Things to do in Kettleman City
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Allensworth is the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small farming community was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of others dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans. Uncontrollable circumstances, including a drop in the area’s water table, resulted in the town’s demise. With continuing restoration and special events, the town is coming back to life as a state historic park. The park’s visitor center features a film about the site. A yearly rededication ceremony reaffirms the vision of the pioneers. Call 661-849-3433 for more information.
Mission San Antonio de Padua
This mission fell into decay so quickly after being secularized in 1834 that no buyer could be found for it when it was advertised for sale eleven years later. Everything that was not nailed or screwed down was stolen, and the interior demolished. It was 1907 before a start was made on restoration, especially of the church and the inner courtyard, and this was not completed until the fifties. A small museum houses some interesting artifacts from long ago. The rural character of the isolated valley gives the mission its special charm.
Jolon Road, Kettleman City, CA 93930
Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum
The museum complex has 6 buildings: the Exhibit Barn, Olson Blacksmith Shop, and the History of Irrigation Museum; plus the historic Spreckels House (1898), La Gloria Schoolhouse (1887), and the King City Train Depot (1903). All are completely furnished with turn-of-the-century artifacts. There are outside exhibits of antique farm equipment dating from the late 1800s into the 1940s. The main Exhibit Barn features displays following the development of Salinas Valley agriculture and rural life from the late 1700s to 1940. We also have meeting rooms, picnic facilities and camping through the auspices of the Parks Department.
1160 Broadway Street, Kettleman City, CA 93930
RC Baker Memorial Museum
Visitors will find fossils, Western ranch hand equipment and American Indian exhibits at the RC Baker Memorial Museum in Coalinga. There is also a fire engine and oil drilling equipment. Call 559-935-1914 for more information.
297 W. Elm Ave., Kettleman City, CA
Tachi Palace
At The Tachi Palace, we proudly feature over 2,000 video slot machines. More per square foot than you’ll find in any other casino in the central San Joaquin Valley. With the latest ticket-in ticket-out technology, The Tachi Palace offers players an exciting, hassle-free gaming experience! Call 559-924-7751 for more information.
17225 Jersey Avenue, Kettleman City, CA 93245