As you follow the hilly, curvy road that snakes through Yosemite National Park in California, every turn elicits another “wow” moment. It’s not easy to decide which view best demonstrates the appeal of the setting: dramatic overlooks, soaring mountains, rushing waterfalls, or other breathtaking examples of Mother Nature’s magnificent handiwork.
Equally challenging is choosing among a number of nearby places that themselves would be worth a visit and that greatly enhance a trip to the area. From ancient fossils to Native American culture to gold mining, something-for-everyone variety adds to the appeal. Several of these sites are grouped together in Madera County, located just outside the southern entrance into the park.
A good place to begin exploration is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. It’s inhabited by structures that played important roles in Yosemite National Park’s past and were later moved to this location. A centerpiece of the collection is a covered bridge that was erected in 1857, over which all Yosemite-bound traffic used to cross. Original markings etched into some timbers by the bridge’s builders are still visible.
Nearby is the Wells Fargo Office, which operated as a stagecoach terminal and telegraph agency. A blacksmith shop remains from when craftsmen worked inside.
A much older chapter of the past goes back nearly 800,000 years. At that time, elephant-like mammoths, giant sloths, and camels were among the animals that lived in the area. After they died, rivers washed many of their bones to a low-lying spot where they have been uncovered and are on display at the Fossil Discovery Center. The landfill that is the site of the paleontology dig is right next door. The collection is significant because it’s one of a few known places remaining from that time period and also for the large number of species represented.
Reminders of more recent human history also abound. They include evidence of Native American people who lived nearly 4,000 years ago. Their heritage is recalled and celebrated at the Sierra Mono Museum with displays of beautiful basketry, intricate bead craft, ceremonial items, and other exhibits. Additional vestiges of Native American culture include a historic roundhouse that is still in use and an annual powwow that is open to visitors.
