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arcata
Arcata is nestled in Humboldt County, on the northern coast of California, amid redwood forests, Humboldt Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1850 as a supply port during the gold rush era, Arcata retains its Victorian architecture, historic central plaza, and small-town charm. Surrounded by pastures and wetlands, it is also home to Humboldt State University and many natural and unique attractions.
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- The Arcata Plaza - Members of the Union Company, a group of Trinity River miners, established the Plaza and surrounding streets in 1850. The Jacoby’s Storehouse is the only original building that remains on the Plaza. It was constructed of stone. In 1875, a fire swept the Plaza, destroying most of the original structures. Today, the Plaza reflects the restoration of many historic buildings that were hidden by “modern” facades.
Most of the buildings on the Plaza and the date palm trees were in place by 1915. The Plaza is a community-gathering place for special events, celebrations, moments of mourning, and even protest. As a town square, it is the heart of Arcata. It is also the commercial hub of the city, offering unique goods and services to its residents and visitors. A variety of specialty shops, restaurants, post office, and professional offices surround this historic park. The statue of President William McKinley was a gift to the city and has occupied the center of the Plaza since its installation in 1906.
- Humboldt State Natural History Museum - Stop by for a visit anytime at 1315 G Street in Arcata, open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. (707) 826-4479.
- The Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary - The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1981on a 75-acre site that housed a log pond, two lumber mills, and a landfill/dump. Today, this internationally recognized habitat encompasses 307 acres of fresh and saltwater marshes (225 acres open to the public)that naturally treat Arcata's wastewater before its clean release into Humboldt Bay. Enjoy bird watching with over 250 species of birds, walking and jogging trails, bay views, and vistas of Arcata's foothills. Be sure to include an Arcata Marsh Walk in your itinerary during the festival. The Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center features exhibits, maps, literature, a bookstore, bird lists, and a log of most recent sightings. Located at 569 South G Street, the center is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (707) 826-2359. The City of Arcata in cooperation with Redwood Region Audubon Society, provides the Birdbox (707-822-LOON), this region's rare bird alert.
- Arcata Community Forest and Redwood Park - Our 622-acre redwood forest is located within city limits, just 2 minutes from downtown Arcata. Our community forest, awarded Smart Wood certification for sustainable forest practices, features 10 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. A picnic area and playground offers beautiful views of the park and a large grassy field for outdoor events. (Camping is prohibited in the park and forest.) Access is from east 11th Street or east 14th Street. A self-guided trail map is available at the festival registration table.
- Arcata Bottoms - The Bottoms offer views of grassy pasturelands, picturesque farms, and quiet country roads. It is a serene haven for walkers, joggers, bird watchers, and bicyclists. The Bottoms is located west of town and bordered by the Lanphere Dunes and Humboldt Bay. At high tide shorebirds leave the bay's mud flats to forage in the wet pastures.
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- Historic Landmarks - Designated historic landmarks include:
- Hotel Arcata - Hotel Arcata, built in 1914 during an economic boom, continues to provide a full-service hotel and shops. 708 9th Street.
- Jacoby's Storehouse - Jacoby Storehouse, built in 1857 with 2nd and 3rd floor additions in 1914, now houses Arcata MainStreet, restaurants, and shops.
- Minor Theatre - Minor Theater, built in 1914, is the longest operating movie theater in the United States. It continues to show current and artistic films on three screens. 10th and H Streets.
- Phillips House - circa 1852, is Arcata's best example of Greek Revival architecture, featuring period furnishings and historic memorabilia. Museum open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. 71 E. 7th Street.
- Pythian Castle - built in 1885, is an outstanding example of commercial Queen Anne architecture. 100 H Street
- Schlorig House - An 1885 Italian architecture house. 1050 12th Street.
- Stone House - built in 1888, is classical Queen Anne architecture and is the mirror image of the Jackson-Matthews House at the other end of the block. 902 14th Street.
- Whaley House - built in 1855, is an example of settlement era architecture in the Greek Revival style. 1395 H Street.
A self-guided walking tour of Victorian architecture in downtown Arcata is included in your registration packet.
- Arcata's first century - don't miss this PDF color brochure covering Arcata's first century, 1850-1950. (The brochure requires the free Acrobat Reader to view.)
- Mad River Beach County Park - Miles of pristine beaches and dunes lead to the mouth of the Mad River, where harbor seals and sea lions rest and feed. Hidden at the end of picturesque Mad River Road located in the Arcata Bottoms.
- Lanphere Dunes - A unique example of dunes succession on the West Coast. On the west side of Arcata, the undisturbed dunes reach height of over 80 feet. Due to an extremely fragile ecosystem, access is limited to guided tours only (Events #70 & #115). For information, call (707) 444-1397.
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