Ontario: Discover History and Recreation

Ontario’s history appears in different contexts: the history of Euclid Avenue, the mission of the Ontario Museum of History & Art, and an olive-growing tradition. There are also recreational options involving a range of activities. When planning a trip, you can prioritize these themes according to your interests.

Euclid Avenue and the History of the Colony

The seven-mile-long Euclid Avenue was the backbone of the Ontario Colony and also its center. Its two parallel roadways enclosed a central green space. In addition, a fourteen-block section of Euclid Avenue is designated as a historic district. Two different scales should be distinguished here: the avenue’s length and historical role refer to the avenue as a whole, while the designation applies specifically to a section. In this way, the avenue connects its importance to the Colony with a clearly defined part of its historic heritage.

Museum and Cultural Heritage

The Ontario Museum of History & Art preserves, interprets, and shares the history and cultural heritage of Ontario and the surrounding region. Its mission therefore also includes the region around Ontario. The museum offers visitors educational programs and events. It is located in Ontario’s former City Hall, a historic landmark funded by the Works Progress Administration. Visitors interested in cultural history can explore two aspects: the subjects presented by the museum and the history of the building that houses it.

Olive History and Timeline

In 1892, C.C. Graber bought land in Ontario, California, and discovered olives there. He founded Graber Olive House and initially hand-packed olives into cans. Graber Olives traces its tradition back to 1894. Graber Olive House describes itself as Ontario’s oldest continuously operating business. The dates mark different milestones: 1892 is associated with the land purchase and discovery, while 1894 is the date to which the tradition is traced. This early hands-on phase is therefore part of both the company’s history and the history of food.

Recreation with Different Areas of Focus

The West Cucamonga Creek Trail System includes a 2.4-mile paved trail for hiking and biking. Ontario Soccer Park is used for soccer practice, games, and tournaments. Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park offers year-round fishing at two lakes, as well as a shallow water play area for children of all ages. The activities differ considerably: the trail is for hiking and biking, while soccer, fishing, and water play are the main activities at the parks mentioned.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Ontario, you might first consider whether you’d like to focus your trip more on history or on a particular recreational activity. The different themes offer a range of starting points.

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