The town of Twain Harte, California, on Highway 108, was the first private recreational subdivision developed in the Sierra Nevada by the U.S. Forest Service. Originally the home to Me-Wuk Indians (variously spelled) who populated the area in lakeside oochum structures made of willow limbs and tree bark more than a century ago, it became a cabin-filled summer hideaway nestled in the heart of historic Gold Country. In an ode to its Gold Rush roots, the locale bears its namesake for two authors who wrote of the Mother Lode: Mark Twain and Bret Harte.
Tee Off
- The Twain Harte Golf Club is an elaborately landscaped nine-hole course situated among towering pine trees that’s open to the public. The Meadow Restaurant serves lunch in the 6,000-square-foot clubhouse, which includes a banquet room, lounge and pro shop. Twain Harte Miniature Golf is family-owned and family-oriented for three generations; its 18-hole mini golf course has been in operation each summer since 1953.
Sip and Shop
- The annual Twain Harte Summer Arts and Wine Festival had its 35th installment in July 2012, featuring tasting menus from 10 local wineries and close to 100 booths showcasing the works of artisans from the region. Traffic is closed to accommodate a vintage car show and a musical stage where rotating local bands provide entertainment at the street party.
Frolic in the Forest
- The Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce presents free events on the Rotary Stage each weekend during the summer in wooded Eproson Park. Catch a family-friendly flick at The Movies in the Pines series at dusk on Fridays. The Concerts in the Pines series on Saturday nights showcases musical entertainment from local bands. Bring your own chairs and blankets along with a picnic or enjoy concessions for sale at the event.
Take a Plunge
- Each June, Tuolumne County Department of Recreation opens the Twain Harte public swimming pool behind The Mug Cafe. Public swim is open daily except Sundays for a nominal charge, and a low-cost family admission is available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Browse the Bounty
- Pick up freshly harvested produce and fruit every Friday from June to September at the open-air Twain Harte Certified Farmers Market in Eproson Park. Among the locally grown edibles you’ll also find decorative plants and flowers for sale along with artisan breads baked right in town.
National Forest Excursion
- Located just 4 miles north of Twain Harte on Highway 108 is its sister community of Mi-Wuk Village, named for the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians who continue to occupy a small rancheria reservation in Tuolumne County. Located within the boundaries of the 898,099-acre Stanislaus National Forest, the 225,000-acre Mi-Wok District encompasses five major rivers and four developed campgrounds. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy recreation activities in the area, which include camping, fishing, back country hiking, hunting, off-roading and recreational mining.
