Colfax was a quaint, beautiful town to grow up in from 12 to 19.

We had no stoplights in the entire town in the early days.

I remember riding my back from our home behind the high school to the corner store on Main Street. My brother and I would grab our fill of candy, snacks, and sugar drinks, rent a movie from the video shop, and ride our bikes back home.

Our house, school, church, gym, vet’s office, and dentist were all within a few miles.

Everyone knows everyone in Colfax, and there was undoubtedly a sense of community—from the events hosted during holidays, parades, and business grand openings.

What’s an itinerary for a one-day visit to Colfax, California?

Whether traveling through Colfax to Lake Tahoe or while visiting family, you’ll find a walkable Main Street with cute shops and a few places to eat. General recommendations for a one-day itinerary for a visit to Colfax, California, would include the following:

  • Start your wandering day with a delicious breakfast at one of Colfax’s local cafes or restaurants, such as Buzz Thru Joe’s, TJ’s Roadhouse, or Dine n Dash Pub & Grill.
  • After breakfast, take a walk or hike in one of Colfax’s nearby parks or green spaces, such as Arbor Park, Colfax Cemetery, and Stevens Trail.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Colfax Heritage Museum and Colfax Public Library to learn about the town’s history and culture.
  • After the museum, enjoy a cold drink and a snack at one of Colfax’s breweries or taprooms, such as the Railhead Saloon or the Red Frog, or ice cream from Scoops & Snack Attack. You might even visit Marval’s Sierra Market or Beach Hut Deli for ingredients and sandwiches for a picnic lunch.
  • Check out a movie, live music, or comedy show at the Colfax Theatre or Sierra Vista Community Center in the evening.
  • Finish your day with dinner at one of Colfax’s restaurants, such as Il Pizzaiolo, Main Street Pizza, Mi Ranchito Mexican food, or Pizza Factory.

I’ve provided only an example of a one-day itinerary for a visit to Colfax. Depending on your interests and the time of year, there may be other activities and attractions to enjoy in the area.

Apart from the town of Colfax itself, the Sierra Nevada mountain range offers various outdoor activities and recreational opportunities.

Some popular things to do in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains include hiking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. The area is also known for its beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife, so many people enjoy simply exploring the outdoors and taking in the region’s natural beauty.

Additionally, the Sierra Nevada foothills are home to many small towns and communities like Colfax that offer a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions.

What happened in the life of Schuyler Colfax?

Schuyler Colfax was a successful American politician who became the 17th Vice President of the USA from 1869 to 1873. He is also the namesake of the town of Colfax in California.

He was born a few hundred years ago in New York City on March 23, 1823, and grew up in New York and Indiana. Colfax began his political career as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, and he later served in the United States House of Representatives and the US Senate. He was the Republican Party’s nominee for Vice President in the 1868 election and served as Vice President under President Ulysses S. Grant.

After leaving office, Colfax returned to his home state of Indiana and continued to be involved in politics. He died on January 13, 1885.

What happened during the California Gold Rush?

The rowdy California Gold Rush was a time of significant economic and social growth in California that began in 1848 and lasted until the early 1860s.

Gold was found in large quantities in the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

Thousands of people from everywhere worldwide flocked to the region in search of wealth and opportunity. The Gold Rush significantly impacted the development of California, as it led to the rapid growth of cities like San Francisco and the expansion of the state’s economy. It also significantly impacted the indigenous peoples of California, as the influx of settlers led to widespread displacement and conflict.

The California Gold Rush helped define the history of the state and the United States.