Mother, Father, Ellen and Frank Davis are unhappy with life in Missouri. So they decide to strike out for a new life in the gold fields of California. In no time they've packed up everything they own, even their kitten, Nugget, and begin the journey west. There are mountains and deserts to be crossed, plenty of rousing campfire songs (sheet music included!), and even Indians along the way.

But life in the crowded tent city of prospectors is harder than they anticipated. Soon, with little gold to be found, the Davises decide to leave. With the help of a good friend, the family discovers that happiness can be found anywhere there is room for dreams to come true.