Located directly across the Feather River from Yuba City, Marysville is a county seat in Northern California’s Gold Country. It was originally home to the Maidu people before a trading post named “New Mecklenburg” was established in 1843. During the Gold Rush, the settlement was considered the “Gateway to the Gold Fields”.
Things to do in Marysville
In the heart of Marysville is Ellis Lake, which was created artificially along the Feather River. It was designed by John McClaren, who was responsible for San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and was named after a former mayor, William Turner Ellis. You can stretch your legs on the walking trail that rings its shores or rent a pedalo boat to spot Canadian geese.
A short walk away is the Mary Aaron Memorial Museum, which occupies a magnificent Gothic Revival residence designed by Warren P. Miller. Its exhibits detail the everyday lives of local residents, with antique furnishings, vintage clothes and black-and-white photographs on display. The museum also highlights the Chinese community and their role in shaping modern-day Marysville.
Erected in 1880 is the Bok Kai Temple, a traditional Chinese house of worship dedicated to the “Dark Warrior” Xuan Wu. It was created to serve the Chinese miners who arrived during the Gold Rush and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Coincide your visit with spring to experience the lively Bok Kai Festival and Parade, which features a 53-metre-long dragon.
Getting around Marysville
Marysville is around five minutes’ drive from Yuba City and 45 minutes from Sacramento. Sacramento International Airport is 40 minutes away and has flights to destinations across North America. Buses connect to Marysville, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.