Willits

Willits is a city in Mendocino County, California, positioned within Little Lake Valley and surrounded by the California Coast Ranges. The town occupies a modest area at an elevation of around 1,390 feet in this sheltered valley setting.

The settlement was first called Willitsville, then renamed to Little Lake in 1861 when the post office opened, and finally became Willits in 1874. These name changes followed the town's growth from a small outpost to a more established community.

The July Frontier Days and Rodeo draws people to celebrate the region's ranching roots and agricultural way of life that shaped the community. The event reflects how rural traditions continue to define the town's identity.

Visitors find most essentials concentrated in the downtown area, including shops, restaurants, and local services within walking distance. The layout remains simple to navigate, and the town size makes it easy to see the main areas without extensive planning.

South of town stands Ridgewood Ranch, the final home of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, where the celebrated horse spent his final years. The location remains a quiet reminder of this sporting legacy that few visitors know about.

Location: Mendocino County

Inception: November 19, 1888

Elevation above the sea: 424 m

Website: http://thecityofwillits.com

GPS coordinates: 39.40972,-123.35556

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:26