Turtle Bay Exploration Park entertains locals and visitors alike with nature walks, botanic gardens, museum exhibits, and river views — all in downtown Redding.



Redding's Icon

Redding's star attraction is its unique landmark, the Sundial Bridge. The structure spans the Sacramento River, connecting the north and south segments of the park. Serving as a sundial gnomon, the bridge's towering pylon casts its shadow on a dial at the north end. The free-standing pedestrian bridge features a translucent glass deck with views of the river. Below, fishermen in drift boats angle for salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout. At night, lights set the bridge aglow.

Turtle Bay Museum

In the Turtle Bay Museum near the south end of the bridge, several species of fish of the Sacramento River watershed swim in the underground aquarium. Exhibits chronicle the area's cultural history, from salmon fishing to hunting, forestry, gold mining and agriculture. A dwelling constructed of pine poles and cedar bark replicates the housing of the native Wintu people at the time Europeans first arrived. The facility also features live wildlife, including a red-tailed hawk and porcupine.

McConnell Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

On the north side of the park, the McConnell Arboretum & Botanic Gardens showcases water features and plants from different regions of the world. The gardens include flora from Chile, Australia, California, South Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific Rim. The Medicinal Garden features plants used in traditional herbal cures.

Several park features lure visitors into staying longer. Butterflies flutter above the garden planted specifically to attract them. Benches interspersed among the gardens make it easy to relax and appreciate the beautiful setting. And the whimsical designs on the Mosaic Oasis, a water feature and play structure in the Children's Garden, readily draw visitors into studying them closely.

Where are the turtles?

Despite the park's name, turtles are not one of its attractions. And there is no bay. The name refers to the time before the Sacramento River was dammed when this area was a flood plain populated with pond turtles.

If you go: For current events, special exhibitions and other details, visit Turtle Bay Exploration Park.



First published on Examiner.com, June 2, 2011.