Ione, like much of Amador County, was founded in the mid-1800’s during the Gold Rush. Unlike many of the gold mining communities in Amador, Ione was a supply center, stage and rail stop and agricultural hub. The City of Ione was incorporated as a General Law City in 1953 and is now the largest city in Amador County today.
The City of Ione is interesting with its historical landmarks and also offers a variety of recreational activities. Some of Ione’s highlighted points of interest are:
Howard Park
The park has an Equestrian/Multi-purpose Arena that is used for year-round events such as equestrian, dog and car shows. It is also the hub for many local soccer and little leagues. The public may use the park turf for enjoying a day with the family out doors, the track for walking or running and the overall park for general public use. Howard Park also hosts many local city events throughout the year such as the Ione Homecoming.
Castle Oaks Golf Course
Castle Oaks Golf Club is one of Northern California’s premier courses. Castle Oaks is an 18 hole Par 71 championship golf course with 5 sets of tees at each hole to accommodate all skill levels. For more information, please visit www.castleoaksgolf.com
Preston Castle
The Preston School of Industry was established in 1890 by the State Legislature as a progressive action toward rehabilitating, rather than simply imprisoning, juvenile offenders. The Preston School of Industry remained open until 1960 when new facilities for the school were completed. The building remained vacant and fading into disrepair until September 10, 2001 when The Preston Castle Foundation received a fifty-year lease for the property. The Preston Castle has also been named a California State Historical Landmark (#867) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NPS-75000422). For more information, please visit www.prestoncastle.com
Iron Ivan
“Iron Ivan”, located in a park behind City Hall on Main Street, was the seventh and last steam engine used by the Amador Central Railroad.
Fishing at Lake Amador
Lake Amador is a diamond in the rough when seeking some great fishing. As it keeps fish aplenty, an angler should expect a good day of trout and bass fishing at Lake Amador.
Fishing and Recreation at Lake Camanche
Lake Camanche offers many forms of fun. Whether it’s camping, fishing, swimming, water sports, hiking, biking or even trail riding and camping with horses, Lake Camanche offers it all. Please visit, www.camancherecreation.com
For more information about Ione, check out www.ione-ca.com
