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California Citrus State Historic 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 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.
The design of the park is reminiscent of a 1900s city park, complete with an activity center, interpretive structure, amphitheater, picnic area, and demonstration groves. The land contained within the park still continues to produce high-quality fruits.
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. An effort to promote citrus ranching in the state brought would-be citrus ranch barons flocking to California. The second "gold rush" was on.
The park includes the Sunkist Center (available for special events), Visitor Center/Museum and Gift Shop, ADA accessible trails, a picnic area with shaded group picnic area, and demonstration groves that still produce quality fruits.
Getting There & Fees
The park is located in the city of Riverside, at 9400 Dufferin Avenue Riverside, CA 92504(at the corner of Van Buren).
The address of the office is 1879 Jackson Street, Riverside. In the Arlington Heights - Lake Matthews area of Riverside.
Parking Fees: $8 per vehicle; Seniors pay $7 per vehicle
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located in the city of Riverside, at 9400 Dufferin Avenue Riverside, CA 92504(at the corner of Van Buren).
The address of the office is 1879 Jackson Street, Riverside. In the Arlington Heights - Lake Matthews area of Riverside.
Parking Fees: $8 per vehicle; Seniors pay $7 per vehicle
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Operating Hours & Contact
October-March
8am-5pm Friday to Monday
April-September
8am-5pm Friday and Monday
8am-7pm Saturday, Sunday
Park is closed every Tuesday-Thursday
The Visitor Center open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
Park Office Telephone: 951-780-6222
Non Profit Management Corporation (MPMC) website
NPMC Phone 951-784-0456
October-March
8am-5pm Friday to Monday
April-September
8am-5pm Friday and Monday
8am-7pm Saturday, Sunday
Park is closed every Tuesday-Thursday
The Visitor Center open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
Park Office Telephone: 951-780-6222
Non Profit Management Corporation (MPMC) website
NPMC Phone 951-784-0456
Tips & Rules
•Alcohol is not allowed in the park except by special event permit only.
•Stay on designated trails and paths at all times.
•Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and must be under control at all times.
•Alcohol is not allowed in the park except by special event permit only.
•Stay on designated trails and paths at all times.
•Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and must be under control at all times.
Natural Features & Wildlife
The terrain is somewhat hilly, with elevations ranging from 920 to 1,060 feet above sea level. The Mockingbird Canyon arroyo - a drainage tributary to the Santa Ana River - bisects the park, abutting foothills to the south. Approximately one-third of the park remains unchanged by the citrus industry. The most common native growth along the river bottom wash of Mockingbird Canyon is willows and mule fat. Non-native plant species such as eucalyptus and giant reed also exist here. Typical species in the upland portions of the canyon include California sagebrush, several species of buckwheat, blue elderberry, miner’s lettuce, nightshade and desert thorn.
Though the natural ecosystem has been affected by the citrus industry, the reservoir and year-round irrigation water attract waterfowl and other species that would normally only visit seasonally. The dry wash area of Mockingbird Canyon shelters brush rabbits, California ground squirrels and bobcats. Raccoons, striped skunks, kangaroo rats and coyotes are also found here. Red- tailed hawks, California quail, hummingbirds and roadrunners are common.
The terrain is somewhat hilly, with elevations ranging from 920 to 1,060 feet above sea level. The Mockingbird Canyon arroyo - a drainage tributary to the Santa Ana River - bisects the park, abutting foothills to the south. Approximately one-third of the park remains unchanged by the citrus industry. The most common native growth along the river bottom wash of Mockingbird Canyon is willows and mule fat. Non-native plant species such as eucalyptus and giant reed also exist here. Typical species in the upland portions of the canyon include California sagebrush, several species of buckwheat, blue elderberry, miner’s lettuce, nightshade and desert thorn.
Though the natural ecosystem has been affected by the citrus industry, the reservoir and year-round irrigation water attract waterfowl and other species that would normally only visit seasonally. The dry wash area of Mockingbird Canyon shelters brush rabbits, California ground squirrels and bobcats. Raccoons, striped skunks, kangaroo rats and coyotes are also found here. Red- tailed hawks, California quail, hummingbirds and roadrunners are common.
Activities
The Sunkist Center, set in citrus groves and rose gardens next to a courtyard and gazebo, is available for weddings, reunions, special events and meetings. Call the Non Profit Management Corporation at 951-784-0456 for details.
The group picnic area typifies the look and ambience of the pre-World War II period - peaceful, natural, and conducive to family picnicking and strolling under the trees. An outdoor amphitheater and interpretive gazebo provide a backdrop for open-air presentations and a summer concert series. Call the park for reservations, availability and fee information.
The Sunkist Center, set in citrus groves and rose gardens next to a courtyard and gazebo, is available for weddings, reunions, special events and meetings. Call the Non Profit Management Corporation at 951-784-0456 for details.
The group picnic area typifies the look and ambience of the pre-World War II period - peaceful, natural, and conducive to family picnicking and strolling under the trees. An outdoor amphitheater and interpretive gazebo provide a backdrop for open-air presentations and a summer concert series. Call the park for reservations, availability and fee information.
Accessible Features
Half of the picnic sites in the main picnic area have firm surfaces and accessible furnishings. Accessible parking spaces are connected to the restroom and at least two picnic sites by an accessible route.
Trails:
Knoll Trail is a .65 mile concrete trail in the heart of the park. The trail provides pedestrian only connection between the Visitor Center and the Sunkist Center. The trail meanders through citrus groves and offers stunning views of the park and surrounding city of Riverside. Accessible parking and restrooms are located near the trailheads.
Varietal Grove Trail is accessible for 0.30 mile and allows visitors to pass through an urban orange grove. The trailhead is located at the gazebo. Accessible restroom and parking nearby.
Exhibits/Programs:
Sunkist Center. This accessible facility accommodates various public programs and special events. The kitchen area is generally accessible and two accessible parking spaces are located in the adjacent main lot.
Interpretive Gazebo/Amphitheater: There is an accessible route to the amphitheater and wheelchair seating is available. The Visitor Center helps tell the story of California’s Second Gold Rush. The 5,000 square foot center contains photographs, displays and exhibits that show the origins of Citrus and how this profitable crop came to California bringing hopes of wealth and jobs for many new immigrants. California State Parks has the privilege of telling this story to thousands of visitors and children each year. The Center is open on weekends from 10am to 4pm.
The Visitor Center and Museum are accessible with accessible restroom and parking available
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Half of the picnic sites in the main picnic area have firm surfaces and accessible furnishings. Accessible parking spaces are connected to the restroom and at least two picnic sites by an accessible route.
Trails:
Knoll Trail is a .65 mile concrete trail in the heart of the park. The trail provides pedestrian only connection between the Visitor Center and the Sunkist Center. The trail meanders through citrus groves and offers stunning views of the park and surrounding city of Riverside. Accessible parking and restrooms are located near the trailheads.
Varietal Grove Trail is accessible for 0.30 mile and allows visitors to pass through an urban orange grove. The trailhead is located at the gazebo. Accessible restroom and parking nearby.
Exhibits/Programs:
Sunkist Center. This accessible facility accommodates various public programs and special events. The kitchen area is generally accessible and two accessible parking spaces are located in the adjacent main lot.
Interpretive Gazebo/Amphitheater: There is an accessible route to the amphitheater and wheelchair seating is available. The Visitor Center helps tell the story of California’s Second Gold Rush. The 5,000 square foot center contains photographs, displays and exhibits that show the origins of Citrus and how this profitable crop came to California bringing hopes of wealth and jobs for many new immigrants. California State Parks has the privilege of telling this story to thousands of visitors and children each year. The Center is open on weekends from 10am to 4pm.
The Visitor Center and Museum are accessible with accessible restroom and parking available
Nearby Community Trips
Up equestrian then through the hills down Mockingbird
Riverside, California, United States
29.7 miles
29.7 miles
