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Tulare lies in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley in Tulare County, about 45 miles south of Fresno, with the snowy Sierra Nevada rising to the east on clear days. It was founded in 1872 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and named for the vast Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, which took its name from the tule reeds along its shores. Tulare was incorporated in 1888.
Tulare is one of the richest dairy and farming areas in the country, and each February it hosts the World Ag Expo, the world's largest annual agricultural exhibition, where farmers come to see the latest tractors and equipment.
Historic downtown keeps early 1900s brick buildings such as the Linder Hardware building, and the Tulare Historical Museum tells the story of the valley. Mefford Field Airport hosts the Mefford Field Museum with historic aircraft, and parks such as Zumwalt Park offer shade. Sequoia National Park is about an hour away.
World Ag Expo is one of the largest farm equipment shows in the world, held each February at the International Agri-Center in Tulare. Hundreds of acres of exhibits show tractors, irrigation, dairy technology and new farm ideas. Wear comfortable shoes, buy tickets online and arrive early to beat traffic.
The Tulare County Fair is held each September at the fairgrounds in Tulare, with livestock shows by local farm youth, carnival rides, concerts, fair food and craft exhibits. It is a classic Central Valley family outing. Evenings are cooler and less crowded, and discount tickets are often sold before the fair.
The Heritage Complex at the International Agri-Center in Tulare is a farm equipment museum and event hall showing vintage tractors, harvesters and tools that shaped Central Valley agriculture. It explains how farming in the valley changed over a century. Check opening hours, as it is open on limited days.
The Tulare Historical Museum on East Tulare Avenue covers the story of the area, from the Yokuts people and Tulare Lake to the town's founding by the railroad in 1872 and its farming life. Exhibits include recreated rooms and old photographs. Check its open days, as hours are limited.
The Mefford Field Museum is a small aviation museum at Tulare's municipal airport. It covers local flying history, including Rankin Field, where thousands of pilots trained during World War II. Volunteers often share stories with visitors. Hours are limited, so call or check online before driving out.
Historic Downtown Tulare centers on Kern Street and J Street, with older brick buildings housing antique stores, local restaurants, Mexican bakeries and small shops. Street events and a farmers market take place in season. It is compact and easy to explore on foot, with free street parking in most areas.
Zumwalt Park is one of Tulare's oldest and best-known parks, with large shade trees, a playground, picnic tables and open lawns near downtown. It hosts community events and is a pleasant place for a break on hot valley days. Restrooms are available, and street parking surrounds the park.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, south of Tulare, preserves the only California town founded, financed and governed by African Americans, established in 1908. Restored buildings include a school, library and church. A visitor center explains its history. Bring water, as services are few and summers are very hot.
Pixley National Wildlife Refuge lies south of Tulare and protects grassland and seasonal wetland habitat. In winter, thousands of sandhill cranes roost there, viewed from the Horse Haven Trail and its platform. Come near sunset from November to February, and bring binoculars and warm clothes.
The Tulare Outlet Center is an open-air outlet mall beside Highway 99 in Tulare, with brand-name clothing, shoe and home stores plus a food court and nearby restaurants. It is an easy stop on a valley road trip. Weekday mornings are quietest, and the free parking lot is right in front of the stores.
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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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