Spanish for ‘butterfly’, the
town of Mariposa was named
after the flocks of Monarch
butterflies seen from early
explorers. This historic
town is situated in the
foothills of the Sierra
Nevada with an elevation of
1754 ft offering spectacular
scenery and an abundance of
exciting outdoor activities.
Europeans were attracted to
Mariposa CA because of gold,
and still to this day
visitors love to pan for
gold. Access to the town is
easily attained via Highways
49 and 140. The Best Western
Yosemite Way Station Motel
is conveniently located on
Highway 140 which continues
directly to Yosemite
National Park. There, you
will find endless
activities and
attractions for the
whole family to enjoy.
The Mariposa town was first
the home to the Southern
Miwok Indians. They lived in
the Central California area
for untold generations
before any Europeans arrived
in the Americas. This
charming town now has one of
the oldest court houses and
oldest post offices in the
United States. It is
referred to as the ‘mother
of all counties’ because in
1850 Mariposa was made the
largest county covering
one-fifth of the state of
California. Since then, many
counties have been formed
from Mariposa including Los
Angeles.
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Things to do in Mariposa
California |
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California State Mining &
Mineral Museum |
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Experience the history of
the Gold Rush era at this
Mariposa museum, which
features over 13,000
objects, including mining
artifacts, gem and mineral
specimens. Also on display
is the 13.8-pound Fricot
“Nugget” —the largest
19th-century specimen of
crystallized gold still in
existence. At the Museum you
will find a mine tunnel,
museum shop, a working scale
model of a stamp mill, and
educational programs. |
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Mariposa County
Courthouse |
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If you love history this is
a must see! The Mariposa
County Courthouse is the
oldest courthouse west of
the Rockies. Constructed in
1854, it is one of the
finest remaining examples of
nineteenth century Greek
architecture and a
California Historical
Landmark. Inside you will
find information about
Mariposa County and its
changes over the years and
the elegant, very well
preserved main court room. |
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Mariposa Museum and History
Center |
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Considered one of the best
small museums in America,
this museum holds some of
the finest historical
artwork, artifacts and gold
displays in California. For
something fun the whole
family can do in Mariposa,
visit the center and learn
about the Native Miwok
Indians and the California
Gold Rush. Come for a group
tour or gold panning lesson. |
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Flower Walk |
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Beginning at our hotel, the
Mariposa Creek walkway is a
convenient stroll through
town. You will enjoy a
scenic walk along Mariposa
Creek and along the way you
can see the local foliage
including the California
poppy. |
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Directions to the Best
Western Hotel in Mariposa
California |
From all directions :
The Best Western Yosemite
Way Station is located at
the south end of town at the
junction of Highway 140 and
south Highway 49.
From Highway 99 :
Take the Yosemite (Highway
140 East) Exit at Merced.
Follow Route 140 East to the
motel at the South end of
Mariposa.
From Fresno :
Take Highway 41 north to
Highway 49 North in
Oakhurst. Follow Highway 49
north to the Best Western
Yosemite Way Station at the
south end of Mariposa. |
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