Colusa CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Colusa, California.
1. Colusa County Courthouse
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Colusa County Courthouse, erected in 1861, is the oldest remaining courthouse in the Sacramento Valley featuring a Federal/Classic Revival style. Its 'Southern' style reflects the county's heritage and states' rights sympathies during the Civil War. Beyond its legal functions, the courthouse historically served as a center for cultural, social, and religious activities in the community.
2. Colusa Casino Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Colusa Casino Resort offers visitors a complete entertainment experience with gaming, dining, and special events. The resort features a variety of slot machines and table games for gaming enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy multiple dining options and occasional live entertainment at this popular destination.
3. Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
NATURE AND BIRDWATCHING
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge provides a critical habitat for migratory birds and local wildlife in the Sacramento Valley. The refuge features wetlands, grasslands, and riparian areas that support diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, and birdwatching along designated trails and observation points.
4. Prehistoric River Pomo Burial Grounds
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SITE
The Prehistoric River Pomo Burial Grounds offer a glimpse into the rich Native American heritage of the Colusa area. This historical site preserves the sacred burial grounds of the Pomo people who inhabited the region for thousands of years. Visitors can learn about indigenous history and cultural practices that shaped the early development of the region.
5. Swift's Stone Corral
PIONEER RANCHING HISTORY
Swift's Stone Corral was built by Granville P. Swift and his partner Frank Sears in 1850 using flat stones scattered throughout the area due to the lack of timber. This California Historical Landmark represents an innovative solution to ranching challenges in the early settlement period. The corral stands as a testament to the ingenuity of pioneers in adapting to local conditions during California's formative years.
6. Letts Valley
HISTORIC SETTLEMENT AREA
Letts Valley was settled in 1855 by Jack and David Lett who constructed a tunnel to facilitate drainage, with the present lake spillway marking its location. The brothers met a tragic end in 1877 when they were killed trying to prevent squatters from settling on their land. Today, the area around Letts Lake Campground offers visitors a beautiful natural setting with historical significance.
7. Judge Harmon M. Albery House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Judge Harmon M. Albery House stands as one of Colusa's notable historic residences showcasing Victorian architecture. This well-preserved home belonged to a prominent local judge who influenced the development of Colusa County. The property represents the prosperity and architectural styles favored by the community's elite during the late 19th century.
8. I.O.O.F. Building
HISTORIC FRATERNAL LODGE
The I.O.O.F. Building in Colusa served as the meeting hall for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization with deep roots in the community. The distinctive architecture of this historic structure reflects the importance of social organizations in small-town America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building represents an era when fraternal organizations played crucial roles in community support and social networking.
9. Old School House
EDUCATIONAL HERITAGE SITE
The Old School House in Colusa preserves the educational heritage of this historic Sacramento Valley community. This structure represents the development of public education in rural California during the formative years of the state. Visitors can appreciate the architectural elements typical of school buildings from that era while learning about educational practices of the past.
10. Colusa County Fairgrounds
COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE
The Colusa County Fairgrounds serves as a central venue for community events, agricultural exhibitions, and celebrations throughout the year. The fairgrounds host the annual Colusa County Fair, featuring livestock competitions, entertainment, and displays of local products. This versatile facility brings together residents and visitors alike to celebrate the agricultural heritage and community spirit of Colusa County.
11. Market Street Grill
LOCAL CULINARY DESTINATION
Market Street Grill offers a welcoming dining experience in historic downtown Colusa with a menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant's atmosphere blends small-town charm with quality cuisine that appeals to both locals and visitors. Patrons can enjoy classic American fare while taking in the historic ambiance of this popular Colusa eatery.
12. Rocco's Bar & Grill
CASUAL DINING FAVORITE
Rocco's Bar & Grill serves as a popular gathering spot for Colusa residents and visitors looking for casual dining and drinks. The establishment offers a comfortable atmosphere where patrons can enjoy classic bar fare, drinks, and occasional live entertainment. This local favorite embodies the friendly, community-oriented spirit that characterizes small-town dining in Colusa.
13. Colusa Riverside Market
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Colusa Riverside Market provides residents and visitors with fresh produce, specialty items, and everyday essentials in a convenient downtown location. The market emphasizes locally-sourced products that showcase the agricultural bounty of the Sacramento Valley region. Shoppers appreciate the friendly service and community connections that come with supporting this local business.
14. Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
PREMIER WILDLIFE VIEWING
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, located near Colusa County, offers one of Northern California's premier wildlife viewing experiences with thousands of migratory birds visiting seasonally. The refuge features a convenient auto tour route, hiking trails, and observation platforms for optimal wildlife viewing and photography. Visitors can witness spectacular displays of waterfowl, particularly during the winter migration when the wetlands come alive with countless ducks, geese, and other bird species.
15. Mendocino National Forest
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Mendocino National Forest, accessible from Colusa County, encompasses nearly one million acres of diverse landscapes offering year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and off-road vehicle trails throughout this vast wilderness area. The forest's varied elevations and ecosystems provide dramatic seasonal changes, from spring wildflower displays to vibrant fall colors across its oak woodlands and conifer forests.