Sacramento Educational Tours

In January of 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold while constructing a sawmill on the land of John Sutter. This discovery led to the infamous California Gold Rush and the subsequent selection of Sacramento as the state capitol of California. At Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, students can see the very location where gold was first discovered – they can even try panning for some gold of their own!

At Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, visitors can see the economic center of the first permanent European colonial settlement in California’s Central Valley. A study of California history would be incomplete without a stop at the California State Railroad Museum. This museum is a paradise for train lovers and showcases the history of rail transportation in California. Students can even take a ride on a historic steam train. Continue delving into history by bringing your students to explore the Old Sacramento Waterfront, which features dozens of recreated or restored buildings from the Gold Rush era. Wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and living history characters provide a glimpse into 19h-century life. Finally, round out your historical tour of Sacramento with a stop at the California State Capitol Museum.

Sacramento is the centre of the region’s extensive agricultural production, which is why it’s considered America’s Farm to Fork Capital. For students interested in agriculture, the Sacramento area is home to several farms and ranches that offer educational tours. The Soil Born Farms, for instance, offers farm tours, cooking classes, and workshops on organic farming and sustainability. The Davis Farmers Market is another great place to visit, where students can learn about agriculture, meet local farmers and taste some of the best local produce.