Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park highlights the natural resources, industries, and people who make far Northern California an incredible place to live, work, and play! Our 300-acre campus includes the famed Sundial Bridge, a forestry and wildlife center with more than 100 rehabilitated animals serving as ambassadors for their species, a nursery focused on drought-tolerant plants, and the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens with more than 1,000 living cultivates. At the gateway to the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay celebrates all our local region has to offer!

You Give, We Give

No and always, Turtle Bay is a product of the generosity of our community and we want to pay it forward. Join our You Give, We Give initiative by donating $100 or more on Giving Tuesday and we'll donate a FREE 1-year Family-level Membership to a family in need, identified by our community partners. 

MISSION statement

To inspire wonder, exploration, and appreciation of our world.

VISION statement

We envision Turtle Bay Exploration Park as a vibrant gathering place where our community is strengthened through education, cultural engagement and economic growth.

CORE values

• Playfulness – Learning is easier when it’s fun and interactive and incorporates that spirit of enjoyment, healthy movement and activity when appropriate.
• Real world experiences – Learning is enhanced through interaction with living and non-living collections and this special place along the river we call home.
• Interdisciplinary –Learning is enhanced when we recognize connections between art, history, and sciences.
• Community – We strive to make our park accessible and affordable, base our offerings on relevant community needs and feedback, and value our many community partnerships which make us stronger.
• Lifelong learning – The pursuit of knowledge and the joy of learning is important at every age. We aim to give both children and adults the opportunity to learn in a safe environment.
• Integrity – We accomplish our goals with honesty and transparency, seeking excellence in service.
• Sustainability – We strive to be the best stewards we can be of natural and cultural resources, protecting them for generations to come.