Modesto Attractions

Points of Interest

McHenry Mansion - 906 15th Street - Built in 1883 by Robert McHenry, a prominent local rancher and banker, McHenry Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a fine example of the Victorian Italianate style of architecture. In 1976, the Julio R. Gallo Foundation purchased it and donated it to the City of Modesto for restoration and community use. The Mansion is decorated and furnished with period antiques. Mansion and gift shop hours: Tuesdays- Thursdays & Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free and donations are appreciated.

McHenry Museum - 1402 I Street -Located a block away from the McHenry Mansion, this historic museum is dedicated to preserving a picture of the early life and culture of Modesto and Stanislaus County from pioneer days through the mid-20th century. Built as a library in 1912, a 1928 addition doubled it to its present size. After a new library opened, the building was restored and reopened at the McHenry Museum on July 4, 1972. Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Central California Art League Gallery - Housed downstairs in the McHenry Museum, the gallery supports the visual arts in Modesto by offering paintings, sculpture, graphics and selected crafts of local artists. Hours: Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Arts & Entertainment

Modesto Symphony - The Modesto Symphony offers a season of nine concerts, (Sept.-May) and the Townsend Opera Players, which present several full opera productions, a Broadway musical classic, the Messiah, a New Year's Eve concert and a "Great Opera Choruses" production each year.

Modesto Civic Theatre - The Modesto Civic Theatre hosts 4-6 comedies, musicals and other theatrical productions annually.

Modesto Performing Arts - Performs musicals and features children's theatre and other productions during the year.
The Central West Ballet Company - Formerly known as Bravo! Repertory Dance Theatre, the Company holds 4-5 performances each season, ranging from the classics like "The Nutcracker" to contemporary works.

Sports & Recreation

Modesto Skate Park - On August 1, 1998, the Modesto community celebrated the grand opening of the Modesto Skate Park. Located adjacent to Beyer Community Park, the skate park is 13,000 square-feet of bowls, ridges, pyramids, and other elements, making the structure an ideal learning vehicle for the novice or advanced skater. In June 1997, the Modesto City Council allocated $150,000 for the park project. The Modesto Skate Park Task Force raised an additional $60,000 in private donations to cover project expenses.

Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball - A staple for family entertainment in the Central Valley , John Thurman Field plays host to the California League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, the Modesto Nuts. In addition to the exciting play on the field, Modesto Nuts baseball also features fireworks shows, family entertainment acts, and premium giveaway items. With special group rates, private picnics, birthday specials and luxury suite rentals available, Modesto Nuts Baseball is the Central Valley 's best entertainment value. For individual game tickets, or for more information on group outings, contact the Modesto Nuts Sales Department at 572-HITS.

Rainbow Fields - Rainbow Fields is a privately-owned sports complex located in Modesto. The facility includes: four lighted softball fields with 300 foot fences, Joe Rudi Field - a youth field for girls fastpitch and youth baseball, a 6,000 sq. ft. air conditioned clubhouse, indoor snack bar with TV's, video games, and table seating, a large children's playground area, The Academy - a year-round, indoor teaching facility, and a competitive BMX Track, adjacent to the property (209-569-1015). Rainbow Fields offers adult and youth programs throughout the year, including: adult softball leagues and tournaments, girls fastpitch tournaments, high school and college softball tournaments, field rentals, clinics, camps and instruction in softball and baseball. Call 209-869-4242 for more information.

Golf Courses

Creekside Golf Course - Modesto's newest course, Creekside offers a test for every club in your bag! Three lakes, intricately contoured bunkers, narrow fairways and fast, expansive greens make this an 18-hole course suited to the experienced golfer. Call 571-5123 for course information.

Dryden Park Golf Course - This course borders the Tuolumne River, with mature pines and oaks winding emerald fairways. Beginners and experts who prefer a more traditional round of golf will appreciate the medium-sized greens and small bunkers on this 18-hole course. Call 577-5359 for more course information.

Nearby Attractions

Yosemite National Park - Coined "the most beautiful place on earth," by Theodore Roosevelt, Yosemite National Park embraces nearly 1,200 square miles of scenic wild lands set aside in 1890 to preserve a portion of the central Sierra Nevada that stretches along California's eastern flank. The park ranges from 2,000 feet above sea level to more than 13,000 feet, and offers these major attractions: alpine wilderness, three groves of Giant Sequoias and the glacially carved Yosemite Valley with impressive waterfalls, cliffs and unusual rock formations. Walk, hike or wander through the magical mountain-and-valley scenery, wildlands, meadows, and forests.

Shopping

Vintage Faire Mall - Vintage Faire Mall is an enclosed 2-level center complete with elegant tile flooring and carpeting, a glass elevator and upgraded vertical transportation, carpeted soft seating, a children's play area and many fine stores, such as Macy's, Sears, Gottschalks and JcPenny. The Mall also presents events, demonstrations and exhibits.