I write this from my perspective as a little kid. I havent been there in ages! I should go though, i heard its only like 2 dollars to get in. The oringal sutters fort no longers stand. I think they may have some of the stones left, but the poor old fort was quite abandoned. Burned, I think. I also believe it was at a different location. I remember from History classes taken here in Sacramento that Sutters fort was originally on hill quite a bit in from the river, which was unusual. Settlers felt John Sutter must be a little mad, it would be much more convenient to build next to the river. But Sutter was smart. It flooded bad....without dams most of Sacramento would be under water. So when the rains came Sutters fort stood dry.
As for the actual place, i loved it as a child. I remember begging my mom to take me again. When i went there were people dressed up in settler and indian outfits. There was stuff to do and see...but the thing i remember most of all was getting my first indian bead necklace there. It was very pretty. Go. if you have kids, theyll like it.