Central Valley Area Attractions

Tule Elk State Reserve protects a herd of Tule elk (also known as dwarf elk) that are most visible near park headquarters. The elk are most active from late summer through early autumn. The Tule Elk State Reserve visitor center has displays on natural history and information about the elk.Large numbers of tule elk herds were lost during the 1880s due to habitat loss and hunting. In 1874, Henry Miller, a cattleman, began efforts to try and save the diminishing herds. In 1932, the tule elk herd was given permanent protection on the Reserve. Herds of tule elk can now be found across California thanks to successful transplantation efforts from the reserve.

The Minter Field Air Museum is housed in the original fire station, built in 1941. The base was a major basic training facility for nearly 12,000 pilots who received basic training in BT-13s, UC-78's, AT-6s, P-38s and B-25s.The Minter Field Air Museum houses artifacts and photographs of the men and women who were stationed at this location. Artifacts include a period fire truck, 1944 Ford jeep, military uniforms, radio equipment, Echelons (Class Books), Snap Roll Newsletters, and hundreds of photographs.

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.

The Sacramento Valley Museum in Williams is located in the old high school, built in 1911, with 27 rooms. Historic exhibits of life in Sacramento Valley from the mid-1800s to the 1930s are featured. The rooms include an apothecary, a kitchen, an old-fashioned general store, and documents with deeds signed by various United States presidents.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park has restored buildings from the beginning of the century. The town was founded in 1908. It was the site of the only California town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The schoolhouse was used until 1972 and has been furnished as it would have been in 1915.

Fresno Flats Historical Park is home to several historic buildings typical of the late-19th century. Two restored and furnished homes dating to the 1870s, a pair of early-day one-room schools, two 19th Century jails and several other farm buildings are featured.

The Sanger Depot Museum is housed in the Sanger Railroad Depot. Built in 1887, the Depot was the hub of the town. Exhibits include a replica of Sanger's 7th Street circa the 1890's and 1900's, a collection of Yokut Indian basketry, and the Nation's Christmas Tree - a 3,500 year old redwood - that was dedicated in 1926.

This old railroad town is now located in the Tehachapi-Mojave Wind Resource Area where more than 4,900 wind turbines generate 1.3 billion KW-hours of electricity per year (enough to serve 500,000 people). The best time to see these turbines spinning is late afternoon when the hot wind blows from the Mojave Desert.

Woodland is located 15mi/24km northwest of Sacramento. This Gold Rush town established in 1861 was first known as Yolo City. Known as the "City of Trees", Woodland has many cultural, recreational and leisure opportunities.

Paramount Citrus processes various types of fruit juices, up to 10 million cartons annually.

Fairfield (pop. 77,211) located southwest of Sacramento began as a tiny frontier village in the 1850's. It is the site of Travis Air Force Base.

Lebec (pop. 400) is located in Grapevine Canyon southwest of Tehachapi. Lebec was named after Peter le Beck who was mysteriously killed by a bear in 1873.

The water park is closed.The Oakwood Lake Water Park has more than 30 water rides and a wading pool.

Oakdale is located 23mi/37km southeast of Stockton, a gateway to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Vacaville is located 33mi/53km southwest of Sacramento. It is the site of a maximum security mental hospital.

North Fork (pop. 600) is located near Oakhurst and Kings Canyon National Park.