Landmarks
Water Tower Visitor Center
The historic Fresno Water Tower was built in 1894 at the corner of Fresno and O streets for $20,000. Chicago architect George Washington Maher designed the building, patterned after a centuries-old water tower in Worms, Germany. The tower stands 100 feet high. An interior wall supports a storage tank that held 250,000 gallons of water. Steel imported from Sweden was used to make the tank. The tower was shut down in 1963 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The water tower opened a visitor center in 2001, and is available for rent for a variety of functions. It is handicap accessible and admission is free. Its gift shop is filled with unique reminders of Fresno. Hours: M-F, 10am to 4pm. Sat, 11am to 3pm. Closed on Sun. and legal holidays. The Water Tower is located 3 miles from our Fresno hotel.
Museums
African-American Cultural and Historical Museum
The history, art and culture of African-Americans in the Fresno and greater Central Valley areas are featured. Local, nationally touring exhibits as well as a variety of cultural events are presented throughout the year. Open by appointment only. The museum is located 3.5 miles from our Fresno hotel.
Fresno Art Museum
The Fresno Art Museum, central California’s only modern art museum, offers changing exhibits, a new Sculpture Park, an education center, and a gift gallery. The Fresno Art Museum is located 5.5 miles from our Fresno hotel.
The restored home of M. Theo Kearney, the “Raisin King of California”, is celebrating 100 years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, tours are given every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1,2 and 3pm. Park entrance fee is waved at gate for Mansion visitors. The Kearney Mansion is located 10 miles from our Fresno hotel.
Lakes
Huntington Lake
Huntington Lake, at an elevation of 7,000 feet, is truly a sailor’s paradise. From June to September, southerly winds blow with daily predictability (10am to 4pm) that make the lake a haven for sailing and windsurfing. Fishing and cross-country skiing are also popular here.
Millerton Lake
Located 20 miles northeast of Fresno on Friant Road, Millerton Lake is excellent for fishing, sailing, mountain biking, and water recreation.
Parks
Giant Sequoia National Monument
This 328,000-acre preserve protects 33 groves of the world’s largest trees, the giant sequoias. The monument is located in Sequoia National Forest. Giant sequoias can survive more than 3,000 years.
Kings Canyon National Park
The entrance to King’s Canyon National Park is 55 miles east of downtown Fresno on Highway 180. Kings Canyon National Park is a region of giant canyons with towering rock walls, waterfalls and mountain meadows. It is home to the General Grant tree, also called “The Nation’s Christmas Tree”.
Sierra National Forest
The Sierra National Forest is located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada between Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks. Elevations soar from 1,000 feet to more than 13,000 feet.
Activities
Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino
Central California’s newest Indian gaming facility. Nestled in the Sierra foothills in Coarsegold near Yosemite National Park, the casino features 1,800 slots and 45 table games. Enjoy seven restaurants and nightly entertainment.
Club One Casino
Enjoy Las Vegas showroom talent and a friendly game of cards in downtown Fresno. Spend a day at the horse races via live satellite wagering. A full service restaurant is open 24 hours a day. The casino is located 2.5 from our Fresno hotel.
Copper River Country Club
The 165-acre Copper River Country Club offers the ultimate atmosphere and club experience for members and guests. The Tennis Centre features 15 lighted courts, 2 clay courts, a stadium court and a tennis pro shop. The Fitness Centre offers state of the art equipment and aerobics studio, locker facilities and a 25-meter heated pool. The 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course was designed by course architect David Pfaff. The Country Club is located 14 miles from our Fresno hotel.
