Penn Valley: Park, Market and Ceramic Art

When planning a trip to Penn Valley, you can choose a hotel based on the activities that will shape your stay. Western Gateway Park offers trails, pickleball, picnic areas and Squirrel Creek. Other highlights include the Sunday morning Penn Valley Farmers Market and the Indian Springs Art & Ceramic Center, which focuses on ceramic art. The Bridgeport Covered Bridge and South Yuba River State Park also bring history and scenic landscapes into your plans. Since schedules and visitor conditions vary, it makes sense to check specific times and conditions in advance.

Activities at Western Gateway Park

At Western Gateway Park, you can choose from a range of activities. Several developed trails are available for walking and biking. The park also has nine new pickleball courts; some courts may be reserved at certain times. Covered picnic areas offer another place to take a break. Squirrel Creek runs through the park, and visitors can play in the creek. If you play in the creek, note that there is no lifeguard and water conditions may change. Trails, courts and picnic areas offer different ways to spend time outdoors; plan for possible pickleball reservations and keep an eye on water conditions at the creek.

Markets and opening hours

Western Gateway Dog Park is open all 365 days of the year from sunrise to sunset. Operating details may change, so check the hours before your visit. The Penn Valley Farmers Market takes place on Sunday mornings at Western Gateway Park. A variety of vendors offer produce, food and other products; the selection of vendors may change. Check dates and times before visiting the market. The two offerings follow different schedules: the Dog Park’s hours are tied to sunrise and sunset, while the market takes place on Sunday mornings.

Ceramic art, history and scenery

The Indian Springs Art & Ceramic Center is located in Penn Valley. As a project space and gallery, it promotes ceramic art in Nevada County and California. Its cultural focus is therefore clearly on ceramics. Gallery and arts program schedules may change; check dates before visiting if you want to include this focus in your travel plans.

The Bridgeport Covered Bridge was built in 1862 by the Virginia Turnpike Company. It is one of the endpoints of the 20-mile Canyon section of South Yuba River State Park. This section stretches from Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to the Bridgeport Covered Bridge. The South Yuba River State Park headquarters is in Bridgeport at 17660 Pleasant Valley Road. You can reach it via Highway 20 west of Grass Valley or Highway 49 north of Nevada City. Check road and access conditions before you drive. This lets you consider the historic bridge, the extent of the Canyon section and the specific routes there as separate aspects of your plans.

Hanging Oaks Disc Golf Course occupies about 40 acres of oak-covered land. If you want to include disc golf in your options, the approximate acreage gives you an idea of the size of the course grounds. It adds a distinct, clearly defined outdoor activity to the other options described.

Explore more destinations: Nevada City, Truckee, Rough And Ready, Grass Valley, Norden

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