Mooney Grove Park was the first county park created in the State of California. The park was established in 1909 to protect the grove of oak trees for future generations. Nestled in this beautiful park is the Tulare County Museum, just one of the attractions that visitors can experience while enjoying this unique green space. We suggest you pack a picnic lunch and head to the park to try all of these fun activities when you spend a day at Mooney Grove.
The museum is actually three museums: The outdoor Pioneer Village, Tulare County Museum with the largest exhibit of Native American basketry on display, and the History of Farm Labor and Agriculture Museum, which highlights the contributions of the many cultures that settled our area. Admission to the museum is free.
2019 marked the 100th Anniversary of the James Earle Fraser End of the Trail sculpture on display at Mooney Grove. The medicine bag and presence of a strong wind represent the spiritual side while the musculature of the figure represents the strength of the Native American. The piece was created for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. The original work was not suited to outdoor display and was given to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma. They gave Visalia this bronze cast replica as a thank you.
The pond at Mooney Grove is a must see. With ducks and fish (it's stocked with trout for fishing) there is lots of wildlife to see. This is a great place to teach young children how to fish. Adults can fish as well (fishing licenses are required.) It is also a great spot for bird watching.
Originally built in the 1930s by the local Boy Scout troop as a meeting house, the log cabin was moved to its current location at Mooney Grove Park in 1999. It was restored in 2008. See if you can find this 90 year old treasure.
Let the kids get all their giggles out by playing on the 3 play structures spread around the park. Climb, slide, imagine and explore! These are just a few suggestions for a wonderful day in the Park. With wide open spaces there are lots of things to do, including an 18-hole Frisbee golf course! Need suggestions on where to get a great picnic lunch? Ask us at Visit Visalia or check out our list of restaurants. We have lots of ideas.
