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Bernhard Museum Complex: A Step Back in Time

Experience 19th-century life at the Bernhard Museum Complex in Auburn, CA: a journey through history, architecture, and local heritage.

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Experience 19th-century life at the Bernhard Museum Complex in Auburn, CA. Originally built in 1851 as the Traveler's Rest Hotel during the Gold Rush, the complex features a restored Victorian farmhouse, winery, and carriage barn, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Bernhard family and early settlers.

A brief summary to Bernhard Museum

  • Tuesday 1 pm-4 pm
  • Wednesday 1 pm-4 pm
  • Thursday 1 pm-4 pm
  • Friday 1 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for special events and Living History Program schedules to enhance your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds and exploring the various buildings.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the museum grounds for a relaxing and immersive experience.
  • Visit Bonitata Boutique Wine in the winery building for wine tasting during select hours.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-80 Eastbound, take the Maple Street exit in Auburn and continue straight through two stoplights. Turn left at Fairgate/Racetrack Street (where the 7-Eleven is located). The museum entrance will be immediately on your left. From I-80 Westbound, take the Hwy 49 Grass Valley/Placerville exit and turn right onto Hwy 49. Turn right onto Lincoln Way, then left at the next stoplight onto Auburn Folsom Road. Follow the directions from Fairgate/Racetrack Street. Parking is available in the museum parking lot. During special events, parking may be limited, and it's advisable to arrive early. Buses can park at the Gold Country Fairgrounds lot located just past the Bernhard Museum on Fairgate Road.

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Discover more about Bernhard Museum

The Bernhard Museum Complex in Auburn, California, offers visitors an immersive journey into the past, showcasing life in the 1800s. The complex began as the Traveler's Rest Hotel in 1851, providing respite for weary travelers during the Gold Rush. In 1868, Bernhard Bernhard, a German immigrant, purchased the property and transformed it into a successful fruit and wine-producing estate. The museum complex includes the beautifully restored Bernhard residence, furnished with Victorian-era decor. Knowledgeable docents in period costumes guide visitors through the home, sharing stories of the Bernhard family and daily life in the 19th century. Visitors can also explore the stone winery and wine processing building, remnants of Bernhard's winemaking endeavors. The Carriage Barn houses a collection of restored wagons, and the grounds feature period agricultural equipment. Bonitata Boutique Wine is located in the winery building, offering wine tasting during select hours. The museum also hosts a Living History Program for third-grade students, providing hands-on experiences with traditional chores, games, and crafts. The grounds, spanning 2.3 acres, are perfect for a picnic and offer a serene setting to appreciate this historical treasure. The Bernhard Museum is more than just a museum; it's a portal to the past, appealing to history buffs, students, and anyone seeking a glimpse into a bygone era.

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