Historic Folsom is one of the must-see destinations of the Sierra Foothills. You can find this hidden gem near Lake Natoma and the bustling town of Folsom. The area is chalk-full of history! Tour a small Gold Rush town and several museums detailing the area’s history. In addition to the history, Historic Folsom has a bunch of restaurants and cute boutiques. This is the place where locals enjoy nightlife.
Historic Folsom has a fantastic selection of boutiques– from the esoteric to home and garden decor to fashionable clothing.
Eric Fredericks/Flickr There are also several wineries and coffee shops in Historic Folsom, so you can stop for a beverage during your shop-til-you-drop day.
You’ll find that there are many restaurants to choose from in Historic Folsom. Popular choices are Hacienda Del Rio and Hop Sings Palace.
MattGush/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Both of these restaurants are located on Sutter Street, which is lined with beautiful historic buildings.
Break up a day of shopping with museum visits. There are three museums in Historic Folsom within walking distance of each other. Check out the Railroad Museum where you’ll see a collection of railroad artifacts. The most impressive might be the turntable for locomotives, originally erected in 1867.
MattGush/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images There’s also the Folsom Power House State Historic Park and Museum. The power house looks a lot like it did when it was built in 1895. Contact the park for hours and to arrange a tour.
Pioneer Village is also a must-see. It’s an outdoor interpretive center presented by the Folsom History Museum.
MattGush/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Visitors can walk through what looks like a small Gold Rush town complete with a working blacksmith forge and an old train caboose.
Historic Folsom is home to a fantastic Saturday farmers market. You’ll find produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, and many stalls selling homemade art.
MattGush/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Throughout the year, Historic Folsom hosts many events, including arts and crafts fairs, free concerts, plus many events around Christmas time.
Make it an overnight trip and stay at the Lake Natoma Inn. This inn overlooks a slower part of the American River called Lake Natoma.
MattGush/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images In the summer, locals sun themselves on large boulders next to the lazy river, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard on this section of the river. Next to Lake Natoma is the American River Parkway trail. It is a multi-use trail that goes for 32 miles.
This is one historic town that’s not the slightest bit sleepy. Historic Folsom is where locals go to shop, eat, explore, and participate in community events. Want to get some extra walking in? Explore on foot the small neighborhood surrounding the historic downtown. We bet you’ll check your Zillow app and consider a move– it’s that pretty!
Eric Fredericks/Flickr
There are also several wineries and coffee shops in Historic Folsom, so you can stop for a beverage during your shop-til-you-drop day.
MattGush/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Both of these restaurants are located on Sutter Street, which is lined with beautiful historic buildings.
There’s also the Folsom Power House State Historic Park and Museum. The power house looks a lot like it did when it was built in 1895. Contact the park for hours and to arrange a tour.
Visitors can walk through what looks like a small Gold Rush town complete with a working blacksmith forge and an old train caboose.
Throughout the year, Historic Folsom hosts many events, including arts and crafts fairs, free concerts, plus many events around Christmas time.
In the summer, locals sun themselves on large boulders next to the lazy river, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard on this section of the river. Next to Lake Natoma is the American River Parkway trail. It is a multi-use trail that goes for 32 miles.
Have you ever explored all Historic Folsom has to offer? What are your favorite places to shop and dine in this historic downtown? Tell us in the comments.
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Address: Folsom Historic District, 915 Sutter St #110, Folsom, CA 95630, USA