Operated by the Museum of Riverside, Heritage House graces one of Riverside’s major arteries: Magnolia Avenue. We welcome you to visit the house and slow down to literally smell the roses — the heirloom roses! Just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Magnolia Avenue, the gardens of Heritage House showcase mature trees, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and, of course, plenty of Washington navel orange trees.
You may have taken a tour of the house, but have you taken the time to enjoy the gardens? Sit under the camphor trees and imagine a time when the only vehicles that traveled down Magnolia were horse-drawn carriages, wagons, and the trolley conveying people to and from Downtown Riverside and Arlington. While there, you may be privy to a hawk’s call, the playful scamper of squirrels, or the flitting of hummingbirds and butterflies.
The gardens at Heritage House are open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September through June, noon to 4 p.m. Tours are offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at noon, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 p.m. We are closed to the public during July and August, reopening for tours the Friday after Labor Day in early September.
Are you passionate about sharing Riverside’s history and this incredible space with the community? There are many ways you can help, and one of the most rewarding is giving tours of this Victorian gem. The Museum will be offering a training class for new Heritage House docents starting on Aug. 9 to share the stories of our community from the citrus boom era of the 1880s–1920s.
More information: Contact Teresa Woodard: twoodard@riversideca.gov.
