Frequently Asked Questions

The event takes place at Columbia State Historic Park in California, a preserved Gold Rush-era town featured in multiple episodes of Little House on the Prairie.

Click to open location in Google Maps

Purchase your tickets securely through TIXR:

Visit our Tickets page to learn about the various ticket options offered.

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. However, if you purchased Order Protection through Tixr, you may request a refund under their terms.

Click here to learn more about TIXR's Order Protection on their website.

There is no admission fee to enter Columbia State Historic Park. The park is open to the public with no gates or ticket booths.

Parking is free and available in several lots surrounding Columbia State Historic Park. Overflow parking is located at Columbia Elementary School—just follow the “Event Parking” signs. Please note: it’s a 1,400-foot walk on level ground from the school to the historic district. Additional parking is also available near the Historic Schoolhouse, which is uphill from the main town area—a 1,400-foot walk with a moderate incline.

Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
(Meet & Greets begin at 11:00am)

Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
(Meet & Greets begin at 10:00am)

Sunday: 9:00am – 4:30pm
(Meet & Greets begin at 10:30am)

Click here to view the full schedule on our Event Info page.

The streets within the historic district of Columbia are closed to vehicle traffic and are paved and mostly level, making them generally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Accessible wooden boardwalks line both sides of the street, and many businesses have push-button door openers at their entrances.

Please note: Due to the historic nature of some buildings, certain areas may have limited accessibility.

Accessible restrooms are available at the following locations:

  • Lower parking lot
  • Behind the Jack Douglass Saloon
  • Behind the Museum
  • Between the Firehouse and the Mercantile on Main Street
  • Next to the St. Charles Saloon
  • At the old schoolhouse

Click here for additional accessible information on the California State Parks website.

Yes! Columbia is both a California State Historic Park and a living town with local residents, which means it remains open to the public at all times—even after hours. This makes it unique among many other gated state parks.

Please note: Access to cast Meet & Greets and the Little House Homecoming screening requires a ticket.

June in Columbia typically brings warm, sunny days, with average highs ranging from the mid-80s°F to low-90s°F (around 29–33°C), and cooler evenings in the mid-50s°F to low-60s°F (around 13–16°C). Rain is rare this time of year, but it's a good idea to check the forecast before your visit.

While there are shady areas throughout the park, some portions of the Meet & Greet lines may be exposed to direct sun. We recommend staying hydrated and bringing sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Indoor venues are cooled by either air conditioning or evaporative cooling.

Columbia was featured in the episodes, Someone Please Love Me, Sweet Sixteen, and The In-Laws.

There’s no shortage of things to do while visiting Columbia! In addition to the Little House Cast Reunion, the town offers a wide variety of activities, shops, and dining options that capture the spirit of the 1850s.

Activities
Try your hand at panning for gold, ride an authentic stagecoach, make your own candle, dress up for an old-time photo, or watch blacksmith demonstrations and take home a personalized lucky horseshoe. You can also enjoy a game of bowling in the old-fashioned alley, catch a play at the historic theater, or explore the labyrinth of rocks at the south end of town where prospectors once searched for gold.

Shopping
Columbia boasts over a dozen unique shops offering 1850s–1870s inspired merchandise—leather goods, handcrafted metalwork, jewelry, antiques, vintage toys, handmade candies, books, stationery, collectibles, gemstones, soaps and candles, Western and Victorian clothing, and classic Columbia souvenirs. We even have a mercantile for groceries, snacks, and everyday conveniences.

Dining
From quick grab-and-go meals perfect for a shady picnic to sit-down restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, Columbia has dining options to satisfy every taste. You’ll also find charming coffee shops and ice cream parlors for a sweet treat during your visit. For even more variety, stop by our special event food court featuring BBQ, Asian cuisine, and kettlecorn.

For information about Columbia and listing of our featured businesses, head over to Visit Columbia California

Yes! Railtown 1897 will be running excursion trains on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (June 6–8)—pulled by historic steam locomotive #3, which was featured extensively in Little House on the Prairie.

Train Schedule
Friday: 12:00pm and 1:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm

Please note: Railtown 1897 is operated independently and has its own ticketing for excursions and tours. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website at: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

Railtown is just a short 7-mile drive from Columbia. (view map)

Yes! Official Little House on the Prairie merchandise will be available during the event—featuring beautiful artwork by Orlando de la Paz, inspired by episodes filmed in the Gold Country.

Items include:

  • Posters
  • Tote bags
  • Ball caps
  • Aprons
  • Keychains
  • Magnets
  • Buttons

You’ll find the merchandise booth in the heart of town, at the intersection of Main and State Streets, adjacent to the Museum.