Local Attractions
There are so many different things to do in Amador County. Here are just a few suggestions for the most popular ones in and around the area of Jackson.
Kennedy Gold Mine12594 Kennedy Mine Rd., Jackson,CA 95642 (209) 223-9542
Prospected in 1860, reorganized in 1886 and continuously run until 1942, the Kennedy Gold Mine produced approximately $34,280,000 in gold according to the CA Dept. of Conservation. The Kennedy Mine, famous for being one of the deepest gold mines in the world (at 5912 feet), demonstrates how gold changed an entire way of life in California. Open every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday, March through October. Admission is $10.00 for ages 13 to adult $7.00 for age 6 through 12 6 and under are free Group tours are available, by reservation, all year. |
Kennedy Tailing WheelsN. Main Street, Jackson, CA 95642
Google Map These wheels transported wasted rockform from the Kennedy Mines over a ridge so that the waste would not poulute the waterways. 2 of the 4 wheels are still standing. Since 1942, when the Kennedy Mine closed and the corrugated iron buildings which had enclosed the original four tailing wheels were removed and sold for scrap, the four large wooden structures have been exposed to the lements. Having been unprotected from the elements, Wheels #2 and #3 have fallen. Wheel #1 stands with the aid of cables and supports and will ultimately result in a fate similar to Wheels 2 & 3 unless it can be protected in the future. The wheels, one of a kind engineering marvels, represent the California mining industry’s first attempt to be environmentally proactive. For more information on saving the wheels, click here. |
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church724 N. Main Street, Jackson, CA 95642 (209) 245-3142
Rev. Deacon Pavlov St. Sava was the first Orthodox church built in the Western Hemisphere. It is on the National Register of Historical Places. The St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is the Mother Church of North America. Jackson was home to a large Serbian population in the early 1890’s, but at that time there was no Serbian church on the continent. To remedy this situation, His Grace Nikolai of Alaska, the head of the Russian orthodox church of the United States, came to Jackson with Father Dabovich and on February 25 of 1894, the Bright Ranch parcel was consecrated. The first burial took place in May, and the little white church was dedicated on December 16 of the same year. Operating hours are by appt. only. |
National Hotel2 Water Street, Jackson, CA (209) 223-0500
Originally built in 1842, this hotel has become the jewel of the downtown district. Thoughtfully renovated with impeccable richness while preserving its historical roots, the National Hotel is a treasure. Once you enter, you're immediately thrown back in time. Original furniture has been painstakingly restored, while luxury linens and modern amenities greet each visitor. |
Downtown JacksonListed as a historic district in the National Register, downtown Jackson was founded during the raucous Gold Rush era. Jackson became Amador's County’s seat in 1854. Today, the legacy of high-spirited shopkeepers, innkeepers, and restaurateurs remains alive on Historic Main Street.
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Jackson Rancheria Casino12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642
(800) 822-WINN Take a chance at this popular casino featuring more than 1,400 machines and a variety of table games such as Blackjack, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Lucky Ladies and Shoot Out. |
California Landmark #39 ~ Butte StoreLocated right off of Hwy 49 between Jackson and Mokelumne Hill, it is the only structure remaining of Butte City, prosperous mining town of the 1850s. It was built with Italian stone mason in 1857. It served as a general store and post office. As early as 1854 Xavier Benoist was conducting a store and bakery in this building. Later Ginocchio had a merchandise business here.
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Amador WineriesThe 30 plus wineries comprising the Amador Vintners Association are family-owned operations dedicated to producing premium-quality wines that offer distinctive regional character and outstanding value. Thanks to early settlers, some of California's oldest vineyards are in Amador County. Mostly family operations built on self-reliance and hard work, the county’s 30 plus wineries grow more than 2,700 acres of grapes and produce some of the best zinfandels in America.
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Black Chasm Cavern15701 Volcano Pioneer Road, Volcano, CA 95689 (866) 762-2837
Black Chasm Cavern was designated aNational Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1976 after being recommended by local members of the National Speleological Society, and as such is considered a "nationally significant natural area.” First tour leaves at 10am. Last tour leaves at 4pm. All times are subject to change. |
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park14881 Pine Grove/Volcano Rd, Pine Grove, CA
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is a state park of California, preserving an outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185mortar holes — the largest collection of bedrock mortars inNorth America. It is located 8 miles east of Jackson. The park is nestled in a little valley 2,400 feet (730 m) above sea level with open meadows and large specimens of valley oak that once provided the Miwok Indians of this area with an ample supply of acrons. The 135-acre park was established in 1962. |
Daffodil Hill18310 Rams Horn Gate, Volcano, CA 95685 (209) 296-7048
Nature sets the schedule for public viewing. Daffodil Hill opens when 25 percent of the flowers are in bloom and closes when only 25 percent remain. The best time to visit Daffodil Hill is the spring, usually from the end of March through the first three weeks of April. Daffodil Hill is open only at this time of year, after that it goes back to a working ranch. Hours M-F 8am-4pm Sat and Sun 10pm-2pm Click here for reviews |
Preston Castle999 Plam Drive, Ione CA 95640
In 1890, the 230 acre parcel of land where the Preston Castle stands was purchased from the Ione Coal & Iron Company for $30 per acre with 100 acres donated. The land was purchased to house the Preston School of Industry, established by the State Legislature as a progressive action toward rehabilitating, rather than simply imprisoning, juvenile offenders. For information on tours and pricing send your email to [email protected] |
Kirkwood Ski Resort1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, Kirkwood, CA 95646. (209) 258-6000
Kirkwood is known for its huge snowfalls, challenging slopes, and friendly people. At elevations ranging from 7,800 to 9,800 feet, the resort offers 2000 feet of vertical drop over 2300 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain. Kirkwood's slopes match the skills of beginners to experts. They have 14 lifts to serve their guests, along with a half pipe and two terrain parks. Hours of Lift Operations: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |