Arts & Culture
Mariposa Museum & History Center
Quoted by the Smithsonian Institute as “The Best Little Museum of its Size West of the Mississippi.” Their stated mission is to preserve and interpret local culture and history, cultivate pride in the community, and inspire visitors from around the world. Groups can schedule 2 hour guided tours Wednesday through Saturday or pay a walk in admission of $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children and get to see wonderful exhibits of local history that include extensive mining exhibits such as a working 5-Stamp Mill and blacksmith shop, historic artifacts including displays of the old county courthouse, a saloon, a schoolroom, and a general store.
Guests can schedule a guided tour for a deep dive into the local history and culture of the area while they are on their trip or if their schedule is tight they can easily do a walk-in visit 7 days a week between 9am and 4pm and spend as much or as little time browsing the exhibits as they would like.
5119 Jessie Street
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966 - 2924
Yosemite Climbing Museum
Recently reopened after extensive renovations, the Yosemite Climbing Museum showcases the fascinating evolution of rock climbing from the mid 1800s to the modern day, focusing on Yosemite’s impact on the activity worldwide in the development of climbing techniques and equipment. The museum displays historical climbing equipment and artifacts, as well as photos, publications, and other memorabilia. The Museum charges no admission fee but appreciates small donations for taking their self-guided tours which are available during their operating hours on Tuesday-Sunday.
Guests can request by appointment a guided tour by contacting the museum if they want an extensive breakdown of the history of rock climbing and the influence of Yosemite on the activity. Guests can also easily walk-in anytime during their hours of operation between 10 AM and 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday for a self-guided tour at no admissions cost.
5180 Highway 140
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 742 - 1000
Sierra Artists Gallery
Established in 1969, Sierra Artist Gallery is the oldest operating art gallery in Mariposa. The gallery provides displays and sales for local member artists' works and sponsoring events for local artists such as the Annual Open Art Exhibition and the Mariposa Paint Out coming in 2025. The Museum specializes in scenes from the nearby Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Foothills. The Gallery is open every day of the week except Wednesday to browse and even purchase pieces on display from local artists.
Guests can visit the gallery anytime during their operating hours between 11 AM and 4 PM every day except Wednesday. Various artist and community events are scheduled throughout the year that can be found on their website.
6th and Hwy 140
Mariposa, CA 95338
PO Box 327
(209) 966-2284
California State Mining & Mineral Museum
The museum is located at the historic site where John C. Fremont and Kit Carson found the Mariposa Gold Vein and opened the first mill to crush ore and extract gold in California. The museum began in 1880 and contains over 13,000 objects that include mining artifacts, rare specimens of crystalline gold, gems, and mineral specimens from California and the rest of the world. The museum officially became a state park in 1999. The museum dedicates itself to helping families and students learn about the importance of mining and minerals to our history, environment, and future. The museum offers free activities for children and youth groups and also sponsors an annual gem and mineral show.
Guests are welcome to come anytime between Thursday and Sunday between 10 AM and 4 PM starting in October. This is the perfect weekend trip to learn more about the important impact mining had on the growth of California and Yosemite. Admissions are only $4 for adults and free for children under the age of 12.
Mariposa Fairgrounds
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 742-7625
Mariposa Marketplace
This marketplace is contained in the historic Trabucco building and contains a variety of shops on two floors that feature arts and crafts, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, clothing, and gifts. The building itself was built in 1896 and was originally known as the “Cheap Cash Store.” It was built using Mormon Bar and features an iron staircase inside that was originally shipped around Cape Horn, delivered to San Francisco, and then transported in a wagon to the Marketplace. Local stonemasons crafted the interior using local materials. This building is a unique piece of architecture and is well worth visiting even without the wonderful shops that make the marketplace so vibrant.
The marketplace is open to customers every day from 10 AM to 6 PM right in downtown Mariposa. Being right downtown it is an easy walk from most local lodgings where visitors can peruse the shops and enjoy the unique building and its place in local history.
5024-B Hwy 140
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966-7377
Mariposa County Courthouse
The courthouse was originally built in 1854 and is the oldest superior courthouse west of the Mississippi. It is also one of the old courthouses still in use today being the oldest in current use west of the Rocky Mountains. Mariposa county was formed in 1850 before California became a state necessitating a courthouse be built. Since its construction it has conducted court proceedings without interruption. This is the perfect place to visit to witness its classic wooden construction and see its active place of importance in Mariposa County and its history.
As an active courthouse it is not recommended to try and enter the building without prior business and to instead enjoy it from the outside. Its active hours are daily between 8 AM and 3 PM and if you do try to enter the courthouse you will have to go through security and need to follow all Court Etiquette and Security guidelines.
5088 Bullion Street,
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966-2005
Casto Oaks Fine Wine & Wine Tasting
Casto Oaks operates six acres of vineyards located in Mariposa along with a wine tasting room available to the public situated in historic downtown Mariposa. They have been a small family business for the last 14 years where they practice sustainable farming practices. Their wine has won multiple gold medals and best of class in the largest wine competition for wines in the United States. Their shop located in downtown Mariposa is the perfect place to try these wonderful local wines and maybe even pick up a bottle or two to take home.
The shop and tasting room is open every day except for Tuesday and Wednesday. They open at 12pm on Monday, Thursday, and Friday and at 11am on Saturday and Sunday. Make sure you plan to visit in the early afternoon as they are closed by 5pm on Monday and Thursday, 6pm on Friday, 7pm on Saturday, and 4pm on Sunday. They also hold various events throughout the year that can be looked up on their website.
5022 Highway 140,
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 742-2000
Made in Mariposa
Made in Mariposa is a nonprofit shop located in the middle of downtown Mariposa created to support local artists, crafters, and other producers. The shop is run like a co-op of artisans where every member of the store contributes to the cost and time required to operate it. The shop sells many one of a kind and handmade items including candles, leather goods, jewelry, pottery and stoneware, apparel, and much more. The shop also hosts classes for the local community that include gourd painting, working with clay, fly tying for fly fishing, and many other useful handicraft skills.
Made in Mariposa is open everyday from 10am to 6pm except for Sunday where they close an hour early at 5pm. Perfect for a midday stroll through downtown to pick up some unique and one of a kind items or to learn a new skill that you can take with you for the rest of your life.
5022 Unit B Highway 140,
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966-2213
Hillside Glass Co.
Hillside Glass Co. provides workshops to those interested in learning how to utilize basic methods used in stained glass art to create various themes and designs. They also have various works on display and for sale for those interested in taking home a beautiful piece of stained glass artwork. Unfortunately, stained glass workshops are not available to those under the age of 18 and pregnant women as the workshops contain sharp objects and lead.
The shop is open every day except Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 5pm except on Sunday where they close at 3pm. Stained Glass workshops are at predetermined dates and times and tickets to attend can be purchased on their website at about $60 per person.
4998B 5th Street
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 201-7326
