If you don’t happen to have a time machine, the next best thing is a trip on the famous Skunk Train. From the restored historic rail cars to the dramatic views of majestic redwood forests, scenic upland meadows, and the pristine mountain waters of Northern California, what you will experience is largely unchanged from the way things were in the late 1800s. The Skunk Train … [Read more...]
Willits
Willits, the third largest town in Mendocino County, is located on Hwy 101 approximately 22 miles north of Ukiah. Willits calls itself the “Heart of Mendocino County — Gateway to the Redwoods,” and features excellent retail stores, restaurants, lodging, business and service establishments. Most of the businesses line Hwy 101, but a few can be found on quiet side streets. The town itself is set amid the beautiful rolling hills and forests of central Mendocino County.
#83 – Mendocino County Museum
The Mendocino County Museum collects, conserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts, archives and lives of the people and places of Mendocino County. Stop by for current exhibits, and enduring favorites: a “hippie” van, stagecoaches, a recreated creamery, Pomo baskets, relics from the ill-fated clipper ship the “Frolic,” Seabiscuit’s friends, and a great Museum Shop. Next … [Read more...]
#84 – Willits Frontier Days
Spend the Fourth of July in the Old West at the week-long Fourth of July celebration known as Willits Frontier Days. This event stars California’s oldest continuous rodeo. The 2014 celebration will mark the 88th year of this authentic western event. The rodeo and a full week of events draw people from all over California and the world. Willits Frontier Days was started by … [Read more...]
#85 – Home of Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit, the legendary race horse and subject of a 2003 motion picture, lived and is buried at Ridgewood Ranch along Hwy 101 in Willits. In 1936 San Francisco auto salesman Charles Howard paid $8,000 for Seabiscuit and hired trainer Tom Smith and jockey Red Pollard to race him. Together they turned a moderately successful 3-year-old, regarded by many as lazy, into a champion … [Read more...]
#86 – Willits Skate Park
The Willits Skate Park was the first skate park in Mendocino County. What began when organizers approached the Willits City Council in 2000 finally became a reality at its grand opening in June, 2005. The council initially declined to function as lead agency, so consequently the Willits Skate Park Association, an adult volunteer service group, formed. It raised money, mobilized … [Read more...]
#87 – Willits KOA Kamping Resort
Located in Northern California’s “Gateway to the Redwoods,” Willits KOA resort features an Old West theme and is laid out on a peaceful country setting with rolling hills and trees. It has something for everyone, including a swimming pool, fishing pond, petting zoo, mini golf, play tower, rental bikes, disc golf course, waterspray park and hiking trails. Their national … [Read more...]
#88 – Willits’ Family-Friendly City Parks
Recreation Grove Park, the largest park in Willits, sits at the corner of Commercial and South Lenore Streets. It includes a stage, arena, covered picnic tables, restrooms, barbecues, a food service building and a playground. Willits City Park is downtown across from City Hall. Under a canopy of trees you’ll find a playground and the Centennial Monument, the latter dedicated … [Read more...]
#89 – Roots of Motive Power
Take a trip back in time at Roots of Motive Power and learn about steam engines and the roots of the logging industry in north western California. California’s history was built on the backs of these rolling marvels, and at Roots of Motive Power the past comes alive with physical history. Standing next to these locomotives is like standing amongst huge, metal, fire-eating and … [Read more...]
#90 – Willits Community Theater
There is nothing quite like the experience of a live theatrical performance. People who appreciate the arts flock to the Willits Community Theatre from all over Mendocino County and beyond to see and hear actors live and up close, and feel the interaction between performers and the audience. Established in 1977, the WCT is proud to present an annual season of new and classic … [Read more...]
#91 – Willits Center for the Arts
The Willits Center for the Arts was created to support and showcase the local art scene in and around Willits, providing low-cost art and art-related services to the entire community. It holds publicly-sponsored and locally-grown art shows throughout the year. Work on renovating the historic 1926 Women’s Improvement Club building that would house the WCA began in 1993, and by … [Read more...]