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Rancho Cordova lies along the American River about 12 miles east of downtown Sacramento. The land was part of Rancho Rio de los Americanos, and during the Gold Rush the area grew around the river crossings, while the community of Mills was a stop on the Sacramento Valley Railroad. In the 20th century Mather Air Force Base and Aerojet brought rapid growth, and the city was incorporated in 2003.
Today Rancho Cordova is a growing city with new neighborhoods, business parks and easy access to the American River Parkway, which runs along its northern edge with trails, rafting and fishing. The old Mills Station Arts and Culture Center recalls the town's early railroad days.
Visitors come to bike or walk the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, float or fish on the river, cross the river on historic truss bridges, and explore Mather Regional Park with its lake, golf course and wetlands. Folsom and Sacramento are both short drives away.
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is a paved bike trail of about 32 miles through the American River Parkway, passing Rancho Cordova on its way from Folsom to Sacramento. Cyclists, runners and walkers share it under shady trees with river views. Keep right, watch for fast cyclists and carry water on hot summer days.
River Bend Park is a large county park on the American River in Rancho Cordova, with river beaches, picnic areas, fishing spots and access to the bike trail. Rafters from upstream often pull out here in summer. A day-use parking fee applies, and the river is cold and fast, so wear a life jacket if you go in the water.
Hagan Community Park is a large Rancho Cordova park near the American River, with sports fields, playgrounds, open lawns, picnic areas and an access point to the parkway trails. It hosts community events and sports leagues. Walk from the park into the parkway for river views, and check the park district's events calendar.
Mather Regional Park, next to the former Mather Air Force Base, has a lake for fishing, picnic areas, walking trails and protected vernal pools that bloom with wildflowers in spring. Birders come for waterfowl in winter. Check Sacramento County park rules for fees, and visit in March and April for the vernal pool flowers.
The Nimbus Fish Hatchery below Nimbus Dam raises salmon and steelhead for the American River. In fall and winter visitors can watch fish climb the fish ladder and see spawning work, and a visitor center explains the life cycle. Visit from November to January for the best salmon viewing, and entry is free.
Mather Golf Course is a public 18-hole course on the former Mather Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova, with long tree-lined fairways and a driving range. It is popular for its reasonable green fees and relaxed atmosphere. Book tee times ahead for weekend mornings, and bring water on hot summer afternoons.
The Mills Station Arts and Culture Center is Rancho Cordova's arts venue, with a theater for plays and concerts, galleries, classes and community events, near the light rail station on Folsom Boulevard. It hosts local theater companies and art shows. Check the event calendar online, and take light rail to avoid parking.
The Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration is one of the largest Independence Day events in the Sacramento region, with a parade, carnival rides, live music, food vendors and a big fireworks show. It is held over several days around July 4th. Bring water and sun protection, and arrive early to find parking.
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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
Photo: LPS.1, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: RanchoCordovaExpert, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: UncleVinny, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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