Victorian Village of Ferndale
Virtually unchanged since the 1800s, Ferndale, Calif. (pop. 1,382) is a living history museum of Victorian and other architectural treasures.
Nestled in a verdant, pastoral valley near Northern California's redwood forests, Ferndale was founded in 1852 and quickly became one of the region's major agricultural centers. The prosperous dairy industry provided the economic base, and the blend of agriculture and architecture produced splendidly ornate buildings that are known today as "Butterfat Palaces. Although Ferndale came to life as an isolated settlement in the unexplored territory of the American West, today the town is just a few miles off the beaten path. But with its enchanting Victorian charm, it might as well be a world away.
A photographer's paradise, it has been called one of the prettiest painted places in America. Visitors can stroll along the town's Historic Main Street District, where art galleries, antique shops and boutiques complement a dazzling array of 19th-century Gothic Revival, Italianate, Eastlake and Queen Anne homes.
A walk down Main Street isn't complete without a stroll thru The Blacksmith Shop where you can browse/purchase the finest and largest collection of master blacksmithing in the United States. Golden Gait Mercantile is a turn-of-the-century emporium, it's like visiting a museum, except the wares are for sale!
Visit the Ferndale Museum and view historic exhibits of this thriving community. In addition to displaying artifacts, furniture and items that have survived since the town was founded - the museum also provides walking tours of the well-preserved town. Stop in and tour the Fern Cottage, built in 1866 for the cattle-ranching Russ family. This picturesque farmhouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Located three miles west of Ferndale.
With historic markers dating back to the last century and overlooking the town, Ferndale's pioneer cemetery is an off-beat but popular attraction.
Why spend only one day when you can spend a night or two at one of Ferndale's historic B&B's. Go to our LODGING section and choose Ferndale to see a listing. And since you're spending the night - plan on an evening of entertainment at the Ferndale Playhouse.
Events:
Because Ferndale was built on the labor of thousands of Scandinavian, Swiss-Italian and Portuguese immigrants, the town today celebrates that heritage. The Portuguese Holy Ghost Celebration, and the Cinco de Mayo Folkloric Festival. Memorial Day Weekend, Ferndale hosts the finish line for the famous Kinetic Sculture race on Monday (the Kinetic Museum is here in Ferndale at 580 Main). Ferndale is also the home of the Humboldt County Fair, held every August where you can wager at the historic racetrack. Calendar of Events.
Christmas in Ferndale is also magical - come for the lighting of the world's tallest Christmas tree or watch the lighted tractor parade.
Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
Nearby:
Bear River Casino
Centerville Beach
Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge
Avenue of the Giants
The Victorian Village of Ferndale, full of surprises, deserves more than a day to discover. 265 miles north of Sacramento and San Francisco, it's a beautiful drive from the major airports (Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose) or fly into the Arcata/Eureka airport in McKinleyville, 45 minutes north of Ferndale (car rentals, Door-to-Door Airporter shuttle service available).
Directions: From California Highway 101, take the Fernbridge/Ferndale exit. Cross historic Fernbridge and drive through five miles of pastoral views to Ferndale's Main Street.