Fort Ross State Historic Park Walking Tour

Sightseeing  :  United States  :  California  :  Jenner  :  Historical & Heritage Tours

Take a small group walking tour of Fort Ross State Historic Park, a Russian-era fort compound that has National Historic Landmark status. Discover why this magical place was such an important Russian Settlement. Over this hour long informative guided tour of Fort Ross, you will learn about the Native Americans who lived on this land for centuries, the Russians and Alaska Natives who built the settlement, and about the American Ranch Era which followed the departure of the Russians. You'll also have the chance to see and learn more about the marine mammals off our coast.

Itinerary

• Meet at Fort Ross State Historic Park Visitor Center: Prior to beginning the tour at 11am, it is highly recommended that you independently tour museum (staff available for questions), view introductory film (18 min.), visit gift shop and restrooms (total 30 minutes)
• Guided walking tour from Visitor Center to Fort Compound: Learn about different historic neighborhoods (Alaska Native, Kashia, and Russian) of Settlement Ross (15 minutes)
• Guided introduction to historic Fort Compound (10 minutes)
• Guided tour inside National Landmark historic Rotchev House and replica Fur Warehouse (20 minutes)
• Following guided tour, independently tour other fort buildings, linger on our scenic ocean bluff, possibly visiting Sandy Beach Cove, Fort Ross Cove and/or the historic Fort Ross cemetery nearby.
• Continue the loop trail heading north from the fort along Old Highway 1, passing by the early American Ranch era "Call House," possibly seeing harbor seals hauled out on rocks below, and then visiting the Fort Ross Windmill.
• Return to Visitor Center and parking lot.