Turlock Attractions
Turlock was founded in 1871 by John William Mitchell, a prominent grain farmer who owned 100,000 acres of land from Keyes to Atwater (encompassing what is now the City of Turlock). Originally Turlock was to be named "Sierra" but with the potential for confusion with the mountains or county of the same name, "Sierra" was abandoned. "Turlock" may come from "turlough," an Irish dry lake.
Carnegie Arts Center
The Carnegie Arts Center has displays of artwork from local artists. There are also concerts and other cultural activities.
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is open all year, located in the San Joaquim Valley. Camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, and water skiing are available for visitors along with a variety of native plant life.