Local Attractions
Explore Natural Wonders and Local Delights
Golden Chain Theatre
A brief 21-minute drive from Chukchansi, the Golden Chain Theatre has been entertaining visitors and locals in Oakhurst since 1967. Originally launched to give travelers a reason to stop on their way to Yosemite, it quickly became a cherished community fixture. What started in a local community center eventually found a permanent home in a converted bowling alley, thanks to the dedication of founding members.
Now in its 58th season, the theater continues to shine with family-friendly musicals, comedies, and its signature Old West summer melodramas. Open most weekends, it’s a lively and intimate venue that adds a touch of theatrical magic to your mountain getaway.
Stellar Gallery
Situated in Oakhurst, a short 20-minute drive from the resort, Stellar Gallery is a thoughtfully curated space showcasing fine art and photography inspired by the Sierra Nevada and beyond. The gallery features an ever-evolving collection of works from local and regional artists, with special exhibits held throughout the year that highlight a wide range of media, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and glass.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual admirer, Stellar Gallery offers a creative reflection of the mountain landscape and the artists who call it home.
Gallery 5
Located along Oakhurst’s Yosemite Gateway Gallery Row, just 20 minutes from the resort, Gallery 5 is a contemporary fine art space known for its curated selection of handcrafted jewelry, sculpture, paintings, and textiles. Founded in 2017, it has quickly become a local favorite for art lovers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.
With rotating exhibits, artist workshops, and special events throughout the year, Gallery 5 blends mountain charm with creative energy, making it a perfect stop for finding a unique gift or simply enjoying the local art scene.
Firefall Gallery
Just a 19-minute drive from the resort, Firefall Gallery in Oakhurst is named after Yosemite’s legendary Firefall event, a dazzling tradition that lit up the park’s skies until 1968. Today, the gallery honors that legacy through powerful visual storytelling, with a focus on Yosemite landscapes and Sierra wildlife photography.
In addition to stunning framed and unframed prints by local photographer Nancy Robbins, Firefall Gallery features etchings, pastels, watercolors, sculpture, jewelry, fiber art, and an extensive selection of ceramics. Whether you’re a collector or simply looking to bring a bit of Yosemite magic home, this warm and welcoming space is not to be missed.
Sierra Art Trail
Each fall, Sierra Art Trails turns the Southern Sierra foothills into a vibrant open studio tour, showcasing painters, photographers, sculptors, and artisans across Coarsegold, Oakhurst, North Fork, and beyond—all within 20 minutes of the resort. Visitors can explore private studios, galleries, and creative spaces while purchasing original, locally made art.
Operated by a nonprofit organization, Sierra Art Trails also supports year-round arts programming through lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions, and student sponsorships, all aimed at enriching the community through cultural tourism and education.
The Golden Chain Highway
Step into California’s Gold Rush era with a drive along the historic Golden Chain Highway. Also known as Highway 49, this scenic route begins just nine miles north of Chukchansi in Oakhurst and stretches 289 miles through forested foothills and mountain towns rich with history. Along the way, you’ll discover the timeless charm of places like Mariposa, Sonora, and Jamestown, each offering a glimpse into the legacy of the 49er miners and the spirit of the Old West.
Fresno Flats Historic Village & Park
Tucked away in the mountain town of Oakhurst, just 20 minutes south of Yosemite National Park, Fresno Flats Historic Village & Park offers a step back into the Sierra’s pioneer past. This open-air museum features beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, including original homes, a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and even an old-time jail. Rich in Gold Rush-era artifacts and local lore, it’s a quiet, walkable place to explore the lives of early settlers in the foothills. Educational, charming, and free to visit from dawn until dusk, Fresno Flats is a rewarding stop for history lovers and curious wanderers alike.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad & Thornberry Museum
Just two miles south of Yosemite National Park on Highway 41 and a brief drive from the resort, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad invites you to step back in time aboard “The Logger”—an authentic steam locomotive that winds through the majestic Sierra forest. For over 40 years, this beloved experience has delighted visitors of all ages with scenic rides, gold panning, and lively entertainment. Don’t miss the Thornberry Museum, where artifacts and exhibits tell the story of the area’s rich logging history. For a truly memorable evening, book a moonlit dinner ride under the stars.
California State Mining & Mineral Museum
Just 34 miles north of Chukchansi along historic Highway 49, the California State Mining & Mineral Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the state’s gold rush and geological past. Home to more than 20,000 mineral specimens, its star attraction is the Fricot “Nugget”—the largest and finest piece of crystallized gold ever discovered. A must-see for history buffs and rock enthusiasts alike, this museum brings California’s rich mining heritage to life.
Wassama Roundhouse State Historic Park
Located in Ahwahnee, just minutes from Oakhurst and a 26-minute drive from the resort, Wassama Roundhouse State Historic Park protects one of the few remaining ceremonial roundhouses once used by local Native American tribes for sacred gatherings, dances, and community events. This peaceful site offers a powerful window into the spiritual traditions and cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the Sierra foothills. Visitors are encouraged to walk the grounds with respect and reflect on the deep connection between the land and its original stewards.
Coarsegold Historic Village
Just 8 minutes from Chukchansi, the Coarsegold Historic Village is a lively and nostalgic stop along Highway 41, blending Old West heritage with small-town charm. Once known as “Coarse-Gold Gulch” for the gold nuggets found in nearby streams, this area was home to over 10,000 people during the height of the Gold Rush, and its spirit still shines through today.
Coarsegold Historic Museum
History is just around the corner when you stay at Chukchansi! 3 minutes from the resort lies the Coarsegold Historic Museum, a window into the region’s rich past, from prehistoric times to the Gold Rush and beyond. Located on the grounds of the original stagecoach road to Yosemite, the museum sits within a restored 1913 schoolhouse in the historic Willow Glen area.
Designated as a historical landmark, the adobe structure once served as a way station for mountain-bound travelers. Today, its rooms are filled with photographs, tools, and artifacts that tell the story of early miners, ranchers, and settlers who shaped the foothills. Small but deeply immersive, the museum brings the spirit of Coarsegold’s past to life.
River Creek Golf Course | 25 minutes away
Located 25 minutes from the resort, River Creek Golf Course sits in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s, offering a championship-level experience surrounded by rolling hills, oak trees, and mountain views. The course blends natural beauty with technical challenge, making it a rewarding outing for golfers of all levels.
Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course | 15 minutes AWAY
Bass Lake is the kind of place that feels like a storybook come to life. Nestled in the Sierra National Forest, this intimate freshwater lake is ringed by cozy cabins, pine trees, and scenic trails. The shoreline is dotted with charming restaurants, cafés, and patios perfect for lakeside dining with unforgettable views. Rent a pontoon for a lazy afternoon on the water, try your hand at fishing, or simply stroll through the energetic little town that hums with warmth and wonder. With its blend of natural beauty and laid-back mountain culture, Bass Lake is where adventure meets nostalgia.
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino is perfectly positioned for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking for iconic national park experiences, serene forest trails, or lakeside relaxation, you’ll find it all just a short drive away. From the breathtaking granite cliffs of Yosemite to the peaceful waterfalls along Lewis Creek, nature lovers of all kinds will discover something extraordinary in every direction.
Yosemite | 58 minutes away
Yosemite is so spectacular and awe-inspiring that it’s often called the “Crown Jewel” of the National Park system. Towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, deep alpine lakes, and ancient sequoias draw millions of visitors from around the world each year. Stand beneath Half Dome, hike to a panoramic overlook, or simply soak in the magic of the valley floor. With the park’s southern entrance just 30 minutes from Chukchansi, it’s an experience too close to miss.
Bass Lake | 20 minutes AWAY
Bass Lake is the kind of place that feels like a storybook come to life. Nestled in the Sierra National Forest, this intimate freshwater lake is ringed by cozy cabins, pine trees, and scenic trails. The shoreline is dotted with charming restaurants, cafés, and patios perfect for lakeside dining with unforgettable views. Rent a pontoon for a lazy afternoon on the water, try your hand at fishing, or simply stroll through the energetic little town that hums with warmth and wonder. With its blend of natural beauty and laid-back mountain culture, Bass Lake is where adventure meets nostalgia.
Lewis Creek Trail | 20 minutes away
Lewis Creek Trail offers a scenic and adventure-filled escape into the Sierra National Forest. This 3.8-mile out-and-back trail is moderately challenging and rewards hikers with two breathtaking waterfalls: Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls, tucked beneath the forest canopy. Popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, the trail is best explored from March through November, when the falls are flowing and the forest is lush.
Start your journey at the main trailhead off Highway 41, where you’ll find a large paved parking area and easy access to the route. While the trail’s natural beauty is undeniable, visitors should be prepared for rustic conditions, including downed trees, washed-out areas, and a damaged bridge. It’s a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the trail in peace. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash.
Wawona | 45 minutes AWAY
Located just 45 minutes from Chukchansi, Wawona is a peaceful mountain community inside Yosemite National Park that offers a quieter, more reflective Yosemite experience. Once a key stop for travelers heading into Yosemite Valley, Wawona is rich with history and charm.
Stroll through the Yosemite History Center, where covered bridges, horse-drawn wagons, and preserved cabins bring the park’s past to life. In the summer, enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations and wagon rides, or cool off in the South Fork of the Merced River. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, fish, birdwatch, or tee off at one of California’s oldest mountain golf courses.
Surrounded by meadows, forests, and rustic beauty, Wawona is a hidden gem for those seeking nature, history, and a slower pace.
Discover More Amenities