Folsom

About FolsomThis former gold-mining town dates from the 1860s, and the restored buildings and houses lining Sutter Street hint at its heyday. The chamber of commerce occupies the old Southern Pacific Depot building at 200 Wool St., where a Southern Pacific railcar, boxcar and caboose are on display. Alongside the cars is the Ashland Freight Depot, believed to be the oldest still-standing station west of the Mississippi River.

A self-guiding tour at Gekkeikan Sake shows how sake is brewed. The facility, at 1136 Sibley St., has a koi pond and a small Japanese garden and also offers tastings of its products; phone (916) 985-3111.

Two miles north of town is the massive granite Folsom State Prison. A museum contains photographs and other items that describe the prison's history. Animal exhibits at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, 403 Stafford St. in Folsom City Park, include black bears, tigers, macaques, pigs, horses and donkeys. For zoo information phone (916) 351-3527. The park offers picnic facilities, a children's play area and a railway.

Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, also called the American River Bike Trail, is a 32-mile-long paved path paralleling the American River between Folsom and Sacramento. Access points along US 50 provide spots for picnicking, biking, in-line skating, fishing, boating and rafting.

Visitor Centers Folsom Chamber of Commerce 200 Wool St. Folsom, CA 95630. Phone:(916)985-2698

ShoppingFolsom Premium Outlets, 13000 Folsom Blvd., has more than 80 factory-direct and specialty stores.

Things to Do Folsom History Museum

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park