phenomin Phenomm Look Who's Talking. The guy who discovered gold here in 1849 was memorialized by Ken Fox with a 45-ton concrete (rebar and wire mesh) statue at the entrance of Old Town. Ken Fox was a dentist able to do this in between teeth cleanings and forcing customers to look at super close-up pictures of their teeth in order to sell "special deep teeth cleaning" by the quadrant. This dentist has more "Great Statues" in the area which you'd likely find ful-"filling". Get it? Anyway, it's right off the highway, so stop there and check out Old Town. (Check my reviews on Edelweis 2 and the California Club)

Quality/Quantity - What a cool active town, see pictures…read more(and/or their website) of some current events. This might be our new pit stop...? Or a designated location? We usually go to downtown Auburn, so I am glad we came to Old Town this time. Atmosphere - Cool historic town. Lots of locally owned shops. Plenty of places to eat. Walk friendly but not sure if ADA friendly. Dog friendly, at least at the brewery. :) Service - Good, everyone we met was friendly. Price - Depends on where you shop, eat, and drink. Owner Comment - What a great fun town, looking forward to coming back soon when I have more time.

9/16/22 Cool, current promotion

See all

Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

(36 reviews)

24.6 mi

Brought my daughter here and we both loved it. The staff were super friendly and really into what…read morethey do -- u can tell they care about keeping history alive. The train ride was calm, scenic, and honestly just fun to experience together. The museum itself has some amazing old cars and engines, all restored beautifully. It's got that perfect nostalgic vibe but still feels fresh and hands-on for kids. Such a great spot to spend an afternoon -- highly recommend it for families or anyone who just loves classic trains.

We had such an amazing time here! While we didn't come on the weekend, so the shop was closed, that…read moredidn't ruin our time in the slightest. The worker Brian, showed us around the museum and was truly excellent. He was so helpful and kind and obviously very knowledgeable about the railroad. He engaged the kids by asking lots of questions and kept us all entertained. This museum teaches you a lot and isn't boring like a lot of others are. I'd definently recommend!

Info on steam powered car

The workshop

See all

On the train!!!

Griffith Quarry Museum

4.5

(6 reviews)

5.7 mi

Looks like it would be a nice place for a picnic and a short hike. Nice open space. The quarry…read moreitself isn't much to see. 105 degrees Fahrenheit late June 2020.

I'm sure the park is probably closed after sunset, but I've come out here a few times to watch…read moremeteor showers and/or just to have some mischievousness fun after dark! There's quite a few walking trails, some granite ruins/walls, and a pretty big open grass area for picnics and what not! I think they do some sort of free tours on the weekends, but I'm not sure what really goes on for those. If you have offspring, this is probably a pretty cool spot to take the kids out and wear them down! If you decide to come out after dark, don't forget your flashlight, at night the walking trails seem to send you in circles, which is always fun if your with someone who scares easily!

The grain in granite seems to usually run east to west

Penryn

See all

Museum

Joss House Museum

3.6

(5 reviews)

0.1 mi

Bookmarked this museum years ago, but it sat in my bucket list for a while. As someone who's…read moreinterested in California's Gold Rush history, and Chinese-American history, this museum is a very cool landmark place to visit. Unfortunately, the museum wasn't open on the day we visited, so only got to see the outside. May come back in the future when we head this way again. Located on Sacramento and Brewery Lane.

Great little Chinese heritage left behind by hard working Chinese Americans who gave up their lives…read morein China and worked laboriously in the Wild West. If you are interested in Gold Rush stories, this is a cute house to visit and see traces of Chinese immigrants and their daily lives there.

East South West North Bring Good Samaritan. Spring Summer Fall Winter Bring Forth Prosperity.

Outside

See all

Outside

Historic Courthouse

(5 reviews)

0.0 mi

My friend and I were strolling around Old Town Auburn when we saw this very grand building on top…read moreof the hill. We both wondered if that's their City Hall... Convinced that it probably is (it's not), we decided to hike up the hill to take a closer look only to realize as we hiked up that it was a lot farther away. Also we were surprised at the very steep hills here. So we made the decision to walk back down toward the center of Old Town and drove the parked car up to what we now realized is the Historic Courthouse. Built in 1898, it is now also the site of the current Placer County Superior Court (2nd floor) and The Placer County Museum which is located on the 1st floor. Of note, there's a Placer County women's jail (exhibit) which is a makeshift cell underneath the north staircase that was put here in 1905 due to it being too expensive to house women prisoners in local hotels and too dangerous to house them with men in the main jail. Located on Maple Street and Union Street.

One thing you have to do while in the area is check out this courthouse, which has a lot of…read morephotographic appeal, and there's even a museum you can view for free. The top part is where official things are done, so you will have to go through security to get into the building. This wasn't a big deal, though.

A model of the Historic Auburn Court House

Some history

See all

Some history

Granny Mays Strawberry Farm

(69 reviews)

10.5 mi

I heard about this spot a couple years back from my SIL but never made the time to go. Now that my…read morethree youngest kids eat strawberries like they're candy and it was Mother's Day it seemed like the best time to go! Although, it was a bit of a drive for us coming from Sacramento/Elk Grove we were able to maximize our time there. The strawberry farm is family owned and located not too far from other businesses in the area if you wanted to find something to eat or find somewhere else to hang out afterwards. There was a food truck, Laopino, that had delicious lumpias, music, a bubble machine, plus a few games and activities to keep the little ones occupied, and shaded tables to enjoy your fresh harvests. :) Tickets are only available online. Weekend tickets are released on Thursdays at 7 pm. When choosing our date and time it shows we only had an hour to pick but really we got to take our time and enjoy our morning. I feel they show you have a one hour slot to help stagger guests in. I love how they had a little gift shop set up, another tent with fresh flowers, drinks, and beautiful cookies at the register to purchase. The strawberry fields had plenty to choose from. We saw lots of bright red ones varying from all sizes. The staff also informed us there were 6 types of strawberries being grown! My kids enjoyed only for a short while and mainly wanted to stay in the kid area. There are also plenty of photo ops on the farm too! We would absolutely return in the future. Highly recommend!

I saw Granny Mays on an Insta ad and I immediately clicked on it to make a rezie! My daughter…read moreLOVES, I'm talking about lovesssss strawberries so picking fresh berries is right up our activity alley. Being able to include her in picking the strawberries then taking them home to eat fresh off the vine was everything and more. On the day we went (reservation on a Saturday from 10-11am) the cost for adults was $12 per person. This includes a small basket per person. They offer 6 different varieties of strawberries, yup you read that right. I had no idea there were more than one variety, so this educational part was cool. The farm can get crowded and with this Sac heat, I highly recommend scheduling your reservation early and on a weekday. The farm is family owned and everyone is so nice. Would absolutely recommend this idea to families with your kiddos.