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This package includes the following:
Step back in time with this escape in the Sierras. Start your leisurely tour at the Hilmar Cheese Factory Visitor Center and sample some of the best cheese in California. Then "All Aboard" the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad. Strike gold at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum and Mariposa Museum and History Center.
Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad - All Aboard! Narrow gauge steam trains recreate an era of California's rich history on excursions through the majestic Sierra Forest just south Yosemite National Park. A must-see for all train and railroad enthusiasts, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a restoration of the old narrow gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. Vintage Shay locomotives provide the motive power for the one hour narrated excursion over tracks once used for logging trains at the turn of the century. Or take a ride on the quaint "Model A" powered Jenny railcars. These were once used to provide transportation for logging and track repair crews. Antique Model A Ford gas engines power the trolley-like cars over the same route as the Logger Steam Train - a 30 minute narrated trip. Package includes your choice of the Steam Train ride or the Jenney Railcar ride. Also at the station are the Thornberry museum, gold panning and gift stores. Open daily from 9:30AM. Call for schedules and seasonal closing times. 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp. 559-683-7273.
The Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center - Tour, taste, shop and eat at the world's largest single-site cheese manufacturer. Visit a beautiful Visitor Center with unique gift items, gourmet foods and cheeses. Visit the Caf?, Starbucks espresso bar, ice cream counter and more. Your self-guided tour and tasting is complimentary. 2 for 1 offer! FREE single scoop ice cream cone with every purchase of the same. Simply present your tour voucher at the ice cream counter. Open daily from 7AM - 7 PM. Closed major holidays. 9001 N. Lander Avenue/Highway 165, Hilmar.
BONUS: California State Mining and Mineral Museum - There is still gold in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, in historic Mariposa. This is where explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson found the rich Mariposa Vein and opened the first mill to crush ore and extract gold in California. Discover for yourself California's mineral wealth, colorful history and geologic diversity as you view the official mineral collection of the state of California. The collection, which began in 1880, contains over 13,000 objects including mining artifacts, rare specimens of crystalline gold in its many forms, as well as beautiful gem and mineral specimens from California and around the world. The collection was moved to Mariposa in 1983 after residing in San Francisco, for over 100 years. The museum became a state park in 1999. Enjoy a 10% gift shop discount with paid adult admission. Located at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, 1.8 miles south of Mariposa on historic Highway 49. Turn left into fairgrounds.
BONUS: Mariposa Museum and History Center - The Smithsonian Museum calls this the best small museum in America! A true representation of Native American and Spanish history in Mariposa County, enjoy exhibits portraying California's Gold Rush era as well. Take an optional gold-panning lesson outdoors or admire the basket making skills of the Miwok Indian indoors, there's plenty see plus a FREE GIFT with paid adult admission in the gift shop! 5119 Jessie Street, Mariposa.
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