Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum - Riverside, California

Celina T.

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.

Thomas L.

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

Jh F.

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.

Fleur O. T. T.

I liked it . However it was the Fall Festival and the museum was closed. There were six horses, chickens,and two donkeys we feed carrots to. I really liked walking in the house and the hay ride was a surprise. I would have liked to have more information on the ranch. So that lack of info left me with a 4 star rating. I think more vending both with food choices would have worked. I would have loved to be a tour guide here. It was a nice ranch with an olive grove.

Matt: 5.

Talk about hidden gem. Practically camouflaged 🤠in a small suburb 🏘it's an incredible historic ranch. Highly recommend. Awesome tour for kid 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️5 - 14🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️, handmade icecream at the end 🍦😁

Philip G.

Great historical site right in the middle of a beautiful neighborhood in Jurupa valley so picturesque looks like a great place to have a picnic and just enjoy being outside 😊

Angie L.

We had a great time with my daughter's class field trip. I think our favorite parts were the tortilla, the ice cream and the lovely stories!

Customer S. I. Q. &. F. I. P.

I visit this Historic House to Day 10/14/2021 and let me tell you! I like it! A lot the house keepers show me the Inside House and is beautiful. , very clean and the history of Cornelius Jensen sailed to San Francisco during the Gold Rush to sell his cargo. In 1854 he settled in Agua Mansa, established a store, and married Mercedes Alvarado, a descendant of a pioneer Californio family. The Jensens purchased this ranch in 1865 and began planting vineyards and orchards. They used local materials to build their house which is of Danish vernacular design. The Jensens made this ranch an important civic, social, business, and agricultural center.