Best Visitor Center Moreno Valley Near Me

4worldlovers:
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.

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.

"It’s heating up! And with warmer weather comes some changes to our tour schedule.

Beginning June 2nd, we will be conducting 1 tour Friday - Sunday at 10am. 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.

Parking fees are required and can either be paid with the YODEL app or paid with the attendant if present.

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).