Park Hours: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-7pm
Visitor Center: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00pm
California Citrus State Historic Park
This park unit is open at limited capacity. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (May 27, 2021)
What is open now?
- Trails - all active recreation will be permitted such as hiking, running, mountain biking, and bird watching, and equestrian use. Rules and regulations are now posted at all trailheads and will continue to be enforced.
- Chino Sector Office.
- Single household grove tours.
- Visitor Center will be open at reduced capacity.
- All park facilities are now open at reduced capacity.
- Special Events will be considered in compliance with county health guidelines.
- Tours will be available in compliance with county health guidelines.
COVID-19 Guidelines - (June 21, 2021)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
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Be COVID-19 Safe– State Parks continues to follow guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health:
- Fully Vaccinated Persons: Face coverings are not required in public outdoor settings.For indoor public settings, such as museums and visitor centers, all vaccinated individuals are to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
- Unvaccinated Persons: Face coverings are required in indoor public settings such as museums and visitor centers.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(951) 780-6222
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed on the trails. Dogs not allowed in the visitor center/museum.
Driving Directions to California Citrus SHP
The park is located in Riverside, one mile east of the 91 Freeway. In the Arlington Heights - Lake Matthews area of Riverside.Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Preserving the Cultural Landscape of the Citrus Industry
This park interprets the industry's role in the history and development of California through the stories of the diverse groups of people who made it all possible. The park recaptures the complexities of the time when "Citrus was King," exploring the significance 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 ideal soil and weather conditions, produced an especially sweet and flavorful winter harvest 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 as well as thousands of migrant and immigrant agricultural workers to California for the "second Gold Rush." This resulted in the growth of cities and communities throughout Southern California, most of which were segregated along class and racial lines. On the surface, however, the lush groves of oranges, lemons and grapefruit contributed to California's legacy - its lingering image as the Golden State - the land of sunshine and opportunity.
Historical Tours
.jpg "Gage Canal")
Interpretive Tours
Since the majority of our fruit has come and gone, we are transitioning our Varietal Grove Tour to focus on the history of citrus in the area.
We will offer one tour a day from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No reservation is necessary. Come one, come all.
We may or may not have fruit available for tasting.
Please take note:
- Tour will be approximately 1 hour from start to finish.
- Parking fees are required.
- Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sunscreen
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” ― Ansel Adams
School Tours
Field Trips at California Citrus State Historic Park are designed for children in third or fourth grade only. Students will experience the history of citrus from its origins to present day in a period setting replicating the height of the citrus industry in the Riverside area. The California Citrus State Historic Park school tours are available January through April on Thursdays. There are two available tour times each Thursday. The morning tour is from 9:30am-11:00am and the afternoon tour is from 12:30pm-2:00pm. School Tour scheduling opens on November 1, 2021, and will be completed on a first come, first served basis. Please call our office 951-780-6222 or email citrusschooltours@gmail.com for more information. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present.
