Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a science museum and zoo in Redding featuring exhibits about wildlife, regional natural history, and gardens along the Sacramento River. The facility spreads across multiple connected areas with museum buildings, plant collections, and observation spaces.

The park began as an educational project in the 1950s and grew gradually by adding a museum building, tree and plant gardens, and a pedestrian bridge. Each addition helped shape it into a major visitor destination.

Native American artifacts and regional art collections in the museum show how Northern California's people lived and created over time through permanent displays and rotating exhibitions.

The grounds are walkable and well-marked, making it easy to navigate between different sections on your own. Plan for several hours if you want to explore both the museum areas and outdoor gardens at a comfortable pace.

The McConnell Arboretum spans 200 acres with plants from Mediterranean climates and connects to the main grounds via a glass-decked footbridge. This unusual bridge reveals views of the river landscape below as you walk across it.

Location: Redding

GPS coordinates: 40.58878,-122.37548

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:29