History & Museums

Yosemite National Park Village Drive in Tuolumne Meadows

Exploring the history of the Yosemite Valley and the Ahwahnechee people who were the original settlers, the Yosemite Museum offers a fascinating peek into what makes Yosemite special, and this museum is something that even kids will love.

The Fresno Flats Historical Park is more than just a place to play; it offers a Yosemite museum that captures the spirit and memories of the Wild West as well as being the site of many local events throughout the year. The Mountain Artisans Market (the 3rd Saturday of the month from March through December) and Friday night historic lectures (First Friday of the month, May through October) are some of the regular events occurring. At Halloween, they offer a special haunted house experience (Fright Nights), and on the third Saturday in December, it is time for Christmas at Fresno Flats.

For an authentic pioneer experience, the Yosemite Historical Center, also known as the Pioneer Yosemite Historical Center, offers the opportunity to go back in time to a period when horses were the main mode of transportation and homes and buildings were usually built by the owners, not some construction company who knows nothing about how people live. You can take a tour of a Chinese laundry, ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and watch blacksmiths at work during your visit to this fun spot.

Built to haul lumber through the mountain to help supply the mill, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad has a long history, and that history continues thanks to an enterprising immigrant who began purchasing railroad cars in the 60s. Today, the son of the original owner has expanded the collection of steam engines and conducts tours through the Yosemite countryside, including special train rides over the holidays, something that is fun for the whole family.