Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, Sutter’s Fort is a piece of Old Sacramento that’s worth a look.

As per the standard historical line, John Sutter received a land grant from Mexico in 1839 and built an agricultural empire that he named New Helvetia (aka New Switzerland). This was was considered to be the earliest non-native settlement of what would later become Sacramento.

Sutter sent aid to the Donner Party in 1847, which helped cement his reputation as a provider of temporary refuge for travelers in need, which in turn made his settlement an ideal destination for new immigrants to the state of California.

As per the parks department’s brochure about Sutter’s Fort, “He remains a perplexing figure. Sutter was a visionary, swindler, soldier, patriot, debtor, patriarch, victim, friend, yet also enemy, to the California Indians. He died in 1880 in Lititz, Pennsylvania, far from the vibrant community he helped to create.”

Whether you’re a history buff or want to ask the docents some tough questions about this Sutter fellow, a trip to the fort is an inexpensive way to spend the day. Admission is $5 for adults (18+), $3 for youth (ages 6-17) and free for children 5 and under.