It was the perfect way to finish up our year of studies on California history… a trip to one of our favorite places, Riley’s Farm, for their Gold Rush Tour. (Do you see that beautiful bird we saw?)
From learning about the miners to the people who made the dynamite to the bankers and merchant and everything in-between, it was not only a good lesson in history, but lots of fun! Once we finished visiting each station, the kids were sent off to earn as much money as they could.
There was even the job of keeping the Inn clean for the miners!
Carrying nitro glycerin to the mining cave turned out to be the most profitable venture. The kids found gold, dealt with bank notes, were able to purchase tools, and had a blast. At the end, they were served a miner’s ration of cheese, jerky, and corn bread and then they were able to use their profits to bid on little goodies using what they earned.
If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend the Gold Rush Tour!
Living the Yeh Life 