Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Nature park in Redding, California

40°35′24″N 122°22′30″W / 40.59000°N 122.37500°W / 40.59000; -122.37500Websitewww.turtlebay.org

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre, mostly outdoor cultural center located in Redding, California.^[1]^[2] Situated along the banks of the Sacramento River, the park features the Turtle Bay Museum, as well as the Sundial Bridge, a 700-foot long, 23-foot wide footbridge designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.^[1] In addition, the park has indoor and outdoor animal exhibits, gardens, and playgrounds for children.^[2] The museum features educational programs and exhibitions on the Wintu people, including a full-size shelter.^[3]^[4]

McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, also known as the Redding Arboretum, opened on May 30, 2005, and covers 300 acres (120 hectares), including 200 acres (81 hectares) of undeveloped arboretum and 20 acres (8.1 hectares) of botanical garden that span the Sacramento River. Its principal gardens include the Mediterranean Climate Gardens (Mediterranean Basin, South Africa, Chile, southern and western Australia, and California west of the Sierra Nevada), and other gardens including a children's garden, butterfly garden, and specialty gardens.

Turtle Bay Museum

Turtle Bay Museum contains permanent and changing exhibits related to the area's natural history, cultural history, art and science. Exhibits include a tank for viewing fish underwater, a recreation of a Native American bark house, hands-on science displays and art creations.

Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp

Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp is an education exploration center modeled after an old-time forest camp. The Mill Building houses displays of North State forests and local wildlife, including live animals. Outdoor exhibits focus on the timber and logging industries in California and the railroads. Other amenities include outdoor play equipment, a water feature, an amphitheater that hosts seasonal animal show, and a seasonal aviary and butterfly house.

References

^ ^a ^b Smith, Patricia Beach (June 27, 2004). "Walking on Water". Sacramento Bee. pp. M1, M4. Retrieved February 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b "Park Information". Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
^ Gibson, Daniel (January–February 2003). "Wintu Life Explored in New Museum". Native Peoples Magazine. Vol. 16, no. 2. p. 14. Retrieved February 8, 2024 – via EBSCOHost.
^ "Native American Heritage Month". Turtle Bay Exploration Park. November 25, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2024.