Places to Visit
Things-to-Do Page
(Activity Resources for Cubmasters and Scoutmasters )
Revised version, 5/11/04
| These are NOT official BSA endorsements, just places local scouters like you have visited and had a good time. If you have places to add, or feel one is not appropriate, please notify the webmaster. (Due to BSA policy, URL's are not hot so you'll just have to "copy and paste", or type 'em in) |
| Angels Camp Museum | http://www.angelscamp.gov/museum.htm |
| 753 S. Main Street, Angels Camp | 209-736-2963 |
 Repository of Gold Rush memorabilia, a blacksmith shop, gold excavating equipment, and a carriage barn filled with horse drawn travel means from Angels Camp history. |
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| Apple Hill | http://www.applehill.com/ |
| Carson Rd., Camino | 800-457-6276 |
| The Apple Hill Growers Association, located in Camino, CA, was once a fledgling association comprised of 16 original ranches. Today it boasts more than 50 ranches including Christmas tree growers, wineries, and vineyards. Come to Apple Hill and find a day filled with old-fashioned fun. Plan a picnic on the lush land that surrounds these exciting ranches. Their doors are open and the growers have gone the extra mile to ensure your family a day that they will remember. | |
| Angel Island | http://www.angelisland.org/ http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=468 |
| Marin, San Francisco Bay | 415-435-1915 |
| In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post | |
| B.F. Hastings Building | http://www.csrmf.org/doc.asp?id=106 |
| 2nd and J St., Sacramento | 916-445-7373 |
| The B. F. Hastings Building is an original structure located on the corner of Second and J Streets in Old Sacramento. Benjamin Franklin Hastings was not the original owner of the property where his building now stands. It was part of the land grant made to John Sutter by Mexican governor Alvarado in 1841. John Augustus Sutter, Jr. sold the lot to William Petit in 1849; he in turn sold the property to Wesley Merritt, who built a grocery store. Today, the first floor of the B. F. Hastings Building houses the Wells Fargo History Museum, along with changing exhibits from the Towe Auto Museum. The second floor (including the former Supreme Court chambers) is currently closed for renovation. | |
| Black Diamond Mine | http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black.htm |
| 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch | 925 757-2620 |
| The East Bay Regional Park District began acquiring land for Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in the early 1970s. Today, most of the mining district is within the Preserve's nearly 5,717 acres. The area is an ideal location for hiking, picnicking and nature study. Naturalists conduct a variety of programs relating the Preserve's natural and historic resources. From the mid-1920s to the mid-1940s, the Hazel-Atlas Mine produced silica sand to make jars, bottles, and other glass items. Tour participants take a 400-foot walk back into the mine to see mine workings, the office of the shifter (mine boss), ore chutes, and ancient geological features. Because of its size and the need for safety, visitors will be taken in only on guided tours, with a limit of 15 persons per tour (minimum age seven years). | |
| California Caverns at Cave City | http://www.caverntours.com/CalifRt.htm |
| Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas | 209-736-2708 |
| California Cavern located at Cave City in Calaveras County has been open to the public since 1850 and was California's first show cave. For 150 years, visitors have enjoyed the unique delicate beauty of the cavern's crystalline formations. Some speleothems, such as the beaded helictites found in the Middle Earth area are very rare. Others are so numerous as to be spectacular, such as the "Jungle Room's" array of stalactites. Besides the fun family walking tour, they also offer the wonderful opportunity to participate in underground adventures - their professionally guided wild cavern spelunking trips. | |
| California Foundry Historical Museum | |
| 301 Price Ave., Sacramento | 916-929-8001 |
| Enter at Peacekeeper Way off Watt Avenue. Located at the Technikon facility. Foundries melt metal to make fire hydrants, water pipes, car engines . . . so come ring a trolley bell, work a water valve, see fascinating castings, film and photographs from the Gold Rush to the present. Hours: Mon - Fri 11:00AM - 3:00PM Free Admission | |
| California State Capital Museum | . |
| 10th and L Streets, Sacramento | 916-324-0333 |
| The State Capitol is a working Museum that has served since 1869 as home to the legislative branch of state government and the Governor's Office. Guided tours, informative films, recreated historic rooms and changing exhibits give you opportunities to explore the past, present and future of California's government. Guided tours of Capitol Park are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, or upon request. Hours: Daily 9AM - 5PM Free Admission | |
| California Military Museum | www.militarymuseum.org/ |
| 1119 2nd S t., Old Sacramento | 916-442-2883 |
| Exhibits reflect California's rich militia and U.S. Military history from pre-statehood to contemporary times. The museum contains military items and personal memorabilia on 3 floors of exhibits. Veterans tell war stories and lead guided tours every day at California's official military museum. Hours: Tues - Sun 10AM - 5PM (please call for winter hours) Nominal Admission Fee | |
| California State Railroad Museum | http://www.csrmf.org/default.asp |
| 111 I Street, Sacramento | 916-445-7387 |
Tour a swaying Pullman sleeping car.  Board a million-pound steam locomotive. Examine beautiful dining car china and other treasures at North America's most popular railroad museum! Temporary and permanent exhibits showcase how railroads have shaped our lives, economy, and culture. Steam train rides (weekends April-September), museum store, restaurant.
Hours: Daily 10AM - 5PM
Nominal Admission Fee, Train Ride Fee
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| California State Indian Museum | . |
| 2618 K Street, Sacramento | 916-324-0971 |
| Self-guided tours provide an opportunity to celebrate the proud heritage of California Indian culture from the traditions of the ancestors to contemporary Native artists. Special events include Ishi Day, Acorn Day, and Gathering of Honored Elders in addition to an exhibit showcasing the effects of the Gold Rush on Native Californians. Hours: Daily 10AM - 5PM Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Crocker Art Museum | http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/ |
| 216 O Street, Sacramento | 916-264-5423 |
 Spanning from 10th century to contemporary periods, the Crocker Art Museum's collection includes works from Europe, North America, and Asia. The Crocker, established in 1885, is the primary resource for the study and appreciation of the fine arts in the Sacramento region offering a regular schedule of touring exhibitions, educational programming, public tours, concerts and a Museum store.
Hours: Tues - Sun 10AM - 5PM; Thurs 10AM - 9PM
Nominal Admission Fee
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| Discovery Museum History Center | http://www.thediscovery.org/ |
| 101 I Street, Old Sacramento | 916-264-7057 |
| The Discovery Museum History Center, housed in the replicated 1854 City Hall and Waterworks building in Old Sacramento, features interactive exhibits that bring to life Sacramento's history and the 1849 Gold Rush. Hours: Tues - Sun 10AM - 5PM Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Discovery Museum Science & Space Center | http://www.thediscovery.org/ |
| 3615 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento | 916-575-3941 |
| The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center is home to the Challenger space program and houses Sacramento's only public planetarium, an animal discovery room, nature trails and a wildlife pond. | |
| Explorit Science Center | http://www.explorit.org/ |
| 3141 5th St., Davis | 530-756-0191 |
| Explorit is an innovative center for hands-on exploration and engages children and adults throughout the greater Sacramento area in science discovery. | |
| Fairytale Town | http://www.fairytaletown.org/ |
| 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento | 916-264-5233 |
| Imagination lives at Fairytale Town, where children can explore play sets based on beloved fairytales and nursery rhymes, meet a family of real farm animals, discover arts and world cultures at year-round events, watch seasonal puppet shows and more in a lush garden environment! Hours: March-September Daily 9AM - 4PM (weather permitting); September - February, call for seasonal hours Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Folsom History Museum | |
| 823 Sutter Street, Folsom | 916-985-2707 |
| The Folsom History Museum houses a variety of artifacts that chronicle the settlement and development of the Folsom area. Learn about the native peoples, early settlers and pioneers. Discover our beginnings as a gold rush town. Throughout the year we offer temporary or visiting exhibits. Our annual Antique Quilt Show in August thru September is a must see. Group tours available. Novel gift shop items offer visitors unique gifts. Hours: October - July Wed-Sun 11AM - 4PM; Daily August - September Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Gold Country Museum | http://www.placer.ca.gov/museum/goldctry.htm |
| 1273 High Street, Auburn | 916-889-6500 |
| Today, the Gold Country Museums features exhibits on the Gold Rush and the history of gold mining. Here you can tour through a mine shaft, watch the model of a stamp mill operate, play faro in a canvas saloon, or pan for gold in our placer mining stream. Museum Docents will help you explore the most common methods of procuring gold and the lifestyle of the early miners and their families. | |
| Golden Gate Museum | |
| 1020 O Street, Sacramento | 916-653-7524 |
| The Golden State Museum is an exciting exploration of California's past, present and future with innovative media presentations, educational displays, hands-on activities, and a monumental public art piece. The Museum offers family guides, educational materials, discounted group rates, and a California specialty gift shop. Hours: Tues - Sat 10AM - 5PM; Sun Noon - 5PM Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Granite Arch | http://www.granitearch.com/ |
| 11335 Folsom Blvd., Bldg G, Rancho Cordova | 916-852-7625 |
Indoor rock climbing. Granite Arch is California's largest indoor rock climbing gym. They welcome people of all ages and abilities. Friendly and experienced staff can teach you how to climb safely (through their belay class) in just 40 minutes to an hour, or lead your kids on an adventure that they will never forget. |
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| Grizzly Island | http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region3/grizzlyisland.html |
| Highway 12, Suisun | 707-425-3828 |
| With 84,000 acres of land, bays and sloughs, the Suisun Marsh is significant: it is the largest contiguous estuarine marsh in the entire United States. The Grizzly Island Complex occupies about 15,300 acres of this prime wildlife habitat. The complex is a patchwork of 10 distinct land parcels, many of which are not connected and are surrounded by private land. They offer a variety of recreation opportunities and act as a vital buffer against further marsh development. The Grizzly Island Complex combines natural tidal wetlands and artificially diked marshes. Each habitat attracts a special kind of wildlife. Pass some hours along the bay or on the graveled foot trails at Peytonia Slough... Experience the renewing rhythm of the tides, the changing complexion of marsh life. Some animals, like the California clapper rail and Suisun shrew, live exclusively in these tidal wetlands. | |
| Heidrick AG History Center | http://www.aghistory.org/ |
| 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland | 530-666-9700 |
| The Heidrick Ag History Center introduces visitors to the marvels of agriculture, and commercial trucking through 130,000 square feet of interactive, one-of-a-kind exhibits featuring the latest in museum and attraction technologies. The cornerstones of these exhibits are the Fred C. Heidrick Antique Ag Collection, the world's largest and most unique collection of one-of-a-kind antique agricultural equipment and the Hays Antique Truck Museum, also recognized as the largest of its kind in the world. A courtyard for an afternoon picnic, computer interactives and the Ertl Playzone compliment the exhibits and enhance the enjoyment of your stay. | |
| Jelly Belly Factory | http://jellybelly.com/Cultures/en-US/Fun/Tours/Fairfield+Visitor+Center.htm |
| 2400 N Watney, Fairfield | 707-428-2838 |
| Step into our factory and smell the aroma of chocolate, apricot, cinnamon or pineapple, whatever is being cooked up that day. A visit to our candy making factory in Fairfield, Calif., located about an hour's drive north of San Francisco, is a sugary delight. During the 40-minute walking tour, Jelly Belly Guides will show you a real working factory where we cook up over 150 different sweet treats. Learn the secrets to how they create the legendary Jelly Belly bean, and discover why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. See taffy, chocolates, and wild gummi critters in the making, too. | |
| Lake Solano Park | http://www.solanocounty.com/gs/regional_parks.htm |
| 8685 Pleasants Valley Road, Winters | 800-939-PARK |
| Owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, Lake Solano has been administered as a recreational area by the County of Solano since 1971. The County operates a campground with 90 campsites, of which 40 have water and electric hookups. There are restrooms which have flush toilets, sinks and hot showers. The day use area has picnic sites, group picnic facilities, a free boat launch for non-powered vessels, parking, restrooms and a public telephone. The picnic area is located directly east of the campground. the lake is considered one of the best fly fishing spots in the Sacramento Valley; popular game fish in Lake Solano include Brown and Rainbow Trout | |
| Lawrence Hall of Science | http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/ |
| Centennial Drive, Berkeley | 510-642-5132 |
| Hands on exploration of science. Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) is a singular resource center for preschool through high school science and mathematics education, and a public science center with exciting hands-on experiences for learners of all ages. The mission of the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS), at the University of California at Berkeley, is to develop model programs for teaching and learning science and mathematics, and to disseminate these to an ever-increasing audience. The Hall is a resource center for children, parents, educators, and policymakers seeking to improve the understanding and increase the enjoyment of science and mathematics. | |
| McClellan Aviation Museum | . |
| 3204 Palm Street, North Highlands | 916-643-3192 |
| Enter through Palm Gate off Watt Ave. Located on the site of the former McClellan AFB the museum is considered one of the finest collections of aircraft and aviation memorabilia in the west, with 30 restored vintage aircraft on static display, reflecting northern California's rich aviation history. In addition it features an aviation resource library, picnic facilities and an aviation theme gift shop. Hours: Mon - Sat 9AM - 4PM; Sun Noon - 4PM Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Muir Woods | http://www.nps.gov/muwo/ |
| Mill Valley | 415-388-2595 |
| "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods. The National Monument preserves the last old growth coast redwood forest in the San Francisco Bay Area. The cool moist forest supports a surprising abundance of plant and animal life, from the coast redwood (the tallest type of tree on Earth), to the slimy banana slug, from the amazing Coho salmon to delicate trilliums. This forest refuge welcomes visitors from all over the world to experience the magic of the redwood forest | |
| Old Faithful Geyser of Calif. | http://www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com/ |
| Hwys 29 & 128, N of Calistoga | 707-942-6463 |
| The Geyser is an all-natural phenomenon which tosses a scalding curtain of water anywhere from 60 to upwards of 100 feet into the air. Currently, Old Faithful is erupting approximately every 14 minutes, ensuring a minimal waiting period for an exciting and educational experience the whole family is sure to love. | |
| Old Sacramento State Historic Pk | . |
| Front and I Streets, Sacramento | 916-445-6645 |
| A cluster of noteworthy, early Gold Rush commercial structures located within the Old Sacramento Historic District. Included are the 1849 Eagle Theatre; the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building, once home to the California Supreme Court and western terminus of the Pony Express; and the 1855 Big Four Building, which today houses the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store and the California State Railroad Museum Library. Hours: Daily 10AM - 5PM Free Admission | |
| Petrified Forest | http://www.petrifiedforest.org/ |
| 4100 Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga | 707-942-6667 |
Step back in Time,  over 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country |
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| Rocknasium | http://www.rocknasium.com/ |
| 720 Olive Dr, Suite Z, Davis | 530-757-2902 |
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Indoor rock climbing. Whether you are approaching rock climbing for the first time or seeking to add to your repertoire of skills, the staff at Rocknasium will guide you through the levels of climbing difficulty. We offer a variety of courses to help you improve your skills and increase your climbing experiences. All Classes are taught by our friendly, skilled staff members |
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| Sacramento Zoo | http://www.saczoo.com/ |
| 3930 William Land Park Dr., Sacramento | 916-264-5888 |
| Discover exotic and endangered wildlife from around the world-snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, sun gazers. Watch animal "actors" on stage; see them up close and touch them. Experience all of this amidst hundred-year-old oaks, lush gardens and picnic areas. Voted "Best Attraction for Kids" by Sacramento Magazine for 2002. | |
| Suisun Wildlife Center | http://suisunwildlife.org/wildmain.html |
| 1171 Kellogg Street, Suisun | 707-429-4295 |
| A committed staff of volunteers, trained and ready to care for rescued wildlife, insures that birds and animals receive the best care possible. Since opening, over 200 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles have been treated; and we are presently handling around 1000 animals . We offer a wide variety of presentations and field trips that are a favorite for small and large groups alike and our Suisun Marsh Environmental Program is part of the annual curriculum in the local school districts. | |
| Sutter's Fort | . |
| 2701 L St., Sacramento | 916-445-4422 |
| Sacramento's earliest settlement was founded by John Sutter in 1839. Self-guided tours explain the unique museum exhibits, a visitor orientation room and exhibit rooms, carpenter's and blacksmith's shops, bakery, dining room, and living quarters. Living history programs and demonstrations. Hours: Daily 10AM - 5PM Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Towe Ford Museum | http://www.toweautomuseum.org/ |
| 2200 Front St., Sacramento | 916-442-6802 |
| Be dazzled by glistening paint and chrome headlights as you hit the high road to the "Land of Dreams." Enjoy the story of the development of the automobile and the men who brought us this amazing machine. Over 150 vehicles to awaken the dreamer in you. Free parking. Hours: Daily 10AM - 6PM Nominal Admission Fee | |
| Train Town | http://www.traintown.com/ |
| 20264 Broadway, Sonoma | 707-938-3912 |
| Take a 20 min. ride on the Sonoma Train Town Railroad, a pint-size steam train that rolls through a 10 acre park, past a waterfall and small lake. Along the way, there's a stop at the petting zoo, where you can feed llamas, goats, sheep and rabbits. Train Town features a roster of 4 locomotives, 2 steam (Mogul and a Hudson) and two diesel The ride is 1.25 miles long and includes a stop in a scale sized town and petting zoo.. | |
| Travis Air Force Museum | http://public.travis.amc.af.mil/public/ |
| Travis AFB, Fairfield | 707-424-5605 |
The Travis Air Museum in California houses one of the largest collections of military aircraft on the West Coast. It is located on Travis Air Force Base (AFB) in Fairfield between San Francisco and Sacramento. In the interest of preserving and maintaining this outstanding collection, the Museum plans to relocate to an easily accessible building by the entrance to the base. The Travis Air Museum will be renamed the Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum, and will portray the history of American military aviation and chronicle the history of Travis AFB.
Due to security restrictions, visitors must obtain a pass at the Main Gate Visitor's Center. You must have someone with a military/government ID to provide escort services. Visitors carrying an active duty or military identification or retiree's have approved BASE ACCESS and do not require a pass if your vehicle has current government stickers. |
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| USS Hornet | http://www.uss-hornet.org/ |
| Pier 3, Alameda Point, Alameda | 510- 521-8448 |
| Day tours, or overnight tours for groups can be arranged. The aircraft carrier USS HORNET is a national treasure, having participated in two of the greatest events of the 20th century -- World War II and the Apollo 11 manned space mission. Now peacefully moored at historic Alameda Point on San Francisco Bay, the USS HORNET is a timeless memorial to those who defended our American values and to those who have pursued America's technological advancements.. The museum is available seven days a week. All tours, whether self-guided or docent-led, involve climbing steep stairways, so comfortable clothing and shoes with nonskid soles are recommended. | |
| Vacaville Museum | http://www.vacavillemuseum.org/ |
| 707-447-4513 | |
| Located in a quiet, tree-shaded Victorian neighborhood in historic downtown, the purpose of the museum is to collect and preserve artifacts relating directly to the history of Solano County and to promote an awareness and understanding of county history and culture by offering interpretive exhibits and associated programs, events and workshops. | |
| Vallejo Naval Historical Museum | http://vallejomuseum.org/ |
| 734 Marin St, Vallejo | 707-643-0077 |
| The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum preserves and exhibits the diverse and exciting history of the City of Vallejo and the former U.S. Naval Shipyard at Mare Island. The Museum is located in Vallejo's historic Old City Hall and features five galleries devoted to community and U.S. Navy history. Naval history, including material about Mare Island Naval Shipyard, are on display at the museum. Items include relics, papers, ships models, murals and an operating periscope. Changing exhibits and exhibits of regional and local history are also presented. | |
| Western Railway Museum | http://www.wrm.org/ |
| Rio Vista Junction, on Hwy 12 | 707-374-2978 |
The  Western Railway Museum gives visitors the opportunity to ride historic streetcars and interurban electric trains from all over California and other western states. Streetcars loop the shaded picnic grounds. Interurban cars run over the restored main line of the old Sacramento Northern Railway. With over 50 historic cars on display, railway exhibits, the Museum Bookstore and Gift Shop and the large, shaded picnic grounds, the Western Railway Museum is ideal for family and group outings. |
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| Young Eagles | http://www.youngeagles.org |
| Nut Tree Airport, Vacaville | . |
Young Eagles is a nationwide program, sponsored by the EAA Aviation Foundation and affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, which provides aircraft orientation flights free of charge to any youth (age 8-17). The program has been developed to welcome young people into the world of aviation. The local chapter holds rallies at Nut Tree Airport on an irregular schedule (about every other month). Notifications will appear in the local papers and on this web site. To be an "official" BSA outing, a Flight Tour Permit is required. note:Since some of the information required is difficult to obtain, some units participate as an unofficial group of individuals rather than an official pack or troop outing. |
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Any suggestions or comments on the site format, please contact the webmaster, sdmytriw@hotmail.com. This page last updated 9/3/2004. |