Daffodil Hill, a 4-acre hillside east of Sutter Creek, erupts in a riot of yellow and gold each spring, as over 400,000 daffodils burst into bloom. The garden is the work of members of the McLaughlin family, which has owned this site since 1887, and who began daffodil plantings in the 1930s.

The Amador County Museum, a huge brick building at 225 Church St. (tel. 209/223-6386) is filled with mining memorabilia and information on two local mines, the Kennedy and the Argonaut, that were among the deepest and richest in the nation. Within the museum is a working large-scale model of the Kennedy. Each of its 11 rooms has a specific historic theme, from the Gold Rush to American Indian culture.

Kennedy Tailing Wheels Park is site of the Kennedy and Argonaut mines, the deepest in the Mother Lode. The mines have been closed for decades, but the huge tailing wheels, and head frames, used to convey debris over the hills to a settling pond, remain. Built in 1914 in response to federal anti-debris legslation, the monstrous water wheels remain the most remembered site in Jackson, towering 58 feet in diameter over the landscape. According to the California Department of Conservation, the mine has produced approximately $34,280,000 in gold.

Chaw Se, or Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, is also worth a stop. The park, on the road connecting Pine Grove with Volcano, is the only state park in California devoted to Indian culture. There you'll see how Indians ground the acorns into meal for hundreds of years. Huge valley oaks, once the major food source, dominate the landscape. While women processed the acorns, the men hunted deer in this western Sierra location. Bark tepee-like structures re-create where the Indians lived. A cultural center exhibits Indian crafts at this park, where you can also picnic and camp.

Sutter Gold Mine offers a comprehensive look into the gold mining process and its historical progression from gold panning and hydraulic mining to hard rock techniques. The 1 hour tour is a great lesson in gold mining from its earliest days to the present time.

Black Chasm was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1976. The cave tour follows a series of platforms and walkways designed to give the best views without compromising the environment. Just outside the visitors center you and your family are invited to play amateur prospector at the mining flumes where everyone is guaranteed to find real gems of all kinds.

Amador County Wineries have long been famous for their zinfandel. Nowadays several varietals fluorish in the region. Amador County is now home to at least 25 wineries, many of which open their doors to the public for tastings, picnics and special events. For more information please visit WineCountry.com.

Angels Camp, known for its annual "Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" contest held in May, still maintains its historic charm from the Gold Rush days. You can still pan for gold at many places in the region - so, grab a pan and head out on your own, or check out any of the several tour companies and get in on the gold prospecting action.

Mace Meadow Golf Club and Castle Oaks Golf Course provide a relaxing way to spend the day in Gold Rush country. Both courses feature mountain settings with outstanding scenery above the valley below.

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