Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

I really enjoy history. I went during the week and in the afternoon, so there was only three other people there besides myself and the park Rangers. Entrance fee was only about $5. You really do get the feel of walking into history. Everything is as it was and it feels as if you are a part of history well. It begins with an informational video. Then you walk into the courtyard and see it all staged to see how camp would have looked like. Each room is staged as it would have been. You can’t enter the rooms, only look inside them from the doors. The bottom half of the doors are closed. There is one building you can enter rich was the jail. You can walk into the forts two towers on opposite side where the canons are strategically placed to protect the fort and those in it. Nice park surrounding it with a pond, bridge going over the pond, turtles in the pond and lots of geese. The State Indian Museum is right next to it.

Nice spot, well kept. Since you can’t actually go in a lot of rooms it would be nice if there was a little bit more shade. It’s a tough place to visit during the summer. I like that they are acknowledging a lot of things history of the place.

If given the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting the fort with a school on a field trip. It gives you an entirely different experience from the self-guided tour. This is something I did in school 30 years ago, and was also just able to experience with my daughter and her class. It's run by 4 or so state park employees, and then for field trips, the parent volunteers run the stations. This gives the kids a chance to make candles, rope, leather stamping, bake in a stone oven, churn butter, and more.

A good place to visit, parking may be a challenge, the fort was mostly reconstructed in the 1890s but the main building g is original. A 12 minute video places Sutter's Fort in a modern historical setting, adding some balance to the stories told. If you're not from California/Sacramento you might want to read up on some of the pioneering era history before coming here.

Amazing to be able to have this historic building in the middle of the city of Sacramento. Great spot for short walks, sipping coffee, having a picnic, or visiting the State Indian Museum. $5 entrance fee each.

We visited on Saturday afternoon. The admission ticket was $5 per person. The fort was pretty big and it was a quiet place to walk. The self guided tour allowed us to explore the rooms at our own pace. There are informations about John Sutter and the history of the fort itself. We spent about 30 minutes to walk around the area.

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a fascinating glimpse into California’s early history! The self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace, taking in the well-preserved buildings and historical artifacts. Admission is very affordable—just $5 for adults and $3 for youth, with kids 5 and under free. The fort is filled with interesting exhibits showcasing pioneer life, including blacksmithing tools, living quarters, and trade goods. The atmosphere really transports you back in time, and the informational signs provide great context. It’s a great spot for history buffs, families, or anyone looking for a unique experience in Sacramento. The outdoor setting makes for a pleasant walk, and the reconstructed rooms give a real sense of what life was like in the 1800s. There are also occasional live demonstrations, which add to the experience. Parking can be around the park, not free on weekdays but free on Sunday.

Always a great way to step back in time right in the middle of the city. Take advantage of the rangers if you have any questions, and keep an eye out for their monthly demonstration days. The living history that you might remember from years past is currently on hiatus while they revamp it and doesn't sound like it's coming back any time soon, but overall I still enjoy visiting.