The premier learning destination
Contact information and reservation information
The McFarland Living History Ranch is quickly becoming a popular destination for California Central Valley students and beyond. The students enter a portal of time back to the late 1800's. Judging by the smiles and laughter learning is fun, not only fun but also something students remember a lifetime. Life was not flipping a switch, watching television or having a room full of toys to play with.
Students learn that to be able to see at night one must make candles for light, to eat, a garden must be planted. They find as they twist, turn, and decorate their corn husk dolls that toys were simple and rarely elaborate nor plentiful. Students toil over a washboard and wringer to clean clothes, probably wondering how long it would take to wash the closet full of clothing at home by hand instead of pushing a button.
Hands on experience emphasize many subject matters that children learn at school while also reinforcing the multitude of topics required by California State Standards. The grounds are beautiful with plenty of old growth shade trees to keep cool. The authentic victorian home built by John McFarland in 1872, and the newly restored carriage house, black smith shop, outhouse (for exhibit only, modern public facilities are available for your comfort) and other buildings add to the feeling of living, learning, and playing in the 1800's.
Fall is time for fall harvest and the pumpkin patch. Students, teachers and parents all love the hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick out their very own pumpkin. Our patch is designed to have new growth as well as mature pumpkins to encourage studies in science and agriculture as well as picking out a pumpkin for a delicious pumpkin pie or to carve for fall holidays.
Teacher's workshop 2004. I still wonder who has the most fun, teachers or students!
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