Willits CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Willits, California.
1. Skunk Train
HISTORIC RAILROAD ADVENTURE
The Skunk Train is a world-famous historic railroad offering scenic rides through the majestic redwood forests of Mendocino County. Passengers can enjoy a journey back in time as the vintage locomotives traverse routes that have been in continuous operation since the 1880s. The experience provides breathtaking views of ancient trees, mountain meadows, and the pristine wilderness that characterizes Northern California's landscape.
2. Mendocino County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Mendocino County Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections highlighting Native American history, early settlers, the logging industry, and other significant aspects of Mendocino County's past. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this unique area of Northern California from prehistoric times to the present day.
3. Ridgewood Ranch
HOME OF SEABISCUIT
Ridgewood Ranch is the historic home where the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit lived and trained during the 1930s and 1940s. This iconic property offers tours that allow visitors to see Seabiscuit's stud barn, the Howard House, and learn about the remarkable story that inspired the nation during the Great Depression. The 5,000-acre ranch also features beautiful natural surroundings and preserves an important piece of American sporting history.
4. Roots of Motive Power
VINTAGE MACHINERY COLLECTION
Roots of Motive Power is a living museum dedicated to the preservation and operation of steam-powered logging and railroad equipment that shaped Mendocino County's history. The collection includes restored steam donkeys, locomotives, and other vintage machinery that visitors can see in action during special events throughout the year. This volunteer-run organization offers a hands-on educational experience about the industrial technologies that built Northern California.
5. Brooktrails Golf Course
SCENIC WOODLAND GOLFING
Brooktrails Golf Course offers a challenging 9-hole golfing experience set among the beautiful redwoods just minutes from downtown Willits. The course features well-maintained greens, diverse terrain, and stunning natural surroundings that create a peaceful atmosphere for players of all skill levels. Golfers can enjoy the fresh mountain air while navigating this scenic course that showcases the natural beauty of Mendocino County.
6. Sherwood Valley Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Sherwood Valley Casino provides a lively entertainment destination featuring a variety of slot machines, table games, and regular special events. The casino offers dining options where visitors can enjoy meals and beverages while taking breaks from gaming activities. As a tribally owned enterprise, the casino also contributes to the local economy and preserves cultural heritage while providing a vibrant social hub in Willits.
7. Earth's Treasures
GLOBAL IMPORTS EMPORIUM
Earth's Treasures is Mendocino County's premier import and gift shop featuring unique merchandise sourced from around the world. Shoppers can browse an extensive collection of jewelry, clothing, home décor, hand-carved furniture, artisanal rugs, and distinctive stone lighting fixtures. This eclectic store offers a treasure-hunting experience where visitors can discover one-of-a-kind items that reflect global craftsmanship and artistic traditions.
8. The Book Juggler
BELOVED LOCAL BOOKSTORE
The Book Juggler has been Mendocino County's premier used bookstore for over 30 years, housing an impressive collection of over 80,000 used and new titles. Beyond books, this cultural institution offers musician's supplies, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, games, and comics, making it a versatile shopping destination. The store's longevity and diverse inventory reflect its status as a beloved community hub for literature enthusiasts and collectors alike.
9. Mazahar
ECLECTIC FASHION BOUTIQUE
Mazahar is a unique and eclectic boutique offering distinctive clothing and gifts for people of all ages and styles. The shop features a diverse inventory ranging from lingerie and everyday wear to festival apparel, yoga clothing, and comfort pieces, as well as themed collections including steampunk, Edwardian, and Renaissance items. This versatile store provides shoppers with the opportunity to discover distinctive fashion pieces and costume elements that express individual personality and creativity.
10. The GOODS Shoppe
CURATED LOCAL MERCHANDISE
The GOODS Shoppe offers a carefully curated selection of local and artisanal products in a charming retail environment in downtown Willits. Shoppers can find unique gifts, handcrafted items, and specialty goods that showcase the creative talents and natural bounty of Mendocino County. The store embodies the community-focused, independent spirit that characterizes Willits' small business landscape.
11. Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
ANCIENT REDWOOD SANCTUARY
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is a serene old-growth redwood forest located just a short drive from Willits in nearby Ukiah. Visitors can walk among some of the tallest trees on Earth, with several specimens reaching over 350 feet in height, along peaceful trails that loop through five distinct redwood groves. The reserve offers a tranquil, primeval atmosphere where hikers can experience the majesty of ancient coastal redwoods in their natural habitat, complete with fern-covered forest floors and the soothing sounds of Montgomery Creek.
12. Lake Mendocino
RECREATIONAL WATERFRONT PARADISE
Lake Mendocino is a stunning reservoir offering numerous recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports within a short drive from Willits. The lake features well-maintained campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails that provide access to scenic viewpoints overlooking the water and surrounding hills. Visitors can enjoy bass fishing, spot local wildlife, or simply relax on the shoreline while taking in the beautiful Northern California landscape.
13. Glass Beach
SEA GLASS WONDER
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is a unique coastal attraction where decades of discarded glass has been transformed by the ocean into smooth, colorful sea glass pebbles that cover the shoreline. This former dump site has evolved into a natural wonder and popular tourist destination where visitors can witness nature's remarkable ability to transform human waste into something beautiful. Located about an hour's drive from Willits, this distinctive beach offers excellent photography opportunities and a thought-provoking example of environmental change over time.
14. Noyo Harbor
WORKING FISHING PORT
Noyo Harbor is a picturesque working fishing port that offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic maritime culture of Northern California's coast. Visitors can watch commercial fishing vessels come and go, dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood caught that day, and arrange charter fishing trips or whale-watching excursions. The harbor area combines practical industry with tourist amenities, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of coastal California life just an hour's drive west of Willits.
15. Anderson Valley Wine Region
PREMIER PINOT COUNTRY
The Anderson Valley Wine Region is a premier wine-growing area known particularly for its exceptional Pinot Noir and sparkling wines produced in a cooler climate than many California wine regions. Visitors from Willits can explore numerous welcoming tasting rooms set among picturesque vineyards nestled in rolling hills about an hour's drive south. The region offers a more relaxed, less commercialized wine tasting experience compared to Napa or Sonoma, with opportunities to meet winemakers and learn about sustainable growing practices that have become hallmarks of Anderson Valley viticulture.