From historic museums to wine tasting, and even a grove of giant sequoias, there’s a definite diversity in California’s Calaveras County. And if you’d like to spend a night or two, there’s also a good selection of comfortable inns and lodges. The good news is, many of the lodgings, attractions and trails are excellent choices for slow walkers and wheelchair-users. So pack your suitcase, gas up the car and check out this Calaveras County Wheelchair Travel Guide for a fun weekend in the California Gold Country.
Located in the heart of California’s gold country, Calaveras County is chock full of wild west history. From Mark Twain’s famous jumping frog, to pop-up gold rush towns, and even a guest appearance or two by Kit Carson, there’s no shortage of tales — some taller than others — woven around this area. And there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the history and learn about the colorful past of the gold country than to visit a few Calaveras County museums. Although things were a little rough and tumble back in the wild west days, today these museums offer good access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Downtown Museum
Sheriff’s Office in the San Andreas Downtown Museum
historicalcalaveras.com/downtown-museum
The best place to start your tour of Calaveras County museums is in San Andreas, at the Downtown Museum. This historic complex is located in three side-by-side buildings, which date back to the 1800s — the old Courthouse and Jail, the Hall of Records and the Odd Fellows Hall.
Although steps grace the historic front entrance, an alternate entrance is available for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Instead on entering the museum from the Main Street entrance, drive around the back of the complex on California Street and park in the accessible parking spot behind the museum. There is a locked gate next to the accessible parking space, which has ramped access to the museum courtyard. To access the gate ring the bell — a real cow bell not a door bell — or call (209) 754-4658. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with a companion, just have them go to the front desk to arrange access.
Inside there’s elevator access to the second floor of the courthouse, which includes the judge’s chambers, law library and the courtroom where Black Bart was tried. There are historical exhibits set up throughout the space and they include everything from a vintage kitchen to a collection of old typewriters, lots of photos, and some artifacts from the native Miwok people. And don’t miss the vault which contains the altar from the Comanche Catholic Church of Immaculate Conception, which was dismantled in 1962.
There’s level access to the courtyard out back but the path to the assay office and the old jail is uneven and too bumpy for wheelchair-users. Still it’s a nice stop and the buildings that you can access are filled with history.
Angels Camp Museum
Stagecoach in the Angels Camp Museum
gocalaveras.com/business/attractions/angels-camp-museum-gift-shop
Next up on the list of Calaveras County Museums is the Angels Camp Museum, which is located about 15 minutes south of San Andreas, on historic US 49. As an added bonus, the Calaveras Visitors Bureau is also located in the main museum building. There’s a flat gravel parking area in front of the building, with level access to the museum. Inside you’ll find exhibits that outline the story behind the Calaveras County Frog Jump, and everything from a vintage trophy to some frog cages.
From the main building there’s stairway access in the back to the other parts of this sprawling museum. That said, wheelchair-users can drive down and park in the accessible parking space in front of the Carriage House. From there, it’s a short level roll to the building. This part of the museum focuses on vintage transportation used in the area, and it includes a nice collection of wagons, steam engines, a fire truck and even a stagecoach. Docents are on hand to answer questions, and this building is a huge hit with kids.
There’s also accessible parking in front of the Mining & Ranching Building, which is located a short walk away. That said, wheelchair-users may want to drive as the path has a slight downhill slope. Exhibits include everything from an old print shop, mining tools and a textile shop, to farming implements, minerals and a nice collection of crystals.
There’s also an old stamp mill near the mining exhibit, and although the pathway is paved, some manual wheelchair-users may require a bit of assistance. And take along a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds, as there’s level access over to some shaded picnic tables.
Heritage Museum
The 44-pound Kautz Crystalline gold specimen in the Heritage Museum at Ironstone Vineyards
www.IronstoneVineyards.com
Although most folks head over to Ironstone vineyards to enjoy a little vino, there’s also a nice collection of historic artifacts in their Heritage Museum. From Angels Camp, continue along Highway 4 to Murphys, then follow Six Mile Road until you hit the winery. It’s a pleasant 15-minute drive through the countryside.
Accessible parking is located near the museum, with level access to the building. As you enter the winery, bear right to visit the museum. There’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair through the museum and adjacent gift shop, which includes a good collection of old mining photos. equipment and documents.
That said, the highlight of the museum is located around the corner, in the vault. The Kautz Crystalline gold specimen, which weighs in at a whopping 44 pounds, is the largest crystalline gold specimen in the world. It was found in nearby Jamestown at the Sonora Mining Corporation Mine in 1992, and was subsequently purchased by Ironstone Vineyard proprietor John Kautz. This unique specimen consists of layers of gold separated by rock, and is said to be the rarest form of gold. To describe it as stunning is an understatement.
The vault also includes some mineral displays, some ancient bones, a few meteorite slabs and even some old coins. And if you’d like to learn more about the history of the area, the adjacent gift shop has a nice collection of books.
The Heritage Museum is well worth a stop, and best of all, there’s no admission charge.
Sierra Nevada Logging Museum
Outside exhibits at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum in Arnold
sierraloggingmuseum.org
Last but not least on the list of Calaveras County museums is the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum over in Arnold. From Murphys, continue east on Highway 4 and turn left on Dunbar Road. If you hit White Pines Park, turn around, as you’ve gone too far.
There’s accessible parking near the museum, with a level pathway near the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits, and wheelchair-accessible family restrooms are located near the front desk. Additionally, there’s barrier-free access to the picnic table on the back deck, which is a great spot to enjoy lunch, or just take a short break.
Exhibits range from forest management and the bark beetle, to the logger lifestyle, tools of the trade and even a display of logging camps. And volunteers are on hand to field questions or offer a deeper interpretation of the exhibits. Outside there’s a large collection of logging equipment under the pines. There is a mostly level trail that leads around the various saws, steam donkeys and a vintage Yosemite Lumber Company engine. And although there are a few rough patches here and there, the majority of the outdoor exhibits are manageable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Visitors will come away with a new knowledge of forest management and a definite appreciation of the hard work of loggers. There’s no admission to this excellent museum, which is staffed by volunteers; but plan ahead as hours and days of operation are limited.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located a little over two hours from Sacramento, the tiny town of Murphys is barely a blip on the map. And although that’s not such a good thing if you need the services of a metropolitan city, it’s just what the doctor ordered if you’re seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. And the Courtwood Inn (www.courtwoodinn.com) is the perfect place to get a heaping helping of the latter. As an added bonus, you just can’t beat the wheelchair access.
Courtwood Inn
Perched on a pine-covered hillside just outside of town, this five-room tennis-themed inn is the brainchild of Larry and Chris Parker. It’s named for two things that this tennis pro couple holds near and dear — the game of tennis and their lovely three story cedar log lodge. And although local codes didn’t require an accessible room, the Parkers opted to include one, so everyone can enjoy this peaceful mountain retreat.
Access is excellent at the inn, with accessible parking just steps from the front door, and level access to the entrance. Inside, there’s barrier-free access throughout the great room, which offers a magnificent view of the pine-studded hillside. In keeping with the tennis theme, each guestroom is named after a grand slam event, and decorated with items reminiscent of the host country. The accessible US Open room is located right off the great room.
Wheelchair-Accessible US Open Room
The US Open room at Courtwood Inn
Access features in the US Open room include wide doorways, level access and plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter. It’s furnished with a 32-inch high king-sized bed, but with advance notice it can be replaced with a lower bed. Other furnishings include two bedside tables, a chest of drawers, two chairs and a small table.
Decorated in a red, white and blue palette, the color scheme reflects the location of the US Open; while rackets, balls and even a poster for the event can be found throughout the room. And for a bit a local flavor, the room also comes adorned with a stuffed frog, in honor of Mark Twain’s famous short story, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
The bathroom is equipped with a tiled roll-in shower with a built-in shower bench and a hand-held showerhead. A portable shower chair is also available. Other access features include a roll-under sink, and toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated). There’s also a hydrotherapy tub in the bathroom, and in keeping with the Calaveras theme, the standard rubber ducky has been replaced with a rubber frog. There’s also a refrigerator and a coffee maker in the large walk-in closet, which is adjacent to the bathroom.
Bathroom in the US Open Room at Courtwood Inn
The Little Extras
One of the best features of this room is actually located outside — the large deck that offers a great view of the surrounding forest. There’s level access to the deck through a sliding door, and plenty of room to roll around outside. It’s a nice place to watch the sunset or enjoy a quiet morning cup of coffee.
There’s also barrier-free access to the dining room, where Chris serves up a healthy breakfast every morning. And the beverage bar, along with homemade snacks and goodies is open all day.
Although it took the Parkers nearly two years to build their dream inn, they didn’t stop there. They also added tennis courts (the lower one is accessible) and now they offer private tennis lessons to their guests. It’s the perfect fit for two former professional tennis players, and a great addition to this tennis-themed inn. And they are always adding new features to the inn, so check back often — you never know what else the Parkers might have up their sleeves.
Inside the Couetwood Inn
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located on the main drag of the Gold Rush town of Murphys, the Victoria Inn (www.victoriainn-murphys.com/) fits right in with the vintage buildings that line the thoroughfare. And aside from the allure of its decidedly old world ambiance, it also makes a great home base for exploring the area. Not only is the property located within walking distance of many favorite restaurants and tasting rooms, but it’s also just a short hop off of Highway 4, which connects to other Calaveras County must-sees. And although the Victorian Era wasn’t exactly know for its stellar wheelchair access, this namesake property does a nice job accommodating the needs of wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Finding the Property
Admittedly, finding this property can be a challenge if you are unfamiliar with the area, and are relying on GPS. Granted GPS will technically take you to the front door; however you can’t exactly see the front door from Main Street. The Victoria Inn is located across the street from Murphys Mall, between Murphys Village Toy Store and Shirt Tales Boutique; however the approach to the parking lot is marked “no outlet” and it looks like a private driveway.
Nonetheless, that is the correct spot to turn. If you miss it, then turn on Church Street, go around the block and try again. The small parking lot includes one accessible space that’s usually open, and from there it’s just a short walk to the registration area. There’s no guaranteed public parking with a room reservation, so try and grab the accessible parking space as soon as you can. There’s also some public parking in the lot on Church Street, but if you choose that option, try and drop off any wheelchair-users or slow walkers first.
Spend the Night
Entry to room 15 at the Victoria Inn
There’s ramp access up to the main building of the Victoria inn, and level access through the front door to the registration desk. There’s also barrier-free access to a large room off the front lobby which is furnished with sofas and chairs and has all the essentials for a relaxing stay. There are cookies, water, ice, board games, coffee, cocoa, a microwave and of course the requisite wine glasses available for guest use.
Room 15 (also called Mae’s Room) is located in a small cottage around the corner. Although the accessible parking spot is near the registration desk, there’s paved standard parking in front of the cottage that may be more convenient for guests. There’s ramp access up to the front door, and level access to the room. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles and adequate pathway access.
Inside room 15 at the Victoria Inn
The room is furnished with a 24-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on the left (as you face it), a chest of drawers and two end tables. The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius, a tile floor and a pedestal sink. The 36-inch-square transfer-type shower has a slight half-inch lip, and is equipped with a fold-down shower seat (with easy transfer access from the bathroom), and a hand-held showerhead. There’s also a portable shower bench, if needed, The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated).
Sink in room 15
Shower in room 15
toilet in room 15
There’s also a small front porch with two chairs and a table, which can be moved to accommodate a wheelchair. The porch is surrounded by trees and it’s a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day of sightseeing. It’s a very relaxing and accessible Calaveras County lodging pick.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
From historic museums to wine tasting, and even a grove of giant sequoias, there’s a definite diversity in California’s Calaveras County. And if you’d like to spend a night or two, there’s also a good selection of comfortable inns and lodges. The good news is, many of the lodgings, attractions and trails are excellent choices for slow walkers and wheelchair-users. So pack your suitcase, gas up the car and check out this Calaveras County Wheelchair Travel Guide for a fun weekend in the California Gold Country.
