Explore Sutter Creek

Pulled from the pages in a storybook, Sutter Creek is a wonderful balance of old and new, celebrating its rich Gold Rush history with a charming contemporary touch. “The Jewel of the Mother Lode” is full of one-of-a-kind shops and experiences, a perfect place to spend a day in Gold Country. And if one day is not enough to explore one of California’s greatest treasures (and we can confirm it isn’t!), one of the many bed and breakfasts will gladly take care of you during your stay. 

Start with a dig into mining history at Knight Foundry, the nation’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop. Established in 1873 by Samuel Knight, the one-of-a-kind facility includes the unique historic equipment and machinery that helped power mining equipment, hydro-electric generators, sawmills and the Knight Foundry itself. In 1996, the foundry closed, turning to rust, until a group of volunteers restored it in 2017. Now, in addition to continuing operations, visitors can take self-guided tours, take classes or schedule private tours for their group.

An outdoor memorial to the men, machines and mines that led to Sutter Creek’s founding, Miner’s Bend Park features an impressive array of 16 different mining machines, each with a detailed description of their purpose and the dangers of the industry. But some of the best places to explore are along historic Main Street, lined with balconied 19th-century buildings. A variety of boutiques, antique shops, eateries, gift shops, art galleries, hotels, wine-tasting rooms, museums and more are packed into the old-fashioned charm of this walkable Sierra Foothills town.

Take your pick of bed and breakfasts or hotels to check in to:

Hotel Sutter, where historic charm meets simple elegance.

Hanford House Inn, a rustic-chic bed and breakfast featuring a cozy blend of contemporary design and a nod to historic elements.

The Foxes Inn, a charming B&B in a Victorian house built in the mid-nineteenth century.

Sutter Creek Inn, one of the oldest bed and breakfasts in the West. 

Restaurants in Sutter Creek rival some of the finest eateries in California. Start with a classic breakfast at Sina’s Backroads Café or a creative brunch at Element Restaurant, grab a slice at Gold Dust Pizza for lunch, and end the day with farm-to-fork selections at Hotel Sutter Restaurant. Or if you are looking for something sweet, check out Choc-O-Latte and Sutter Creek Ice Cream Emporium. Don’t forget to pop into Sutter Creek Cheese Shoppe for an abundant selection of artisan cheeses from around the globe.Opened in 1898 to sell dry goods, hardware, bulk products, apparel and even penny candy to the early residents of Sutter Creek, Monteverde Store Museum is now filled with antique lost treasures, offering a glimpse into how things were in the Wild West. Next door to the Monteverde Museum, check out a stunning hand-painted mural of the history of Sutter Creek by local artist and retired local high school art teacher, Rand Huggett, with some of his art class students.

Stop to sip some of Shenandoah’s best at your pick of wine-tasting rooms. Bella Grace Vineyards Wine Tasting Room, Baiocchi Wines, Leoni Farms Tasting Room, Scott Harvey Winery and Uphill Vineyards are a few of the wineries that sit on Main Street. Other favorites, including Avio Vineyards, Fiest Wines, Yorba Tasting Room and 1850 Wines, are just a short walk from the main road. If grapes aren’t your fancy, sip a brew at the family-owned tap room, Sutter Creek Provisions.Catch a weekend performance at the historic Sutter Creek Theatre, voted Sacramento KCRA 3’s A-List Best Independent Theatre in 2010. With its excellent acoustics and seating, the theater offers award-winning local, national and international artists performing folk, bluegrass, Celtic, classical, and blues.

After a long day of learning about the Gold Rush history, strike it rich at Harrah’s Northern California. Try your luck playing one of the 950 slot machines or 20 tables games, all while earning Caesars Rewards member privileges and preferred access to Caesars’ resorts and amenities in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and around the world.

For more information about Sutter Creek and what to do on your next trip to Harrah’s Northern California, visit the Sutter Creek Visitors Center or just ask one of our friendly team members.