Gammons Gulch is a fascinating combination of movie set, museum, and exploring zone. When you drive up to the saloon, you'll probably be met by Jay Gammons, the owner, operator, architect, carpenter, piano-player, and chief bottle-washer of the place. Jay is a colorful character who loves to show people around his town. The town is made of original buildings (kept in good repair by Jay and his several dedicated assistants, friends, fans, and assorted minions), and is filled with antiques, equipment, furnishings, and just about everything else you could think of to re-create an old west town. Several of the buildings were brought from their original locations and painstakingly reconstructed piece-by-piece in their new home. All of the "decorations" are genuine, and come from the time period being displayed. Unlike most movie lots, you can actually walk around this one and go into the buildings and explore a bit instead of just standing outside and going "ooh" as you look in. Gammons Gulch includes the old-west town, a mining operation, a prohibition-era collection (including tommy-guns and other noisemakers, and an early 20th century filling station) Oh, and the things actually work, like the telegraph system and the car at the Texaco station.

There have been several movies, TV shows, videos, and other productions shot at Gammons Gulch, including the History Channel's "Western Tech" series. Jay's family background is intertwined with the movies (In the saloon, there's a picture of Jay as a little kid in the movie "Rio Bravo", with John Wayne,) and he'll be glad to regale you with stories about the origin of the various elements of the town. There's also a picnic area, where your family or group can relax and cook yourselves a little chow.

Gammons Gulch is closed Monday and Tuesday, but is open the rest of the week from 9am to 4pm during the cool months. It is sometimes closed, however, for private parties and filming, so be sure to call first to make sure it's open. Click on the website link for phone, directions, and other information.