52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers


Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a museum, aquarium, forestry and wildlife center, arboretum, and botanical gardens. Located just above the Sacramento Riverbank, the Museum itself is a part of the landscape.

Visitors enjoy a spectacular view of the Sacramento River and Sundial Bridge from the patio of the glass-walled Museum, which borders the xeric garden and blends naturally into the popular Sacramento River Trailhead. The Museum and Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp winds through a forest of cottonwoods and oaks, well above the seasonal wetland and year-round riparian habitat. Keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that is not part of the Turtle Bay animal family.

Turtle Bay is home to over 50 living animal species and 35,000 historical artifacts and is specifically designed to offer guests many opportunities involving up-close viewing and learning. All of the animals at Turtle Bay are non-releasable and most are rescued. Visitors will see over 64 different species of animals at the park and most of these animals are native to North America, and the Redding area in particular.

Visitors will also learn about water ecosystems and the importance of the river through a variety of fun interpretive programs that could include diver interactions, fish and beaver feedings, or turtle training sessions. The life of the salmon has been celebrated in the north state for hundreds of years as it continues to play an important role in the lives of indigenous people.

One of Turtle Bay’s most beloved and popular exhibits is Butterflies. Visitors delight in the delicate flutterings of these beautiful and important pollinators in a tranquil, enclosed garden, open every day during the season. It houses up to 32 species of butterflies from throughout the United States.



A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Sundial Bridge, a glass-decked, cable-stayed, cantilever suspension bridge that reaches 217 feet into the sky and spans 710 feet across the Sacramento River, is one of the world’s largest working sundials.

Attraction Advice

The museum and forest are open Wednesday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $18 for adults ages 16 to 64, $14 for children from age 4 to 15, and seniors over age 64. Children under age 4 are free.




The park is home to over 64 different species of animals, many of which are native to Northern California.

Visitors can learn about the importance of the Sacramento River to the local ecosystem in the River Lab.

The museum offers educational programs and exhibitions on the Wintu people, including a full-size bark house.

The museum and park are designed to be all-ages-friendly, with many exhibits and experiences that encourage hands-on learning.

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