Mariposa Museums  

California State Mining and Mineral Museum
Located at the fairgrounds on Hwy. 49. Housed in a building with a model of a stamp mill and a mining tunnel burrowed into the hillside, you will find one of the largest exhibits of gems, fossils, and minerals in the world. You will see over 20,000 unique specimens, many of which were discovered during the mid and late 1800's, now donated to the state for safekeeping and for the enjoyment and education of the public. See California Meteorites, Historic Mining Artifacts, Benitoite - The State Gemstone, California Diamonds and gems and minerals from around the world. The highlight of the gold exhibit is the Fricot Nugget, one of the finest and largest specimens of native gold in existence weighing 201.40 troy ounces. Exhibits change frequently, making a return trip to the museum well worth your while. Admission: $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for seniors 60 and up and students and children 14 to 18. Children under 13 are free. Hours: Summer; daily 10am - 6pm, except Tuesdays. Winter; Wednesday-Sunday 10am - 4pm.
5005 Fairgrounds Dr.
(209) 742-7625

Mariposa County History Museum
The museum was founded in 1957 and considered one of the best small museums in America by the Smithsonian Institute. You will find the people and life style in Mariposa County from the Indian and Spanish periods to the infamous California Gold Rush as well as the recent past are portrayed with great authenticity. You will see original documents, artifacts and artwork. Gold displays and Native American baskets are just a few items to enjoy. On display is a large stamp mill, a typical one room miner's cabin and displays of the life style of the West's most famous explorer and Mariposa County resident, John C. Fremont, and his wife, Jessie. There is a docent to answer questions and you can arrange for a private tour for your group. Donations are accepted. Hours: January - closed; February and March - weekends 10am - 4pm; April through October - daily 10am - 4pm; November and December - weekends
10am - 4pm.
5119 Jessie St.
(209) 966-2924