Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum

"The Dickens Festival at Jenson Alvarado Historical Park site turned out OK, despite the problems the new group running the event, responding to inquiries and confirming approval of applications. The site's the uneven grounds were somewhat of a problem as the airships flooring requires a flat ground for example to avoid tripping. Also electrical hook up were very limited. The very spread out nature of the event's set up meant that I wasn't able to visit all of the booths and exhibits. Visitors with limited mobility would have problems walking on the uneven grass. Despite these problems and issues, I had a good time visiting with old and new friends. I'm looking forward to working with the Dickens Festival event folks for next year's event. Tom Leppold"

"Came here for the Riverside Dickens Festival. It's a nice outdoor space with a parking lot. They have a bathroom there and they had plenty of port a potties for the Dickens Festival. The Riverside Dickens Festival was great."

"We dropped by today and found the ranch empty. We felt like we were trespassing because there was no one at the gate. There was one guy working in the field, and a donkey in a pen. We wandered around, looking at the ranch, trees, and citrus grove. The museum and house were closed, but we found an employee who said the facilities are used mostly for field trips during the week. There wasn't much happening, but the donkey was very sweet and seemed to like us. Apparently, there are all kinds of events here and things for the field trip kids to do, like making ice cream and tortillas, but we were told those activities are not part of the tour. Oh well. *Update: We returned on Saturday and got to talk to one of the employees, who told us the donkey's name is Rosie. We got to pet her again... She is so sweet, and the main reason we went back. We saw the employee we spoke to earlier in the week named Tighe, who is very knowledgeable and kind. He told us many interesting facts about the house and museum. He seems to really love his job and history. It's really cool to stand where people stood 150 years ago and learn how all of it relates to our community today. The Google hours differ from the actual hours. I suggest calling ahead to find out if they are open. Otherwise, entry to the park was free the two times we went, and you can walk around for free. I highly recommend this place for a picnic. There are sheep and a horse, as well as beautiful cottonwood trees, an olive tree, and orange groves (you can't take any oranges, though, since they are under quarantine.) Be sure to enter on Briggs, and don't be discouraged that it is right in the middle of a residential street. It *is* there, just tucked away in the back."

"My son and I came here exploring for his project. Online, it said it was open, but upon arrival, we were told it was closed and only open to scheduled field trips (this should be fixed). But to our benefit, we ended up being accommodated. We were given an amazing tour of the house and winery, and we are able to feed the horses and donkeys. The tour guide was exceptional, and the staff on site were welcoming as they went above and beyond their duties."