Will Rogers SHP

In the early 1930s, Will Rogers was the most popular and highest paid actor in Hollywood.  From his start in vaudeville theater with a trick roping act, he rose to world-wide fame as a columnist, philosopher, radio personality, and movie star. During the 1920s, he bought land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch.  Eventually, Will Rogers owned 186 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in what is now known as Pacific Palisades. 

The ranch became the place where Will Rogers could relax with his family and friends, pursuing his favorite pastimes of riding and roping.  At his untimely death in a plane crash in 1935, Will Rogers' ranch consisted of a 31-room ranch house, a stable, corrals, riding ring, roping arena, polo field, golf course, and hiking trails.  When his widow, Betty, died in 1944, the ranch became a state park.

Ranch House Tours
Park staff and docents offer tours of the Ranch House Thursdays and Fridays, at 11 am to 3pm, on the top of the hour. No tours Monday through Wednesday. Ranch House tours on Saturday and Sunday are from 10 am to 4pm, on the top of the hour. School group tours and special group tours: Thursday and Fridays at 10 am. For more information call the Park Interpretive Staff at (310) 454-8212, ext. 103.

Equestrian Activities
The Will Rogers Polo Club plays polo every weekend from April to October. Riding Lessons are available on Monday through Saturday; please see our Horseback Riding Lessons Information Page. Equestrians are welcome to bring their horses to the park for day-use to enjoy the riding and roping arena, Sarah's Point, and the trail to Inspiration Point.

Will Rogers Trail Rides provide guided trail rides on safe, reliable horses on the beautiful trails of Will Rogers State Historic Park. You will experience the park in the way Will Rogers used to love to experience it, on horseback. Our wranglers are experienced and safety oriented, so you can relax and enjoy the trails of one of the most beloved parks in Los Angeles.  Will Rogers guided trail rides are available every day except Mondays. Tuesday through Fridays you can book a private guided ride by calling 310-662-3707 or go online at http://www.willrogerstrailrides.com more information.

Hiking Trails
Hikers can enjoy a moderate 3-mile loop to Inspiration Point. Adventurous hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can tackle the Backbone Trail into the Santa Monica Mountains, which can take you all the way to Point Mugu.

Ranch Tours
The Park Interpretive Staff offers tours of the ranch house and grounds. However, you and your family can enjoy many features of our Park on your own. Download our Self-Guided Ranch Tour Card.

Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open to the public after a major renovation and has new exhibits. The Gift Store in the Visitor Center contains Will Rogers books, Will Rogers DVD’s and Will Rogers radio broadcasts.  It also carries polo mallets and polo balls and a fine line of Indian Jewelry. Gift Store Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

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Activities at the Park
The Park is undergoing a major historic renovation project that will restore the landscape to its appearance during Will Rogers' time.  In the past two years, the Department has restored the ranch house and completed significant portions of the landscape restoration program.  Over the next several years, the Department will be restoring the historic structures and relocating the maintenance facilities away from the historic zone.  Details of the restoration program may be found in the Historic Landscape Management Plan.

Become a Will Rogers State Historic Park Docent! 
Interested in learning more about California History and the West, Western Art and Architecture, Cowboys and Ranch Traditions, Native Americans, Horses and Horse Sports, obscure Hollywood facts and the life of Will Rogers?
 
If YES, then join the volunteers at Will Rogers State Historic Park!  Training will begin in March of 2013.  Commitment of 6 hours per month.
 
What volunteers do:
Lead tours of the Will Rogers historic ranch house Lead tours of the historic ranch grounds Work with school groups Conduct research related to Will Rogers and the ranch
 
Contact Evelyn Aguilar at evelyn.aguilar@parks.ca.gov or (310) 454-8212 ext. 103 for more information or to sign-up.  We hope to hear from you soon!