Fontana: Cultural History, Nature and Art

Fontana combines nature attractions and multi-use trails with historic sites, art, theater, and technology programs. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fontana, a clear reason for your trip can help narrow down your options: first decide whether nature, cultural history, performing arts, or a particular program is your main focus. The following sites also span different periods—from a former freight depot to a chapel that was moved to another location.

Nature and Trails in Fontana

At the foot of the Jurupa Hills, the Mary Vagle Nature Center is a natural retreat in an urban landscape. A nature trail there circles a pond. The Nature Center also offers access to a variety of environmental specialty programs for schools, scout groups, and educational groups. So, in addition to the nature trail, environmental education programs are among the site’s offerings.

The Pacific Electric Trail offers a different scale. It is an 18-mile multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists, following the former Pacific Electric Railway from Claremont to Rialto. In Fontana, the trail is a multi-use route for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. The distance and endpoint details describe the route from Claremont to Rialto; the activities mentioned also give a concrete sense of how the trail is used in Fontana. If you include the trail in your plans, check the route length and endpoints again in case the infrastructure has changed. Facilities and conditions may also change.

Historic Sites and Art

The Art Depot Gallery was originally built as a freight depot in 1915. It is located next to the Pacific Electric Trail on Helen Putman Historical Plaza. The gallery hosts the Featured Artist Showcase, where artists can present their work. This brings the building’s former function and a current arts program together in one location.

The Pepper Street House currently serves as a museum operated by the Fontana Historical Society. Before visiting, confirm public access with the Society. In 1982, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Its museum purpose, the need to check access, and the year it was listed are useful reference points if you’re interested in the history of the house.

The Pagliuso Family Chapel offers another glimpse into the past. The Pagliuso family built it in 1925 as a place of prayer. In 2005, the chapel was moved from the family vineyards near the Jurupa Hills to its current location west of the Art Depot Gallery. Its construction and relocation mark different stages in its history; its current location west of the gallery provides a clear point of reference.

Theater and Technology Programs

Performing arts are also part of Fontana’s cultural offerings. Center Stage Theater provides residents with professional performing arts opportunities, including dinner theater, cabarets, and murder mysteries. Its focus is on stage productions, setting it apart from the historic buildings and arts program at the Art Depot Gallery.

The Garner Holt Animaker Space at the Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center offers public programs. Children, teens, and adults can learn, among other things, how to operate 3D printers and program animatronics. If you’re planning to attend a specific program, check the schedule and any registration requirements in advance, as both may change.

Then compare specific hotel offers using the details provided for each offer.

Discover more destinations: Rancho Cucamonga, Twin Peaks, Rialto, Wrightwood, Cajon Junction, Highland, Loma Linda, Lake Arrowhead.

For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.