As you follow the hilly, curvy road that snakes through Yosemite National Park in California, every turn elicits another “wow” moment. It’s not easy to decide which view best demonstrates the appeal of the setting: dramatic overlooks, soaring mountains, rushing waterfalls, or other breathtaking examples of Mother Nature’s magnificent handiwork. Equally challenging is choosing among a number of nearby places that themselves would be worth a visit and which greatly enhance a trip to the area. From ancient fossils to Native American culture to gold mining, something-for-everyone variety adds to the appeal. Several of these sites are grouped together in Madera County, located just outside the southern entrance into the park. A good place to begin exploration is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. It’s inhabited by structures that played important roles in Yosemite National Park’s past and were then later moved to this location. A centerpiece of the collection is …