Turtle Bay Exploration Park: Where Adventure and Education Meet
Explore art, science, and nature at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, a 300-acre destination in Redding, California, for all ages.
Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre cultural and environmental education center located along the Sacramento River in Redding, California. Born from a vision in the 1980s to unite Redding's smaller museums, the park emerged in the mid-1990s, opening in 1997 with Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp, followed by the Visitor Center and Museum. The park features the Turtle Bay Museum, a space where art, science, and history converge. Exhibits delve into the region's past, highlighting the Wintu people, early settlers, and the construction of the Shasta Dam. Interactive displays bring learning to life, while rotating art exhibitions showcase local and national talent. Outside the museum, visitors can explore Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp, which offers playful exhibits and water features that explore the world of forestry. The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens showcase a diverse collection of native and drought-tolerant plants. The famous Sundial Bridge, a pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, connects the park's two campuses and serves as an entrance to Redding's Sacramento River Trail. Throughout the year, Turtle Bay hosts a variety of events, from concerts and festivals to holiday celebrations. The park is designed to be an all-ages-friendly environment, with hands-on learning experiences and up-close viewing of over 50 animal species and 35,000 historical artifacts.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the park covers 300 acres and involves a lot of walking.
- Check the park's event calendar for special events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.
- Visit the lorikeet aviary and purchase a cup of nectar for a close encounter with the colorful Australian birds.
- Coolers and picnic lunches are allowed in the park, but no glass containers or alcoholic beverages.
A brief summary to Turtle Bay Exploration Park Administration
- 1335 Arboretum Dr, Redding, Benton Tract, California, 96003, US
- +1530-243-8850
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
From the Sundial Bridge parking lot, walk across the bridge to access the main entrance of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The walk is scenic and offers views of the Sacramento River. Parking is complimentary.
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Driving
From Interstate 5, take the CA-44 W exit and follow the signs to Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Parking is free in the main lot. RV and trailer parking is available in the overflow lot next to the Sundial Bridge. Additional parking can be found at the Rodeo Grounds.
