Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park has been part of the California State Park system as a Living History Museum since 1947, and is both a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
Set in 1846, Sutter’s Fort preserves important California history and tells the story of the many cultures that inhabited Sutter’s Fort and the surrounding areas during the 1840’s — including Mexican citizens of Alta California, the emigrating European and American pioneers, and Native Americans. Recently, California State Parks gathered public input on a proposal to fundamentally change the way history is interpreted at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park as part of State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative to accurately reflect the historical impact and significance of events that occurred with John Sutter at Sutter’s Fort.
Explore this historic gem with a pond, walking path, and public Wi-Fi. Tour the structures and living history museum at your own pace, with maps available at the kiosk. At night, enhanced lighting increases visibility and safety, with colors changing for special occasions. The park hosts events like Farm to Fort, outdoor movie nights, and family activities.
From 1990-2025, a 501(c)(3) organization named Friends of Sutter’s Fort worked to support, protect and enhance Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park and its programs. With the dissolution of the organization in 2026, Midtown Parks has stepped in to be a steward of the historic site alongside its partners at California State Parks. You can support the continued programming, preservation and restoration of this historic park by donating to Midtown Parks and designating your donation to “Sutter’s Fort” here.
Museum
Public Wi-Fi
State Historic Park
Walking Path & Pond Area