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Perris lies in the Perris Valley of western Riverside County, a broad plain of farms and new neighborhoods ringed by rocky hills about 20 miles south of Riverside. It was founded in 1886 along the California Southern Railroad and named for Fred T. Perris, the railroad's chief engineer, and it was incorporated in 1911. Grain farming and later potatoes and dairies shaped the valley for decades.
The railroad is still at the heart of Perris's story. The Southern California Railway Museum, formerly the Orange Empire Railway Museum, is one of the largest railway museums in the western United States, with historic locomotives, streetcars and train rides. Downtown keeps the restored 1892 Santa Fe depot, the Southern Hotel and the old Bank of Perris, and Metrolink trains now link the city with Los Angeles.
The valley is also famous for skydiving and hot air balloons, while Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers boating, swimming, camping and trails among granite hills.
The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris is one of the largest railway museums in the western US, with hundreds of locomotives, streetcars and passenger cars, including old Los Angeles Red Cars. On operating days you can ride trains around the grounds. Visit on a weekend when rides run, and wear sun protection.
The Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum in Lake Perris State Recreation Area tells the story of the Native peoples of the area, including the Cahuilla, Luiseno and Serrano, with baskets, tools and exhibits on desert and mountain life. Its name means home of the people. Check its limited opening days before visiting.
The Perris Santa Fe Depot, built in 1892 of red brick, is one of the oldest buildings in town and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It houses the Perris Valley Historical Museum, with displays on local railroad and farming history. Opening hours are limited, so check before visiting.
Downtown Perris along D Street has older storefronts, local Mexican restaurants, murals and the historic Santa Fe depot, plus the Perris Metrolink station for trains toward Riverside and Los Angeles. Community events take place on the downtown streets. It is a good place for an inexpensive lunch before or after visiting the lake.
Skydive Perris at Perris Valley Airport is one of the world's best-known skydiving centers, offering tandem jumps for beginners, training courses and an indoor wind tunnel. Spectators can watch landings and eat at the on-site restaurant. Book ahead, and allow most of a day, as weather and crowds can cause delays.
Perris Auto Speedway is a half-mile clay oval at the Southern California Fairgrounds, hosting sprint car and other dirt-track races on many Saturday nights from spring to fall. The close action and noise make for an exciting evening. Bring ear protection and check the race schedule before buying tickets.
The Southern California Fairgrounds in Perris host the Perris Auto Speedway along with car shows, motocross, swap meets, festivals and community events through the year. The large site sits on the edge of town near Interstate 215. Check the fairgrounds calendar for upcoming events, and bring sun protection for outdoor shows.
Terri Peak is the high point of the hills in Lake Perris State Recreation Area, reached by a trail from the campground area that climbs through boulders and sage scrub. The summit gives views of the lake, the Perris Valley and distant mountains. There is no shade, so hike early, bring water and watch for rattlesnakes.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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