California Citrus State Historic Park

Phone Number

(951) 780-6222

Park Hours

Park Hours: 8am-5pm

Visitor Center: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00pm 

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
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
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

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Preserving the Cultural Landscape of the Citrus Industry

Photo of Eliza Tibbets

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.  

Citrus trees, palm, and moutains
 

Interpretive Tours

Greeted by an old-fashioned roadside fruit stand, the “big orange, our park dedicates over half of 250 acres to what was once the universal symbol of California’s role in agriculture – the citrus grove. Led by trained park professionals, the tour includes an opportunity to tour varietal groves and focuses on the history of citrus in the Riverside area.

Large orange Display Fruit Stand

"It’s cooling down! And with cooler weather comes some changes to our tour schedule.

Beginning November 24, we will be conducting 2 tours Friday - Sunday at 11am and 2 pm. Groups with 8 or more people will be required to make a reservation for a private tour. Fruit tasting is not guaranteed while on the guided tour. Tours may be canceled for inclement weather (Rain, Excessive Heat, High Winds, etc.).

Our tours last approximately 45 minutes. So be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and sunscreen. See you soon! 

For more information please call (951) 780-6223 Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

 

Please take note:

  • Parking fees are required and can either be paid with the YODEL app or paid with the attendant if present.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and sunscreen
  • Fruit availability for tasting during tours is dependent on the season.

  •  Tours will be canceled for inclement weather or staffing issues. (Rain, excessive heat, high winds, etc.)

  • Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  No pre-registration is needed to join the tour unless your tour group is 8 or more people.
  • Tour groups of 8 or more people must make a private tour reservation (fees apply).


Volunteer

Call for Volunteers

 

Tag Hunts


tag huntTag Hunt

Regulations

Posted Orders

no drone zoneNo fruit picking