Good value for the self guided tour. Learned some facts about the evolution of the Fort, the services it provided and the people who worked there and that are not included in the history books. Quite interesting. The grounds were well maintained, plants identified and the staff very pleasant and willing to answer questions. Clean bathrooms.
I first visited Sutter's Fort with my 4th Grade Class, some years ago. I recently took my kids to the Outpost. It is still in great shape, and a must for kids around 9 or 10 years old. Everyone goes away from Sutter's Fort with a little more knowledge of the "Gold Rush Era". Make sure to take a picnic lunch for the family, and please pick up after yourselves.
Ok, I gave this venue a "very good" review because I love living history. Sutter's Fort offers living history days - also known as Hands on History - where volunteers dress in authentic clothing and conduct their "business" as it was in the mid 1800's - there are blacksmiths, bakers,shopkeepers, etc. all within the "fort. The fort is open year round but it is worth going on the living history days - so much more going on - I have taken all my out of state relatives to the fort and they all enjoy it.In my experience, although kids between 5-8 can be kept entertained, kids around 9-12 enjoy the fort the most, as well as any adults that like living history. An added bonus, you are right near the state capital and can have a picnic on the capital grounds or at minimum drive by and admire the architecture.
This area is something that everyone should check out. It doesn't take a lot of time and there are little areas that have costumed figures that 'talk' about their experiences. Kids love it because it captures their attention, plus there is a big lawn area to run off their energy. Don't forget the Indian Museum just outside Fort but on the same grounds. Good little museum to look at California Native Americans, doesn't take a lot of time and gives you two museums with the same parking space.
We went to Sutter's Fort frequently growing up (every time we had out of town company). It was interesting even then; but when I went back as an adult I was able to really appreciate the historic perspective from the Gold Rush era. I agree with another review that said it was similiar to other forts in other areas but if you aren't familiar with them it is good to see how life was back 'in the olden days'.
The best time to visit Sutters Fort is during one of their Hands on History days. On these days, there are costumed docents who will tell you about life in the fort "in the old days". My boys loved going to these - especially the one with trappers camp. There is more to see and do on HOH days and easier to keep kids attention. Great for 5 to 12 year olds
We enjoyed the self-guided tour of this important part of Sacramento and CA history. The rooms are outfitted as they would have been in the period represented.
The fort in the middle of town is interesting if you have a 1/2 hour or so that you want to spend exploring. The exhibits are dated and not too informative. There was not any one thing that seemed to stand out or make this museum memorable or much different than other similar forts.
As an Easterner accustomed to lots of Revolutionary and Civil War historic sites, I've become very interested in the history of the American West. One site that especially intrigued me was Sutter's Fort in Sacramento. Easily accessible from the city's center, the fort manages nonetheless manages to provide insight into the early history of California and its non-indigenous settlers (The state Indian Museum is very close-by). Of particular interest are the exhibits within the housing areas of the interior compound. Among the items one discovers are artifacts from the doomed Donner Party, including the near-iconic doll that has become the subject of children's books.
Sutter's Fort provides some history about one of California's first pioneers, but it is geared towards grade schoolers. If I wanted something more mature, then I would just as easily pass it for the following: State Capitol FREE hourly tour - best in SacramentoCA Railroad Museum in OldSacCrocker Art MuseumStanford HomeGovernors Mansion