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Riverside Heritage House: A Victorian Time Capsule

Experience turn-of-the-century opulence at Riverside's Heritage House, a beautifully preserved Victorian home showcasing the city's citrus empire past.

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Step back into Riverside's citrus empire era at the Heritage House, a meticulously restored 1891 Queen Anne Victorian home. Once owned by Catherine Bettner, widow of a citrus pioneer, this house museum showcases the opulent lifestyle of turn-of-the-century Riverside with its elegant architecture and period furnishings.

A brief summary to Riverside Heritage House

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours before visiting, as the Heritage House is typically open Friday through Sunday, from the first weekend after Labor Day through the last full weekend in June.
  • Admission is free, but a donation of $5 is suggested to support the care and maintenance of the house.
  • Make reservations for tours in advance, especially if you are visiting with a group, by calling (951) 826-5273 or emailing MuseumTours@riversideca.gov.
  • Free parking is available in the lot behind the house, with the driveway located to the right (north) of the house.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Adams Street, walk east on Magnolia Avenue for approximately 0.2 miles. The Heritage House will be on your right at 8193 Magnolia Avenue. This is a straightforward walk along a main thoroughfare. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) provides bus service in the area. Check the RTA website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From downtown Riverside, take an RTA bus that services Magnolia Avenue. As of July 2025, the fare for all riders is $0.25 through August 31st. Use the GoMobile app or pay with a quarter when boarding.

  • Driving

    From the 91 Freeway, exit on Magnolia Avenue and head east. Continue on Magnolia Avenue for several miles. The Heritage House will be on your right at 8193 Magnolia Avenue. Free on-site parking is available in the lot behind the house. The driveway to the lot is located to the right (north) of the house. Street parking is also available on Magnolia Avenue. There are no toll roads on this final approach. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Riverside Heritage House

The Riverside Heritage House, located on Magnolia Avenue, offers a glimpse into the affluent past of Riverside during its citrus boom. Built in 1891 for Catherine Bettner, the widow of James Bettner, a prominent citrus pioneer, the house is a stunning example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Designed by John A. Walls of the Los Angeles firm Morgan and Walls, the 4,000-square-foot home was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The Heritage House is more than just a beautiful building; it's a meticulously researched representation of historic tastes, values, and lifestyle. The house is decorated and furnished to reflect the design and lifestyle of a wealthy family in Riverside at the turn of the 20th century, boasting Moorish, Georgian, and Chinese elements. Visitors can explore the reception area, music room, Mrs. Bettner's bedroom, and other rooms, each filled with period furnishings and décor. Docent-led tours provide insights into the history of the house, the Bettner family, and Riverside's citrus industry. Volunteers dressed in Victorian costumes sometimes reenact daily life from the era, further enhancing the immersive experience. The surrounding gardens evoke the atmosphere of the Bettner's time, completing the journey back in time.

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