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Porterville
Museums
Housed in the old Southern Pacific depot, the Porterville Historical Museum contains some of the region’s finest examples of Yokuts and other American Indian artifacts, items used by the first pioneers and settlers to the region, and snapshots of various time periods throughout the past 100 years. A large oil painting of a stagecoach by a Porterville High School student dominates the main room. The sizable collection of decorative arts and crafts include china, dolls, quilts, and more. portervillemuseum.com
A nostalgic glimpse into the past, the Zalud House was built in 1891 and is one of the few houses of that era that has not undergone remodeling. From the time the house was built, only the Zalud family lived in the home, and is now one of the few museums in the nation which is furnished entirely with the owner’s possessions. Visitors can also sign up for “paranormal” tours to get a unique history of this historic property. The Zalud House is listed in the National Historical Registry of Old Houses and in the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo Credit: Downtown Porterville – Dennis Johnston
The Tule River Parkway
The Tule River Parkway affords a gentle walking path along over two miles of the Tule Riverbed. Parking is readily available. Visitors may view the Tule River Parkway gardens sponsored by various groups and non-profit organizations where native plants are showcased. You can find out more about each garden here.
Courtesy of California Native Plant Society
The Bread Basket of the World!
As the heart of the most productive agricultural area in the nation, the Sequoia region harvests more than 120 different crops and provides over 96 countries with the staples of a healthy diet.
In early spring, the countryside is alive and vibrant with blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers while the sweet aroma of orange blossoms fills the air. Fall brings bright colors of yellow corn stalks, pumpkin patches and gourd fields. Leaves on the fruit trees and vines turn variations of green, gold, orange and red.
Winter’s cool air helps produce the sweetest oranges in the world. Acres of ripe navel oranges on dark green trees appear to be decorated for the holidays. Rolling foothills huge cattle ranches and the majestic peaks of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada form a spectacular background.
Information on local Farmer’s Markets:
Photo Credit: Fresno Bee
Eagle Mountain Casino
Branded by their guests as “The People’s Casino” for having the best guest service, payouts, entertainment and more! Just looking for a great meal? Eagle Mountain Casino has that, too!
Eagle Mountain Casino is an 18 and over full-service casino and is owned and operated by the Tule River Tribe. It features over 1200 slot machines, 10 table games four award winning dining options, concerts, The Summit Club and more. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, Eagle Mountain Casino is just a short drive from cities and towns within Tulare and Kern Counties.
The Porterville Art Walk
(September – June)
Working as its own art collective group, the Porterville Art Walk is an arts and culture-focused event fueled by passion and interest in the arts in southeastern Tulare County. Art lovers and enthusiasts from all walks of life flock to downtown Porterville to meet and greet the artists, enjoy an art reception and listen to music. With 15-20 (or more!) participating venues, guests enjoy artwork, listen to musicians and poets, and relish the receptions and beverages. Art Walk opens an artistic avenue for professional, novice, local and up-and-coming artists to exhibit their art or craft to the community, expanding the stage for artistic liberty. Porterville Art Walk takes place the first Friday of every month, September to June. This free event runs 5pm – 8pm.
Music on Main Street
(April – June)
Porterville’s quaint downtown Centennial Park is the venue for weekly Friday evening concerts offering a wide array of musical performances. The series opens the first Friday in April and concludes the last Friday in June. Blues, jazz, county western, mariachi, Native American, rock & roll, big band and soft rock music groups wow the crowds weekly. Attendees are welcome to use the provided chairs and benches or bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments for personal comfort. There is no cost to attend. Centennial Park is located at the corner of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue directly from City Hall. portervillechamber.org
Springville
The Tule River Historical Museum
The Tule River Historical Museum houses the first residence to be built in Springville, the Murphy House, along with early farming, mining, and logging equipment, photographs, diaries, and early recordings. The Murphy House was disassembled and stored for years until a site was created for the Museum. Then it was reassembled on the Museum Grounds and furnished with authentic old-time furnishings, including linens and dishes.
On the first Sunday in December, the Tule River Historical Society holds an open house where visitors are treated to old time craft demonstrations like weaving, forging, dutch oven cooking and guided tours of the Museum. The Museum is located just south of Springville and is entered through the Rodeo Grounds.