Village Profile® Home Page | About our Company | Sales Opportunities | Community eStore | vpmobile.us®

Attractions & Entertainment

Turlock is full of fantastic things to see and do! As home of world-famous landmarks such as Hilmar Cheese and the MedicAlert Foundation, Turlock is a unique community that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Additionally, there is a variety of wonderful day-trip ideas for you to explore while visiting the friendly community of Turlock.

Beekman & Beekman

Visit Beekman & Beekman, a five-generation-old farm/apiary on Geer Road in Hughson, California, just outside of Turlock. Taste the unique flavors of pure varietal honeys and the wine that premium honey can create. Open February through December, the Tasting Room’s hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. They are closed on holidays. For more information call (209) 667-5812 and on weekends call (209) 669-6325.

California State University Stanislaus

Turlock is home to California State University Stanislaus. The campus has breathtaking scenery with waterfalls, bridges and sprawling greens. Bernell and Flora Snider Music Recital Hall features a number of renowned theatre productions, recitals and art exhibits. It is the perfect place to picnic or catch a performance by the university’s outstanding theater department. The art gallery is open noon – 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday and is free.

Great Impressions Art and Antiques Gallery

One of Turlock’s hidden treasures is the Great Impressions Art and Antiques Gallery. The gallery is home to over 2,000 original works of art with everything from California “cowboy art” to big-name French Impressionists. The gallery is located at 462 S. Center St., Turlock. For more information call (209) 632-7024.

Hilmar Cheese Company

Just a few miles out of town is the world-famous Hilmar Cheese Company. Learn how cheese is made! An “edutaining” show by “Daisy, the cow director” showing you the full process. Explore hands-on exhibits to learn how farmers care for cows, experience how cheese and whey is processed, and you can even dress like a cheesemaker! See employees package 640-pound crates of cheese; truly “the Big Cheese.” Fun, interactive activities for all ages! Free self-guided tours are available anytime and guided visits are offered Saturday & Sunday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Daily summer tours include an ice cream activity and other fun programs. Call (209) 656-1196 or check the website calendar for the complete schedule at www.hilmarcheese.com.

The Visitor Center offers complimentary cheese and gourmet food tasting. A beautiful gift shop features gifts, California wines, gourmet foods and cheese. The only place you can buy cheese with the Hilmar cheese label is in our gift store or online. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Café featuring signature sandwiches, homemade soup and salads, and delicious desserts. Try our famous cheese chowder soup and delicious cheese pie (better than cheesecake!). A Starbucks espresso and ice cream counter provides the perfect snack to eat in the park and picnic area with walk-through waterfall.

Open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily (except major holidays); admission is free and everyone is welcome. From Turlock, go south on Lander Ave. (Hwy 165) four miles from Highway 99. Look for the Visitor Center on the right side. For more information call (209) 656-1196 or www.hilmarcheese.com.

Historic Downtown Turlock

Downtown Turlock is the place to shop! The historic downtown area has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, making it a must-see in Turlock. With antique shops, cafés and clothiers, downtown Turlock offers a true “main street” experience.

Regal Turlock Stadium 14

First-run motion pictures on 14 separate screens are shown at the Turlock Regal Theater, located at 2323 W. Main Street, just west of Highway 99. Call (209) 664-3620.

The Award-Winning Stanislaus County Fair

In addition to awarding more than 30,000 ribbons each year, the Stanislaus County Fair is an award-winning fair itself. In fact, in January 2008, the Western Fairs Association presented the Stanislaus County Fair with a first place award for the “Best Overall Children’s Program!”

The Fair opens each year on the last Friday in July for a 10-day run. More than 220,000 visitors will pass through our turnstiles for award-winning fun at the largest family-centered event in Stanislaus County. Stroll through our tree-shaded grounds where you’ll find:

• Nightly celebrity concerts included with Fair admission!

• Entertainment on six stages!

• Steel grinding, dirt-defying motorsports!

• More than 30 food concessionaires dishing up everything from mouth-watering BBQ ribs to finger-licking cotton candy!

• 30,000 individual competitive exhibits of local talent!

• Over 1,750 animals!

• A “zone” especially for kids!

• More than 35 exhilarating carnival rides!

• And more!

For more information on the Fair, go to www.stancofair.com.

Turlock Historical Museum

Located at 108 S. Center Street in the Heart of Historical Downtown Turlock, this unique museum is open 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays, and 1 – 4 p.m. Saturdays. Call (209) 668-7386.

Turf Club

Live via satellite, up to 13 tracks per day are broadcast at the Turlock Turf Club, featuring horse racing from selected county fairs every June through October. In addition, the Turlock Turf Club broadcasts races year round from famous tracks around the International, Calder and Ellis Park. Try your luck and have some fun — bets are as low as $2! Call (209) 634-2870.

Turlock Poker Room

The Central Valley’s largest satellite to the World Series of Poker, the Turlock Poker Room is “The Biggest Little Card Room in California.” Seven tables are in action with limit Hold ‘em, Omaha and Pan games; table limits range from $3 to $6 to no limit. A friendly, professional facility with a Las Vegas-style atmosphere, it’s a great venue for beginning, intermediate and professional players. Located at 270 W. Main St. in Turlock it is just 1.1 miles east of Hwy. 99. Take the Main St. exit toward downtown Turlock at the corner of Main and Locust Street. Call (209) 668-1010.

Castle Air Museum

One of the largest Aviation Museums on the West Coast, Castle Air Museum is located at the former Castle Air Force Base about 15 miles south of Turlock. Almost 50 military airplanes are on display, ranging from World War II bombers to an SR-71 Blackbird. They also have a restaurant renowned for its Bomber Burger, a gift shop and an indoor museum. The museum is open daily except New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. during winter and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. June to September. The museum is located at 5050 Santa Fe Dr. in Atwater. Call (209) 723-2178 for more information.

Historic Sierra Railroad Dinner Train

A variety of scenic and entertaining trains ride every week of the year from Oakdale to the foothills. The most popular is the sunset dinner train every Saturday. Oakdale is only a 20-minute drive from Turlock. For more information call (209) 848-2100 or (800) 866-1690.

San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery

Located about 30 miles from Turlock near the intersection of I-5 and Hwy. 33, the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery is the sixth National Cemetery in the state. Located at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery is The California Korean War Veterans Memorial. The memorial is a composition of 16 granite slabs etched with the names of 2,495 Californians who gave their lives fighting in the Korean War. The cemetery is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Call (209) 854-1040 to learn more.