The Park in the News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you been by the visitor center to see our new exhibit Finding Ourselves in the Groves: Stories and Storytellers of Citrus in Inland Southern California?  Check out this recent article to learn more about it, and we hope to see you in the park soon! 

The park is located at 9400 Dufferin Avenue, Riverside--turn at the Big Orange!

This park preserves some of the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry and tells the story of this industry's role in the history and development of California. The park recaptures the time when "Citrus was King" in California, recognizing the importance of the citrus industry in southern California. 

In 1873, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forever changed the history of Southern California when it sent two small navel orange trees to Riverside resident Eliza Tibbets. Those trees, growing in near perfect soil and weather conditions, produced an especially sweet and flavorful fruit. Word of this far superior orange quickly spread, and a great agricultural industry was born.

In the early 1900s, an effort to promote citrus ranching in the state brought hundreds of would-be citrus barons to California for the "second Gold Rush." The lush groves of oranges, lemons and grapefruit gave California another legacy - its lingering image as the Golden State - the land of sunshine and opportunity. 



                                                                                               

  WHAT TO DO AT CALIFORNIA CITRUS SHP

Fruit Tastings at the Visitor Center/Museum

Please come and visit our museum/visitor center. You can roam the museum, and we will have fresh fruit to taste! Tastings will be available from 10 am to 3.30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visit our visitor center, museum, and store for unique gifts and one of a kind items. Our museum/visitor center is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Entrance is free, with paid parking fee.   

Guided Tours  

Join us for a free guided tour, or "History Hike," where you can learn about California's historic citrus industry and sample fresh fruit off the tree.  Our guided tours are offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00am. Space is limited so please pre-register by calling 951-780-6222 Monday-Thursday or 951-637-8044 Friday-Sunday. Reservations are encouraged and walk ins are welcome when there is space available.  

 PLEASE NOTE: The picking of any fruit, flowers, or other materials in the park is strictly prohibited. All things in the state park are protected.

 

 

Orange you excited to volunteer with us?

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit our opportunities page for more information!