One of the best known features of Redding (a short hour and a half drive North of Chico) is the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Located on the Sacramento River, this facility is the perfect day trip for families looking to explore nature and learn about Northern California culture.

The park is situated on 300 acres designed to promote exploration and educational opportunities for all ages. The museum features permanent interactive exhibits, an underwater fish viewer, historic recreations, artwork and experiments. It also houses the exhibits that travel through Turtle Bay several times a year (past features include: The Body Exhibit, Titanic artifacts, Scoop on Poop, and Dinosaur fossils). Next door to the museum is the Paul Bunyan Forest Camp, an educational hub about forestry and logging that sparked growth in the area. The Camp also has outdoor play equipment, a logging water feature, amphitheater with seasonal animal shows, as well as the amazing butterfly and aviary exhibit.

On July 4, 2004 the Sundial Bridge was opened in Redding and has become an icon of the area. The bridge is located adjacent to the park and spans the Sacramento River. Designed in the fashion of a giant sundial, is the first free-standing bridge in the United States, and  is truly spectacular. The designer, Santiago Calatrava is world renowned for his works including the 2004 Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. Next to the bridge is the beautiful McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with Mediterranean plants, a children’s garden, and water fountains. And for the adventure seeking Turtle Bay offers Segway tours around the park and the Sacramento River Trail.

Summer Hours are from 9am - 5pm daily

General Admission is adult (13+) $13, child (4-12) 9$, and seniors (65+) $9,  memberships are available.

For more information visit  http://www.turtlebay.org/ or call 1-800-TURTLEBAY