Orangevale: Parks, Nature and Local History

Orangevale offers a variety of options for a stay: natural areas, community parks with specific recreational amenities, and glimpses into local history. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, you can start by considering whether parks and trails, local history or an event will shape your stay. The following places differ in size and character and can help you organize your interests as you plan your trip.

Natural Areas, Parks and Trails

The 14.18-acre Sundance Nature Area is a wooded, meandering natural area. The north fork of Arcade Creek runs through its center, making the landscape and creek its defining features. Orangevale Community Park offers a different mix: The 76-acre park is home to the Shady Oaks Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course in an oak forest. Winding equestrian and walking trails also run through the park, which is crossed by two tributaries of Linda Creek.

In terms of size, Orangevale Community Park, at 76 acres, is larger than Sundance Nature Area, at 14.18 acres, and Shackelton Woods, at 5 acres. The latter two areas offer different options for nature enthusiasts: Sundance Nature Area is wooded and shaped by Arcade Creek, while Shackelton Woods is a natural area within Orangevale Community Center Park.

Almond Park has two playgrounds and two sand volleyball courts. A paved, one-third-mile loop trail goes around the park. Orangevale Community Center Park also has a swimming pool; Shackelton Woods, with its one-third-mile loop trail, is located there as well. The loops at Almond Park and Shackelton Woods are therefore the same length. The Almond Park trail is specified as paved; Shackelton Woods pairs its loop trail with a 5-acre natural area.

Beyond its parks, Orangevale borders the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Nearby, visitors to Orangevale can also visit the American River Parkway for recreational activities. These two regional destinations add to the selection of natural and recreational places around the community.

Local History and Events

The Orangevale History Museum preserves, chronologically documents and shares the history of Orangevale. The community’s development also offers a historical point of interest: In the late 19th century, Orangevale became California’s first successful colony. For travelers interested not only in parks and natural areas but also in the history of their destination, this offers a distinct focus.

Orangevale’s Pow Wow Days tradition dates back to 1963. Current event names and dates may differ, so check the latest schedule when planning a specific trip. This keeps the historical tradition separate from the question of which event will take place during your stay.

The Orangevale Farmers Market takes place at Community Center Park. In partnership with the Orangevale Chamber of Commerce, the market offers weekly concerts. Since event schedules can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates before your trip. This also applies if you’re planning to attend the Orangevale Grange breakfast: The Grange serves a breakfast of eggs, meat and all-you-can-eat blueberry pancakes; check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Courtland, Elverta, Antelope, Rancho Cordova, Galt, Walnut Grove, Citrus Heights, North Highlands.

For the main travel overview: Sacramento.