There are all sorts of neat historic sites and antique shops in Lake County. If you want to walk through the past, Lake County is a nice place to do so. Of course we celebrate the present as well, but how about a walk back in time?
Lake County was created out of the northern portion of Napa County in 1861. Lower Lake vied with Lakeport to become the county seat, succeeding in wrestling that distinction from 1867 to 1870.
Of all the museums, the closest to the Featherbed Railroad is the Clarke's Collectibles Lunchbox Museum. This amazing place offers an incredible collection of memorabilia. In addition to the obvious lunch boxes, there are all sorts of things that will bring you back. There is no cost of admission and owner Debbie Clarke is a fun person to hold a conversation with.
Lower Lake features some of the oldest buildings in Lake County and prospered in the early years from nearby mining of sulfur, borax and quicksilver. The first jail in Lake County, a stone structure of just one room, is said to be the smallest in the United States.
Spend a day lazing through historic Lower Lake, Middletown and Hidden Valley. You will find great specialty shops and splendid places for everything from a cup of coffee to a wonderful meal.
Another great stop is the Lake County Museum, which is housed in the county's original courthouse that was built in the late 1800s. This beautiful two-story building houses some great exhibits that will take you from the days when native Americans roamed the area to some historic court proceedings that still affect our lives today.
Visit Upper Lake which has the feel of a historic western town. While there, you can stop in several antique shops including one that specializes in antique plumbing fixtures. It's amazing the kinds of contraptions people used to bathe in!
View Lake County Museums in a larger map