Facilities - Activities

Presentation Information
Free one-hour general natural and cultural history presentations by Park Interpreters are offered on most weekends year round, as well as some weekdays June-August.  Please contact the park directly for up-to-date presentation schedules.  Private presentations, tours, and school programs tailored for specific ages and/or topics are also available for a fee and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please contact the park directly at (707) 847-3437 to inquire about fees and scheduling a private tour.  

Fort Ross Visitor Center and Museum
This is one of the most complete Russian, Alaskan, and Kashaya cultural museums north of San Francisco. The museum gives a good overview of the history of the site and its inhabitants.  Many items of interest for history enthusiasts, teachers, students and tourists are to be found in the Visitor Center bookstore.

Fort Ross Library
The library has the largest selection of research and reading material for Russian History and local history north of San Francisco. You must be a current member of the Fort Ross Conservancy to use the library.

Sandy Cove and North Cove
These are two access areas to the beach and tide pools. Sandy Cove is a large sandy beach with plenty of space to roam and a small tide pool area.  Vehicle drop-off is permitted at Sandy Cove, however, parking is approximately 3/4 mile away. A beach wheel chair is available for check-out at the Visitor Center.  The North Cove is very rocky and can, at the right time, provide tide pooling. Please be safe and cautious near the ocean.

Historic Orchard
The Fort Ross historic orchard is across the highway on Fort Ross Road about 1/4 mile east of Highway One. Several fruit trees are from the Russian period. Many 'daughter' trees have now been established. The types of trees you will find are gravenstein apple, plums, pear, and red Baldwin apple. Other types of trees the Russians grew were quince, prune, olive, peach, and bitter cherries. Osprey and other raptors are often seen in the orchard, as well as other wildlife. If you wish to visit the orchard you must do so with park assistance.

http://www.fortross.org/