One of the oldest wine grape-producing regions in the state
Madera County is….WINE COUNTRY – Madera Wine Trail
Madera County is California’s true wine country, as it is one of the oldest wine grape-producing areas in the state. As early as the late 1800’s settlers homesteaded small farms and planted grapes to produce wine, bringing their traditions from Armenia, France and Italy. Eight small, family-owned wineries in Madera County make up the Madera Wine Trail, located from the central valley floor to the Sierra Nevada foothills. You can make a day of exploring and sampling the varieties of fine wine produced locally. 800-613-0709 www.MaderaWineTrail.com
Madera County is….WILD – Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, Chowchilla.
Start your journey 700,000 years ago at the discovery site of more than 15,000 fossils. See Mammoths, Saber Toothed Cats, Camels, Giant Sloths, Miniature Antelopes, Horses and more. These fossils are scientific treasures that help us understand the natural history of the Central Valley. 559-665-7107 www.maderamammoths.org 19450 Ave 21½ Chowchilla (Exit 164 off Hwy 99)
Madera County is…AGRICULTURE – Home Grown Cellars, Madera
Located in the Heart of Pomegranate Country…tour, taste, shop and learn about Pomegranates on a working farm. Ask about their special events.
559-664-8599 www.homegrowncellars.com 13702 Road 20, Madera
Wind your way up to the foothill town of Coarsegold.
Madera County is….FUN – Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Coarsegold. Stop by for some gaming fun, delicious restaurants, and amazing shows with big name headliners, not to mention the spa, shops, and more. 1-866-7-WIN-WIN http://www.coarsegoldchamber.com/ 711 Lucky Lane
Madera County is…..HISTORIC
Take a trip through time to the early days of Madera County and relive the Gold Rush and Logging eras. Visit the Coarsegold Historic Museum, housing a collection of artifacts dating back to the 1800’s. Move on to Coarsegold Historic Village. Gold was discovered here in 1852. You’ll find food and diversion while you shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. The semi-annual Peddlers’ Fair is held here on Memorial & Labor Day weekends www.CoarsegoldChamber.org
RAYMOND – If you’ve got the time, take a detour to check out the tiny town of Raymond. Study Raymond’s past at the Charles Miller Museum, have a meal or a drink at the classic Raymond General Store. Hike and boat at Eastman Lake. www.southernyosemitemuseums.org
Drive over Deadwood Pass via Highway 41 and be greeted on the other side by the sight of Oakhurst in the valley below.
OAKHURST – Originally named Fresno Flats, the community of Oakhurst dates from 1873. Visit the museums which explore the area’s past: Fresno Flats, Little Church on the Hill, King Vintage Museum, as well as a Children’s Museum designed just for the little ones. www.southernyosemitemuseums.org
Madera County is…FINE FOOD
Oakhurst also boasts the area’s only five-star dining experience at Erna’s Elderberry House. 559-683-6800 www.ElderberryHouse.com Highway 41 Oakhurst
Madera County is……ARTISTIC
The beauty of nearby Yosemite and the Sierra National Forest has made this region home to numerous artists seeking inspiration from nature. Add to your collection from one of the many art galleries and experiencexperience the annual Sierra Art Trails, as well as the antique stores throughout the community.
www.sierraarttrails.org/
Madera County is….CALIFORNIA’S SOUTHERN GATEWAY to Yosemite National Park
MARIPOSA GROVE
Meet the star of Mariposa Grove—the Grizzly Giant—the largest giant sequoia in the grove, with a diameter of 31 feet and a circumference of nearly 100 feet. Mariposa Grove has 470 of these behemoths, many of which are nearly 2,000 years old. Several trees stand nearly 300 feet tall with a diameter of 15 feet or more. Marvel at these masterpieces of nature by walking a short distance, or take a five-mile tram tour that provides excellent access for viewing and photography.
GLACIER POINT
Walk to the edge for one of the most spectacular overlooks on earth. From this perch, 3,214 feet above the Valley floor, is an eagle’s view of many popular landmarks of Yosemite. The turn-off is at Chinquapin, between Mariposa Grove and the Wawona Tunnel.
EL CAPITAN
Rising nearly 4,000 feet from the base to the summit, El Capitan is the largest single granite rock on earth. Rock climbers from around the world converge to face the challenge of this massive monolith. From spring to fall, they can be seen inching their way up the sheer wall. Be sure to bring binoculars!
HALF DOME
At the far end of the Valley is one of the most photographed scenes in Yosemite, the world-famous Half Dome. Those of hardy stock can take a long and strenuous hike to the base of Half Dome (summer only) and climb the cables to its breathtaking summit.
YOSEMITE FALLS
Feast your eyes on the highest waterfall in North America. It is among the top 10 highest waterfalls in the world (Sentinel Falls is also in that group). A spectacular view awaits you from a short footpath to Yosemite Falls, which plunges 2,425 fee
The above information was provided by Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. To learn more about Madera County’s world famous attractions please Click Here
