Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park offers an inspiring journey through nature, culture, and science. This expansive 300-acre park in Redding, California, seamlessly blends a museum, a forestry and wildlife center, an arboretum, and botanical gardens, all connected by the iconic Sundial Bridge. It serves as a unique cultural and environmental education center, providing hands-on learning and engaging experiences for all ages along the picturesque Sacramento River.

Visitors can immerse themselves in diverse experiences, from the captivating indoor exhibits of the Turtle Bay Museum, which includes an underwater aquarium and displays on Native American history, to the dynamic Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp, an outdoor area modeled after an old-time logging camp. The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, spanning 200 acres, showcases Mediterranean climate plants and features themed gardens, including a children's garden and a seasonal butterfly house. Animal encounters are a highlight, with opportunities to see ambassador animals like Artemis the gray fox and Kinta the laughing kookaburra, or even feed exotic lorikeets in the Parrot Playhouse.

Whether marveling at the architectural wonder of the Sundial Bridge, wandering through serene botanical landscapes, or engaging with interactive exhibits and live animal shows, Turtle Bay offers a memorable and enriching visit. The park's commitment to education and conservation, combined with its stunning natural setting, creates an immersive environment that celebrates Northern California's rich heritage and biodiversity. It's a place where learning is fun, and the connections between art, history, and science truly come alive. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.