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Turlock is a city in Stanislaus County in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, about 13 miles southeast of Modesto along Highway 99. It was founded in 1871 by landowner John W. Mitchell beside the new Central Pacific railroad line, and when irrigation water arrived from the Tuolumne River through the Turlock Irrigation District in the early 1900s, dry grain fields turned into orchards, vineyards and melon farms. The town incorporated in 1908 and soon became a busy farm and rail center.
Today Turlock is a city of around 73,000 people and a college town, home to California State University, Stanislaus, whose campus ponds and gardens sit on the north side of town. The city is known for its diverse community, including one of the largest Assyrian American populations in the country, and its downtown along Main Street mixes historic brick buildings with cafes, restaurants and shops.
For visitors, Turlock offers a relaxed taste of valley life. The restored Carnegie Arts Center hosts exhibitions in a rebuilt historic library, the Stanislaus County Fair fills the fairgrounds with rides, livestock shows and concerts each July, and Turlock Lake State Recreation Area to the east offers swimming, boating and camping along the river. Farm stands and the downtown farmers market showcase the almonds, dairy and fresh produce that the surrounding countryside is famous for.
Downtown Turlock along Main Street and nearby blocks has restored early 20th-century buildings, local restaurants, coffee shops, bars and small boutiques, plus the Carnegie Arts Center. It hosts seasonal street events and a summer farmers market. Park in the free lots behind Main Street and explore on foot in the evening.
The Carnegie Arts Center occupies Turlock's restored 1916 Carnegie library building and shows rotating art exhibitions, from regional painters to traveling collections, along with concerts, talks and classes. The building's classical facade is a downtown landmark. Check exhibition dates online, as the galleries close between shows.
California State University, Stanislaus has its main campus in north Turlock, with lakes, landscaped grounds, sculpture and the university theater and art gallery. The campus is pleasant for a walk around its ponds. Public events, concerts and plays are listed on the university calendar, and visitor parking requires a permit.
The Stanislaus County Fair is held each July at the fairgrounds in Turlock, with ten days of carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, agricultural exhibits and classic fair food. It is one of the largest county fairs in California. Evenings are cooler and busier, and buying tickets online in advance usually saves money.
Donnelly Park is a popular Turlock park built around a pond, with a walking path, playgrounds, picnic areas and plenty of ducks and geese. Families come here for picnics and easy strolls under shade trees. Morning and early evening visits avoid the summer heat, and picnic shelters can be reserved through the city.
Pedretti Park is Turlock's main sports park, with lighted softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, a playground and picnic areas. It hosts youth leagues, adult softball and tournaments through much of the year. Bring a chair and shade for weekend games, and check the city schedule for tournament dates.
Monte Vista Crossings is Turlock's largest shopping center, near Highway 99 and Monte Vista Avenue, with department and big-box stores, chain shops and many restaurants. It is a convenient stop for meals and supplies when traveling along the Central Valley. Parking is free and plentiful.
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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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