There are plenty of Northern California towns that are rich with history. However, it’s not very often that you find one that’s been turned into a state park! The entirety of this historic town can be found within a park called Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Although small, it’s full of charm and, of course, fascinating history. Take a trip back in time to California’s early days and explore a little-known region of our glorious state. A visit here is one you’re bound to remember and you shouldn’t pass it up.
Settled in 1852, the town of North Bloomfield is an incredibly historic community hidden away in California’s Gold Country. Although home to just a few permanent residents today, it still maintains an incredible charm and you can find it within the wonderful Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
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Tucked away in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, this community is a must for those with an interest in our state’s beginnings. The 3,000-acre park encompasses the entirety of North Bloomfield along with the historic Diggins site nearby.
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Like many of California’s mining towns, North Bloomfield came to life during the Gold Rush of the 1860s. During its heyday, it was home to more than 1,5000 inhabitants and a variety of businesses including hotels, saloons, stables, stores, breweries, a school, dairy, and churches.
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North Bloomfield is far from the prosperous community it once was, but a few people still occupy the historic town to this day. Many of the town’s buildings are original historic structures and town tours are given daily throughout the summer (weekends only during the winter.)
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The park itself is a wonderful preservation of one of the state’s most active and controversial mining sites. Visitors will notice the huge cliffs which have been exposed due to the powerful jets of water that were once used to wash away entire mountains in search of gold.
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In fact, the Diggins site was the subject of the country’s very first environmental lawsuit. Although the devastation of hydraulic mining is evident to us today, North Bloomfield wouldn’t have prospered as it did without it.
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However, the history is just one part of the park. Malakoff Diggins also offers unparalleled hiking, fishing, and camping. Whether you consider yourself a nature lover or a history enthusiast (or a little bit of both), this park is bound to impress.
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The town of North Bloomfield represents an interesting time in California history. Although known for its controversial mining practices, the town itself represents an invaluable piece of our state’s past. Visit it and journey back in time for a unique adventure!
Maxx Hudec/Google Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is open from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Although contained within the park, the town of North Bloomfield is still home to a handful of residents and guests are asked to be respectful of this fact. Address: 23579 N Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959
Have you visited this historic town yet? This region of our state is hiding some incredible history! For more fascinating destinations like this one, be sure to check out our list of The 14 Oldest Cities In Northern California.
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Steven W/TripAdvisor
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Suzanne Bakios/Google
Maxx Hudec/Google
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is open from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Although contained within the park, the town of North Bloomfield is still home to a handful of residents and guests are asked to be respectful of this fact. Address: 23579 N Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959
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