By the mid-1850s, Downieville was California’s fifth largest town. You can now enjoy a town rich with history while taking advantage of an area with lots of outdoor recreation.
Gold was discovered in Downieville during the summer of 1849 and within six years, Downieville was California’s fifth-largest town. Main Street is narrow, lined with trees, and full of character. Downieville has several historic buildings and is considered the least changed of all the gold rush towns in California.
The Downieville Museum dates back to 1852 when it was a store used by the Chinese emigrants. Today it contains memorabilia from the gold rush days to the present. There are several inns and resorts in town to make your stay enjoyable. Downieville is known for its Mountain Biking trails and each year it hosts the Downieville Classic Mt. Bike Festival.
The visitor’s center is next to Lions Memorial Park, where there is a display of mining artifacts, including a stamp mill and water wheel.
There are several old houses that are well cared for, including this building that was the home to the Bosch Brewery, thought to be Downieville’s oldest brewery.
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