Quartz Mountain Stage Lines

As we walked in to Columbia State Historic Park we saw a couple climbing out of a stage coach; but, we were not interested in a stage coach ride just then. After spending nearly two hours exploring the Park, we saw the stage coach coming back into town and decided that it was time to take a ride. A young lady took our money, gave us our tickets, helped us board the stage coach. Boarding requires agility that we old people no longer have; but, we managed to get inside. Riding inside this over 100 years old stage coach gives you a small taste of what travel was like late in the 19th Century. My wife commented that she doubted that the original seats were not as padded as the ones we were sitting on. The seats were probably just bare wood. About half way through the ride the driver stopped and explained that Columbia was "dry diggings" meaning that water needed to be imported. Miners paid $6-$9 a day for water. With the price of gold being as low as $12 an ounce, miners needed half to three quarters of an ounce of gold just to pay for water. Guess who was really making money. The rocks around us are limestone exposed by miners digging around them looking for gold and smoothed by the weather once they were exposed. As the driver was explaining the history of the stage coach, I was admiring the craftsmanship that went into its construction. Once back at the stage stop the driver helped us down and talked to us a bit about the team pulling the stage coach. If you are every in Columbia State Historic Park, get a taste of what it was like to travel in 1850 by riding Quartz Mountain Stage Lines.

This was amazing!! We were walking into town exploring all the shops and heard about the stagecoach and HAD to ride! The man in front was in a group of 7. The employee was kind enough to let him know it was cheaper to do the 8+ group rate than pay for 7 individual tickets. That man was kind enough to give us his extra free ticket! We however wanted to upgrade to riding shotgun up top of the carriage with the driver, and this was the BEST choice! It was a fun and bumpy ride, filled with higher and unobstructed views being on top and outside. There was some role play that occurs and our driver committed to it. Getting on and off the top of the stagecoach is a bit difficult, but the girl talked us through it and told us where to place which feet and when. It was amazing! Take photos!

The stagecoach ride was the highlight of our trip. My oldest daughter and I rode up top with a premium ticket. Growing up we have all seen cowboys riding shotgun -- but to feel it is something different. The height and rush as the horses take off is thrilling unlike any ride I've been on. The path the coach takes is interesting as well, weaving through a wooded area with large rocks exposed from past pressurised water mining. Be prepared for the unexpected!

This was a great gem we found on a family day trip to Columbia. The people at the ticket counter were helpful with all the questions my husband had. My son loved seeing outside in all the trees and rocks. Even saw a cat. He was happy. My 2 year old loved the horses. She could see them from the window. We were allowed to take as many pictures as we wanted and they even let my kids pet the horses. All around a great experience.

Really , really fun. My friends and I couldn't stop laughing. It was a blast, would love to do again in the futUte. Thanks again Colleen