< PreviousW hen wandering the grocery store aisles, do you stop to think about how all this food is produced and placed with such ease at your fingertips? Chances are that many of the produce, dairy and meat products that you have purchased were grown or raised here. Tulare County is one of the top agriculture-producing counties in the world, providing more than 98+ countries with the staples of a healthy diet. It’s also home to the World Ag Expo. The industrious and hardworking people of this rich agricultural land invite you to experience the “Bread Basket of the World.” As the heart of the most productive agricultural area in the nation, Tulare County harvests more than 240 different crops and is one of the top dairy producers in the world. Many of our crops are irrigated by snowmelt and waters from the Sierra Nevada. In early spring, the countryside is vibrant with blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers, while the sweet aroma of orange blossoms fills the air. Our farmers supply markets around the world with fresh produce. Fall brings bright colors of yellow corn stalks, pumpkin patches and gourd fields. Leaves on the fruit trees and vines turn variations of green, gold, orange and red. Winter’s cool air helps produce the sweetest oranges in the world. Acres of ripe navel oranges on dark green trees appear to be decorated for the holidays. Rolling foothills, large cattle ranches and the majestic peaks of the snow capped Sierra Nevada form a spectacular backdrop. Fruit stands dot country roads spring through fall, and farmers markets and taste tours are available throughout the Central Valley. The taste of just-picked local produce is deliciously unforgettable. Tulare County is rich in history. When the county was established in 1852, early settlers found a wild and beautiful land with great potential. The high country provided water, timber and a place to escape the summer heat. The valley floor provided abundant game and rich soil for crops and cattle grazing — all the ingredients to start a new life. Since its beginning, the county has witnessed so much history, including the arrival of the railroad, mining of precious metals, discovery of the giant sequoia trees and the proliferation of irrigation canals – all coming together to create an amazing, countywide history classroom. Success Lake & Richard L. Schafer Dam Located about 8 miles east of Porterville, it is open year-round with 104 total camping and RV sites, many with electric hookups and water. Success Lake also has 1,400 acres of multipurpose wild land with recreation opportunities such as hunting, horseback riding, day hiking, backpacking and bird watching. The lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, waterskiing and jet skiing. Hunting is allowed in accordance with all state Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons. For more information and to book a campsite, go to recreation.gov . Pixley Wildlife Refuge As home to more than a dozen species of mammals and reptiles, and habitat for waterfowl and grassland bird species, this refuge is the perfect place to watch nature come alive. Take a relaxing walk along the 1.5-mile trail, lined with interpretive stations, or observe the sandhill cranes roosting in the wetlands from September to January, where more than 6,000 have been spotted at one time. fws.gov/kern/refuges/pixley Lake Kaweah Reservoir Lake Kaweah is located on the Kaweah River near Lemon Cove and Three Rivers. When full, the lake has a surface area of 3 square miles. It is in the foothills below Sequoia National Park and the Sierra Nevada range. High mountains provide a beautiful background for year-round fishing, boating and walking trails at this popular recreation area along the southern entrance into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. For more information and camping reservations, visit recreation.gov. Discover Tulare County Come for the Sequoias, but let our bounty surprise you. Yokohl Valley 18 | The Sequoia VisitorKaweah Oaks Preserve This 322-acre preserve, off Highway 198 East of Visalia, protects one of the last valley oak riparian forests in California. Visitors can enter a timeless oasis that showcases what this region looked like more than 200 years ago when valley oaks carpeted the Central Valley. Hike a trail past Himalayan blackberries and rare native plant species while being serenaded by dozens of local bird species and other wildlife. Perhaps you’ll spot a gray fox, great horned owl or even a Nuttall’s woodpecker. Four self-guid- ed nature paths allow visitors to explore a simpler time, and experience the sights and sounds that greeted Native Americans and early settlers. sequoiariverlands.org WoodLake Botanical and Rose Gardens The first garden of its kind in California, this 13-acre facility near Bravo Lake showcases our region’s rich heritage of citrus, nut and rose cultivation. With more than one mile of gardens, visitors can stroll, bike or use a wheelchair to explore. Visit during peak bloom in April and May to enjoy intoxicating fragrances, and May through July for berries, nuts and fruits. Don’t miss the citrus, exotic fruit and nut orchards, annual and perennial crops, rock and cactus garden, and over two thousand roses acknowledg- ing the rich history of rose hybridizing and propagation in the Central Valley. The Botanical Garden gates are open 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays through Sundays. The Rose Garden portion is accessible all year. Admission is free. woodlakebotanicalgardens.com Case Mountain Recreation Area With over 6,500 feet of elevation gain, the recreation area includes dozens of miles of mountain bike, foot, and equestrian trails, picnic tables, six distinct sequoia groves, and endless opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and exploration in the foothills of the Sierra. Access to other groves in the complex requires permission to cross private property on the summit of Case Mountain. All public access in Case Mountain Recreation Area is non-motorized. Visit recreation.gov for more information. Dry Creek Preserve The first example of an ecologically based aggregate mine reclamation in Tulare County, this fully restored 152-acre nature preserve provides critical habitat for an increasing number of resident and migratory birds, and supports native species such as the great blue heron, the bald eagle and mule deer. When spring arrives, the preserve welcomes visitors with a stunning display of wildflowers. Located just outside of Lemon Cove a short distance off Highway 198, don’t miss a great opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Open daily from fall into spring, and only on weekends in summer due to fire danger. sequoiariverlands.org Mooney Grove Park As the first county park in California and home to enormous oak trees that Visalia has worked hard to preserve and protect, Mooney Grove Park is the perfect place for a family picnic or game of disc golf. Surround yourself with nature and enjoy walking around the grounds. At the park entrance, visit the historic “End of the Trail” statue, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in September, 2019. Take a stroll around the lagoon and tour the Tulare County Museum of Farm Labor and Agriculture, which features one of the largest Native American basket collections on display California. visitvisalia.com From the rolling, grassy foothills dotted with mighty oak trees, to the fertile valley floor, there is plenty for every nature lover to see and do. Experience Nature Lake Kaweah Resevoir Visalia Kaweah Oaks Preserve SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 19 Visiting the ValleyInternational Agri-Center Known for the annual World Ag Expo and California Antique Farm Equipment Show, the 260-acre Tulare facility is also home to the AgVentures! Learning Center, Harvest Festival, equestrian events and other special activities. Designed to promote California’s agriculture industry, it has 2.6 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space. For information, visit internationalagricenter.com. AgVentures! Learning Center Located at Tulare’s International Agri-Center, this is a place where ag becomes more than just fields and farmers— it’s you and me and the food we eat (and the clothes we wear). The center features multiple ag-related displays with interactive, hands-on activities for all ages. For information, call (559) 688-1030 or visit Iacagventures.org Farmer Bob’s World Farmer Bob’s World provides visitors with an interactive wagon ride experience on the 100-acre citrus farm. See, touch, taste and smell some of California’s juiciest gems. Tours available with 24-hour advance reservation. farmerbobsworld.com Bari Olive Oil A family-owned farm and mill near Dinuba, Bari has been producing award-winning olive oils from locally grown olives for 75 years. Visit the on-site tasting room, which also offers olive oil soaps, books and craft crates. Learn about the history, production and uses of olive oil on a tour of the mill. barioliveoil.com Bravo Farms Taste the Valley the way the locals do. Bravo Farms started as a small gas station and café in Traver and, over the years, grew into a mini-Knott’s Berry Farm, according to the L.A. Times. Watch professionals make hand-crafted cheese and proceed through the tour to taste for yourself. Purchase goodies at The Shoppe and indulge in an ice cream treat. Call ahead for the cheese-making schedule. bravofarms.com Naylor Family Organic Farm The organic farm and farm stay in Dinuba add to the agricultural ambience of the Central Valley. This unique getaway and “farm to fork” experience is patterned after European-style farm stays where guests are invited into the host’s home. Two spacious bedrooms with private baths are open to guests, and breakfast is prepared and served by the Naylors each morning. They have opened their farm to tours and direct sales of their tree-ripened organic peaches and nectarines, as well as other stone fruit in season. naylorsorganicrarmstay.com Rosa Brothers Milk Company This family-owned creamery in Tulare started in 2012 as a means of processing milk from their own dairy. Tours are by reservation only, geared toward kids and adults, and run seasonally from early spring to late fall. Cost is $6 per person, with free admission for kids 2 and under. Visitors can see the milk-bottling and ice cream-making process, and have the chance to purchase the freshest milk and ice cream in the Valley, as well as other local treats. rosabrothers.com Naturally Nuts In Visalia Naturally Nuts offers freshly roasted nuts , dried fruit, gift baskets, sugar-free chocolates, olives, soups, local honey, olive oil, handmade caramel pecan logs, handmade nut butters and even their own handmade granola. Looking for an easy way to return home with some of the most tantalizing tastes of Tulare County? This stop is a must. naturallynuts.com Big L Ranch A family owned 10 acre organic blueberry farm and boutique event venue that is located on the North banks of the Kaweah River. Five varieties of Southern Highbush blueberries are grown using all organic soil nutrition from local suppliers. Harvest season begins in early May and runs through late June. The farm also hosts canoe rentals and Harvest nights. biglranch.com Visalia: Year-round rain or shine: Saturdays, 8 - 11:30 a.m., at Caldwell & Mooney Summer Market: Tuesdays, 8 - 11:30 a.m., at Akers & Tulare Thursday, 5-8pm, at Main & Church St. Lindsay: March - November: Fridays, 5 p.m., at Sweetbriar Plaza Dinuba: June - August: Fridays, 6 p.m., in the Downtown Entertainment Plaza Farmersville: May - September: Thursdays, 3 p.m., at 147 E. Front St. Porterville: Tuesdays, 8 a.m., downtown on Main Street Springville: First Saturday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Springville Ranch Three Rivers: Now a storefront located with Sierra Subs. Thursdays, 12 - 6 p.m., Fridays 12 - 5 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays 12 - 3 p.m., at Sage Roots, 40838 Sierra Drive, Unit C. Local Agriculture Farmers markets & street fairs of Tulare County 20 | The Sequoia Visitor Visiting the ValleyColonel Allensworth State Historic Park In 1908, a group of African Americans, led by Col. Allen Allensworth, founded a town that would combine pride of ownership, equality of opportunity and high ideals. Today, the California Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to the town’s renaissance as a living example of the American spirit. A modest but growing assemblage of restored and reconstructed buildings marks the location of the state park near Earlimart. A schoolhouse, Baptist church, businesses, homes, hotel, library and other structures symbolize one man’s dream of an independent, democratic town where African Americans could live in control of their destinies. Special events include an annual rededication and Old Time Jubilee. parks.ca.gov/allensworth Charter Oak About 7 miles east of Visalia is a large valley oak tree that, according to legend, was used as shade for the first voters in Tulare County. The election was held on July 10, 1852, and, rather than meet in John Wood’s cabin, officials moved the polling place under this tree to escape the heat. Kaweah Post Office In 1910, a small post office was built in the Kaweah settlement near what is now Three Rivers. Only 10 feet by 12 feet in size, this rustic building is one of the smallest operating post offices in the United States. It continues to serve the community, and its beginnings can be traced to the colonists who lived in a utopian community nearby. Farmersville Methodist Church Built in the 1880s, the chapel of the former Farmersville Methodist Church was rolled into Farmersville on logs, with horses pulling it, in approximately 1903. It was established on Farmersville Boulevard just south of Visalia Road, also known as the “four corners” around 1947; a Mrs. Avery donated a parcel of her land that is now Avery and Ash. The chapel portion of the church was moved again, to that location. The steeple broke during this move. It was rebuilt with the fishtail shingles. It was then moved again around 2009 to its current location at 881 N. Farmersvilled and available for private events. Tailholt Two cemeteries and a monument are about all that remain of this old gold-mining camp just 10 miles east of Delano. Later renamed White River, Tailholt got its start around 1865. Two cemeteries were established so respectable folk wouldn’t be buried alongside camp ruffians. For information about this state historical landmak, visit: ohp.parks.ca.gov/listedresources/detail/413. Heritage Square The White House is a 1912 family home (later used to house teachers after World War II and the Depot Museum) and the Southern Pacific Railroad office (built in 1888 when the railroad was extended from Fresno to Visalia, and used until 1978) are two of the Heritage Square structures in Dinuba, housing cultural and historic artifacts of the Alta District (northeast Tulare County). Zalud House A nostalgic glimpse into the past, the Zalud House, built in 1891, is one of the few houses of that era that has not been remodeled. From the time it was built in Porterville, only the Zalud family lived there, and it’s now one of the few museums in the nation furnished entirely with the owner’s possessions. Visitors can sign up for “paranormal” tours of the house, which is listed in the National Historical Registry of Old Houses and the National Register of Historic Places. https://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/visitors/ historical_landmarks.php Visalia Walking Tour Take the self-guided, 45-minute tour through downtown Visalia for some exercise and a surprising look at Visalia’s fascinating history. Learn about Little White School, a historic stage coach stop, famous performers, jail breaks, trains, Visalia’s pioneering role in electrical power, Fort Visalia and more. Also available as an audio guide on our new app. visitvisalia.com California Hot Springs Resort East of Ducor, this historic resort recently celebrated the 100th year of its commercial pool being open to the public. Development began in 1882 and by 1920, visitors were enjoying a hotel, pool and therapeutic center. A 1932 fire destroyed the hotel, and the commercial center burned in 1968. The property was abandoned until Ronald and Mary Gilbert bought and restored the facility, reopening in 1985 for people from all over the world to enjoy the naturally pure hot springs water. cahotsprings.com Dinuba Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall The Dinuba Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was created to commemorate all who gave their lives during the Vietnam conflict. The wall represents a small portion of all who died in defense of our beloved country, the United States of America. The replica of the Vietnam Wall arrived in Dinuba on April 19, 2015. On April 30, 2015 the wall was dedicated. which marked the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The wall is located in the Dinuba Veterans Memorial Building. Dinuba Korean Memorials In celebration of Korea’s Independence these two monuments were placed in Dinuba. April 12, 2008 and dedicated by the Central California Korean Historical Society. The monuments are located on the corner of L Street and Fresno Street in Dinuba as well as Alta and “O” street. 198 VISALIA WOODLAKE THREE RIVERS TULARE LINDSAY PORTERVILLE STRATHMORE DUCOR DINUBA Mineral King Giant Forest Museum HISTORIC SITES 99 N Map not to scale Balch Park SPRINGVILLE CALIFORNIA HOT SPRINGS CAMP NELSON 1 7 8 4 2 3 61011 LEMON COVE TULARE COUNTY 5 9 EARLIMART 1 Allensworth State Historic Park 2 Charter Oak 3 Kaweah Post Oce 4 Farmersville Methodist Church 5 Tailholt 6 Heritage Square 7 Zalud House 8 Visalia Walking Tour 9 California Hot Springs 10 Dinuba Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall 11 Dinuba Korean Memorials FARMERSVILLE EXETER Historic Sites The native Yokuts living throughout Tulare County and the south Central Valley were skilled weavers. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 21 Visiting the ValleyArts Consortium Host of the free Taste the Arts festival that takes place every October and the South Valley Art Tour each Spring. This group brings together artists, organizations and enthusiasts to advocate, promote and provide opportunities to create and celebrate the arts for all Tulare County residents and visitors. artsconsortium.org Arts Visalia Arts Visalia’s gallery features regional, national and internationally recognized artists and artisans. With its emphasis on local talent, Arts Visalia provides artists of varying levels to develop and show their work. A visit to Arts Visalia provides a great opportunity to find a meaningful memento of your visit. artsvisalia.org Porterville Art Association Gallery The Porterville Art Association’s mission is to promote visual arts in the Porterville area through workshops, educational programs and other activities. The gallery is dedicated to featuring the finest work of professional and avocational local artists and covers a wide variety of styles and media. https://portervilleart.wordpress.com Exeter Murals After the citrus freeze of 1990, Exeter’s downtown began to look more like a ghost town. Things seemed to get worse when a historic downtown building, the Mixter Pharmacy, burned down in 1991. The city decided to reinvent its downtown in 1996. Inspired by a small Canadian town that used murals to promote tourism after the lumber industry pulled out, Exeter converted the burned-out lot into Mixter Park and had a mural painted that pays homage to Exeter’s citrus industry. Today, downtown is thriving. The 32 murals create an outdoor art gallery that displays Exeter’s pioneering businesses, Native American heritage and scenes of life gone by. exeterchamber.com Want to see more murals? Visit nearby Tulare, Woodlake, Porterville and Lindsay! Visual Arts Exeter’s 32 murals focus on the area’s Native American culture, pioneering businesses and depictions of an earlier way of life. 22 | The Sequoia Visitor Visiting the ValleyFox Theatre Enjoy a night of entertainment at this historic Visalia landmark after enjoying dinner at one of downtown’s numerous restaurants, which are within walking distance. foxvisalia.org Barn Theater This community theater in Porterville has been putting on local performances by volunteers since 1948. Its first shows were staged in Annie Smith’s barn, “across from the apricot orchard.” The theater’s present home was built in 1952. portervillebarntheater.com Encore Theatre The Encore Theatre Company was formed in 1978, and the black box theater seats 100 guests cabaret-style. It specializes in musical productions and quirky comedies, and puts on family-friendly summer productions with children in the cast. encoretulare.org CleVR Escape – Visalia The Escape Rooms and Virtual Reality Arcade features four escape rooms and more than 40 games in the virtual reality arcade. Walk-ins are welcome. To book an experience, call (559) 366-7528 or visit clevrescape.com Ice House Theatre The facility is home to the Visalia Players, a community theater group that has been performing for more than 60 years. visaliaplayers.org Sequoia Symphony Orchestra Concerts are held October through April at the Fox Theatre. Since its founding in 1959, it’s been the mission of the orchestra to promote and foster appreciation of symphonic music, further adult participation in creative music activity, and promote the education and development of young musicians. The current orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Kiesling, has about 70 members. sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com Music on Main Street Centennial Park in Porterville is the venue for weekly concerts offering an array of music, including jazz, country-western, mariachi, Native American, rock ‘n’ roll and big band. The concerts start the first Friday in April and conclude the last Friday in June. There is no cost to attend. portervillechamber.org Tulare County Fairgrounds The 68-acre fairgrounds hosts more than 300 events each year. It offers both indoor and outdoor settings, providing a perfect place for gathering, fun and celebration. The annual four-day Tulare County Fair is held in September. tcfair.org Porterville Fairgrounds The new fairgrounds, built in 2011, has one of the largest covered arenas in the state and largest indoor party venues in the area. The annual fair runs five days, opening the Wednesday after Mother’s Day, and offers entertainment, livestock, food and amusements. portervillefair.com Eagle Mountain Casino This full-service casino, owned and operated by the Tule River Indian Tribe, is located on the Tule River Indian Reservation in Porterville. It offers two restaurants, nearly 1,200 slots, 10 table games (including three for poker), a gift shop, Yokut’s Coffee House and an entertainment center. eaglemtncasino.com Cellar Door Music Hall - Visalia Restaurant and music hall that defies definition. The Cellar Door is a hub of creative energy pushing the boundaries of collaboration in food, music, and art. cellardoor101.com Entertainment SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 23 Visiting the ValleyValley Strong Ballpark Valley Strong Ballpark is home to your Visalia Rawhide! At the heart of the Central Valley, the Rawhide is an exceptional option for local entertainment. A place that provides the opportunity to see the future stars of Major League Baseball. They are a proud affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, since 2007. rawhidebaseball.com McDermont X This sports and entertainment destination in Lindsay offers a variety of activities. The 172,000-square-foot former packinghouse is home to archery tag, indoor surfing, an indoor skate park, 50-foot-high rock wall, laser tag, arcades, bounce houses, two indoor soccer fields, a fitness center, basketball and volleyball courts, boxing, gymnastics and other activities. It is also available for birthday parties, fundraisers and team parties, among other events. mcdermontfieldhouse.com Dinuba Sportsplex This city-run facility offers batting cages, basketball courts, volleyball, turf for indoor soccer, and other sports, plus an outdoor skate park. dinuba.org Orbit Lanes This Dinuba facility features cosmic bowling with special rates for groups and families, and a karaoke room for music lovers. It specializes in parties for birthdays, school field trips, and group and corporate events, and offers a luncheon buffet during the week, plus out-of -this-world pizza, salad bar and more. orbitlanes.com GOLF Ridge Creek in Dinuba features one of the largest driving ranges west of the Rockies on a beautiful heathland golf course. Our friends from across the pond would feel right at home. River Island Country Club near Porterville is nestled in the foothills right below the entrance to Sequoia National Forest. Enjoy golf with a view. Valley Oaks Golf Course in Visalia offers three classic 9-hole layouts with fairways edged by mature oaks, easy access to Highways 99 and 198, with a nearby hotel and restaurant. Valley Oaks is also a Certified Autism Center. Tulare Golf Course is conveniently located with easy access off Highway 99, offering excellent facilities and friendly service at the beautiful 18-hole, 72-par course and driving range, pro shop, restaurant and bar. Porterville Muni Golf Course near rolling foothills, offers a challenging nine holes. As one of the oldest courses in the Central Valley, this well-kept golf course comes with PGA instruction, a pro shop, golf and handcarts, a snack bar and driving range.* Visalia Adventure Park (CAC) Enjoy seven acres of fun for the whole family with attractions such as Bumper Boats, Miniature Golf, Family Go Karts, Kritter Karts, Go Karts , a state-of-the-art Arcade, Batting Cages with both softball and baseball, Laser Maze, and Laser Tag. Sequoia Spring Water Slides are open all summer long. Visalia Adventure Park is also a Certified Autism Center. Dinuba Pickleball Courts And Disc Golf Course Located at KC Vista Park 1851 E. Kamm Avenue Dinuba, CA 93618, this new park renovation includes new pickleball courts and a disc golf course. Sports and Recreation 24 | The Sequoia Visitor Visiting the ValleyPorterville Historical Museum Housed in the old Southern Pacific depot, the museum is an historic walk through time, containing some of the region’s finest examples of Yokuts and other American Indian artifacts. The collection includes items used by the first settlers to the region, with photos taken over the past 100 years. Decorative arts and crafts include china, dolls and quilts. A large oil painting of a stagecoach by a Porterville High School student dominates the main room. portervillemuseum.com Exeter Historical Museum Showcasing everything from sports figures to outlaws, this interactive museum at the corner of Pine and B streets is a big draw for history buffs. Flat-screen televisions showcase historic photographs and videos of people, places and events in Exeter, Lemon Cove, Yokohl Valley and Mineral King. Volunteers host public tours every weekend. The museum is also home to the Courthouse Gallery of the Arts, featuring artists from throughout California. Exhibits change every three months. exeterhistoricalmuseum.com Lindsay Museum and Gallery This venue is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of Lindsay’s rich cultural arts and history, and to promote local talent. View its Facebook or Twitter pages to see current and upcoming exhibits and events. lindsaymuseumandgallery.org Three Rivers Historical Museum The Native American village is a permanent outdoor exhibit consisting of a summer home, winter home and acorn granary on a raised platform. Built by Johnny Sartuche, his father Eddie and brother Gary in 2011, the village is adjacent to historic bedrock mortars and pestles on the museum grounds. Inside, the museum displays Yokuts Indian artifacts, including a cradle, musical instruments, cooking implements and baskets. 3rmuseum.org Tule River Historical Museum This museum houses the Murphy House, the first residence to be built in Springville, along with early farming, mining and logging equipment, photographs, diaries and early recordings. The Murphy House was disassembled and stored for years until a site was found for the museum. It was then put back together and appointed with authentic old-time furnishings. The Tule River Historical Society holds an open house the first Sunday in December, and visitors are treated to old-time craft demonstrations such as weaving, forging, Dutch oven cooking and guided tours. The museum is entered through the Rodeo Grounds south of Springville. Tulare Historical Museum Established in 1985, this museum preserves the rich heritage of the city of Tulare and its residents. Beautifully crafted exhibits tell the story of Yokuts Indians, Tulare pioneers, Olympic champions, renowned aviators, military heroes and other notables. The Military History Wing and Manuel Toledo Military Collection feature one of the most comprehensive collections in the Central Valley. The Heritage Art Gallery showcases an array of rotating exhibits from local artists. The Tom Hennion Archives Center is available for research. The museum gift shop offers items featuring Tulare and the San Joaquin Valley. tularehistoricalmuseum.org Tulare County Museum Nestled in the oak preserve at Mooney Grove Park in Visalia, the museum houses one of the largest Native American basket collections on display in California, as well as artifacts from the pioneer era, agricultural equipment and other treasures that tell the story of the county. The newest addition is the Farm Labor and Agriculture Museum, which recognizes the contributions of the county’s diverse cultural groups to the agriculture industry. tularecountymuseum.org The End of the Trail Statue Sculpted by American-born artist James Earle Fraser, “The End of the Trail” statue has endured to become one of the most recognizable images in the United States. The piece was first created as a small bronze that won the John Wanamaker prize in 1898 at the American Artists Association exhibition in Paris. The notoriety earned Fraser a commission to build a monumental plaster version of the piece for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. After the exhibition, it was moved to Visalia’s Mooney Grove, where it resided for decades. Significant damage from the elements prompted its relocation in 1968 to Oklahoma City, Okla., where it was restored and placed on display at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The city of Visalia received this bronze replica as a replacement. Depot Museum In operation by the railroad from 1888-1978, Dinuba’s Southern Pacific depot was opened as a museum in September 2000. Pictures, antiques, collectibles and stories weave the tale of the Alta District’s beginnings, culture and commerce. The museum is open by appointment; to visit, call (559) 591-2144. ImagineU Children’s Museum Explore the 15,000 square feet of self-guided, hands-on, indoor and outdoor exhibits in downtown Visalia. Every visit is sure to engage and expand young minds through fun and informative scientific, cultural and educational activities. imagineumuseum.org Antique Farm Equipment Museum This museum at the International Agri-Center pays tribute to past generations of California farmers and dairymen, showing the tools and technology they used to create a garden from a desert. Horse-drawn farm tools, fully restored antique tractors, steam-driven harvesters, old-fashioned milking machines, a collection of barbed wire and homemaker’s tools are displayed. There is even a restored 1920s crop duster airplane. Self-guided tours are available. internationalagricenter.com Interested in learning more about the treasures in Tulare County? There are dozens of intriguing places, including natural lands, farms, ranches, buildings, cultural and historic sites, and markers that are open to the public. Discover, explore and celebrate Tulare County’s unique and enduring legacy at tularecountytreasures.org. Museums SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 25 Visiting the ValleyVisiting the ValleyMAP NOT TO SCALE N S EW Woodlake Farmersville END OF THE TRAIL STATUE Lindsay McDERMONT X SUCCESS LAKE CALIFORNIA HOT SPRINGS Resort and Campground INTERNATIONAL AGRI-CENTER Tulare OUTLET CENTER TULARE OUTLET CENTER FARMER BOB’S WORLD Dinuba RIDGECREST GOLF COURSE Allensworth COLONEL ALLENSWORTH STATE HISTORIC PARK Exeter Visalia Porterville FOX THEATER MURALS FARMERSVILLE METHODIST CHURCH 1 2 3 7 8 10 11 12 9 65 4Map Sponsored By DiscoverTulareCounty.com TRAIL OF A HUNDRED GIANTS SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK TRAIL OF A HUNDRED GIANTS Springville SPRINGVILLE RODEO SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Three Rivers Sequoia National Forest THREE RIVERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM Sequoia National Forest BALCH PARK Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks GENERAL SHERMAN Listed In order of appearance on the map POINTS OF INTEREST LOCATION 1 Ridgecrest Golf Course Dinuba 2 Fox Theatre - A-list entertainment Visalia 3 Farmer Bob’s World - Ag tours Tulare County 4 Botanical Gardens - Self-guided tour Woodlake 5 Farmersville Methodist Church Farmersville 6 Murals - 32 downtown murals Exeter 7 End of the Trail statue at Mooney Grove Visalia Park, site of Tulare County Museum 8 Outlets - Shopping and movie theater Tulare 9 McDermont X - Indoor surfing and more Lindsay 10 International Agri-Center Heritage Complex. Tulare Host site for the World Ag Expo, AgVenture Learning Center and Ag Museum 11 Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Tulare County 12 Success Lake - Camping and outdoor Porterville 13 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - Tulare County Home to the General Sherman Tree, world’s largest living organism 14 Three Rivers Historical Museum Three Rivers 15 Sequoia National Forest - Balch Park Tulare County 16 Springville Rodeo (See event section) Springville 17 Sequoia National Forest - Springville Trail Of A Hundred Giants, self-guided tour 18 California Hot Springs Tulare County 13 14 15 16 18 17 Tulare County ATTRACTIONS & POINTS OF INTERESTNext >