Upland: History, Parks and Local Highlights

Upland offers travelers several points of interest: a monument commemorating westward migration, historic buildings and insights into the city’s development, parks, and a section of the Pacific Electric Trail. If you’re looking for a hotel in Upland, these topics can help you choose what to focus on based on the purpose of your stay. The following places and features show which aspects you might want to include in your plans.

Monuments and City History

Upland’s Madonna of the Trail was dedicated in 1929. It is one of twelve identical statues installed in twelve states, commemorating westward migration and the role of pioneer women. The monument is also intended to represent the Mojave Trail, the de Anza Trail, the Emigrant Trail, and Canyon Road. The cautious wording reflects the interpretation of the monument: it is intended to represent these four named routes.

The Old Carnegie Library is Upland’s oldest public building. The city rents it out for public community events. If you’re planning such an event, check the current rental and event terms, as usage agreements may change.

The local history collection at the Upland Public Library may also be of interest if you’re exploring the area’s history. It includes non-circulating materials such as photographs, newspapers and magazines, oral histories, and yearbooks. There are also documents and directories relating to local businesses and the city. The collection therefore brings together photographs and press materials, personal accounts, and records of local business and civic life; the materials are not available for checkout.

Euclid Avenue and the Old Town District offer different points of reference for understanding the area’s history. Euclid Avenue is listed among Upland’s resources included in the national and California historic registers. The Old Town District is classified as a commercially oriented development area; its estimated period of significance spans 1900 to 1930. While the information about Euclid Avenue refers to its register status, the classification of the Old Town District describes a period and type of development.

Parks, Recreation and Group Planning

San Antonio Park is home to the historic station of the former Ontario & San Antonio Heights Railroad Company. Built of stone and mortar, the building houses a small museum and a mural about William G. Kerckhoff’s legacy. This brings together the history of the former railroad company and a portrayal of a historical figure associated with it. Presentation details may change; if you’re planning to visit for these, check the latest information from the city.

A section of the Pacific Electric Trail runs through Upland. Cyclists and pedestrians traveling through the city use the trail. If you’re planning to include the trail in your itinerary, check the latest information about access and trail conditions beforehand. This information refers to the Upland section and does not necessarily apply to every part of the trail.

For groups, you can compare the listed capacities of two parks. Magnolia Park has two reservable areas, each accommodating up to 50 people. Olivedale Park also has two reservable areas, each accommodating up to 35 people. These stated maximums distinguish the two parks’ offerings; they do not indicate whether an area is available for your date. So check the latest reservation information before making group plans based on these figures.

Olivedale Park also has an inclusive playground with several sensory features, a ramp leading to the main structure, and an Alta-Glide wheelchair swing. These specific features can help guide your planning if you’re looking for playgrounds with such elements. They describe the playground’s amenities and do not necessarily apply to all areas of the park.

Upland Lemon Festival

Food trucks are part of the Upland Lemon Festival, which features more than 200 vendors in total. The food offerings and number of vendors may vary from one festival to another. If the festival is a consideration for your trip, check the event dates and current offerings beforehand.

When choosing Upland as a destination, you can consider a range of interests: monument and city history, park amenities, time on the trail, or the festival.

Discover more destinations: Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Big Bear City, Blue Jay, Highland, Adelanto, Helendale, Victorville

For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.