Napa Valley Attractions

Sharpsteen Museum
The Sharpsteen Museum's permanent exhibits are designed to present the history of the upper Napa Valley from its pre-history to post World War I with an emphasis on people and changes brought by the period of U.S. emigration and development. In addition to its many historical exhibits, the Museum uses unique and extraordinarily extensive dioramas to depict Calistoga during its period as the elegant 1860s Hot Springs resort developed by pioneer, promoter, publisher, entrepreneur, and California's first millionaire, Sam Brannan. The Museum was a project of Ben and Bernice Sharpsteen, who retired to a ranch near Calistoga which had been acquired by Ben's grandmother in the 1800s and which today remains in their family. Ben was an Academy Award-winning animator, producer and director for Walt Disney Studios, working on many famous Disney projects. Memorabilia of his career (including one of his Oscars), his hobby (antique autos) and family history are displayed in the founders room of the Museum.

Napa Valley Museum Welcome to the Napa Valley Museum Website! Make your visit to the Napa Valley complete with a visit to the area's only regional, multi-purpose museum. Experience, celebrate and discover the unique cultural, artistic and environmental history of the Napa Valley.

Old Faithful Geyser of California - Come visit the show of California's Old Faithful Geyser, a spectacular, nature- directed performance. The stage, walled by thick bamboo and plumed pampas grass, appears as an innocent pool of shallow water until time for the major attraction. Uprising steam and bubbling hot water announce the geyser. Then, while Mount Saint Helena and the craggy Palisades mountains stand silent as backdrops, Old Faithful Geyser of California throws a tower of thousands of gallons of water skyward.

Napa Valley Wine Train - From the moment you enter the Wine Train's Station, you will begin a threefold adventure...A return to the gracious era of elegant rail travel and distinguished service... A deliciously crafted culinary and wine experience . . . champagne brunch, gourmet lunch or exquisite full-course dinner... An enjoyable and relaxing journey through the heart of Napa Valley's picturesque vineyards past world renowned wineries.

Petrified Forest - Step back in Time, over 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country. Take a guided walking tour of the Petrified Forest's spectacular upper meadow with Naturalist David Storck. During the 1/2 mile round trip tour, David will explain the volcanic activity and petrification of the forest. Guests will see a 100 foot-high Ash Fall which contains deposits of volcanic material, such as tuff, pumice, iron, petrified wood chunks and obsidian. Guests will also see rare native wildflowers, live oaks, madrone and manzanita trees, and a scenic overview of Mt. St. Helena.

Bale Grist Mill - Built in 1846 by Dr. Edward Turner Bale. Still functional for grinding grain into flour, the mill is now operated by the Park Service. The 37-foot overshot waterwheel, orginally fed by a redwood log flume, drives mill stones imported from France. About ten minutes south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park - Forested 1800 acres with elevations ranging from 400 to 2000 feet. Pine and redwood groves for hiking, picnics and swimming. Campsites with restrooms and hot showers. 3 miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128. 800-444-7275/707-942-4575.

Calistoga Depot - Built in 1868, the second oldest depot in California. Listed under the National Register for historic buildings. Now includes six restored railcars housing historical exhibits and retail shops. In town at 1458 Lincoln Avenue.

Sam Brannon Cottage - The only cottage still on its orginal site, at 106 Wapoo Avenue. Architecture differs from other two cottages in Calistoga (at Sharpsteen Museum and on Cedar Street) with wrap-around porch. Huge palm in front was planted when the house was first built.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park - Inspiration for Stevenson's "The Silverado Squatters," the story of his stay in Calistoga in 1880. Trail to the top of Mount St. Helena provides unsurpassed views of the Napa Valley. No facilities. Eight miles north off Highway 29 to Lake County. 707-942-4575.

Skyline Wilderness Park - Skyline is an 850 acre wilderness area, an ideal place for family involvement, recreation, and enjoyment, as well as an educational source for the community. You will find a relaxing area to picnic, and for those who wish, over 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use.

Silverado Trail - Scenic Destination - Strolling through the meadows of wild flowers, grasses and grains, the native Indians must have lived in paradise. The volcanic activity that formed the valley left it fertile, protected by mountain ranges and stunning to the eye.

The Napa Valley Exposition - is the home to the Napa Town & Country Fair, the Napa Spring Youth Fair, a year round state of the art Bingo Emporium and a priceless horsedrawn carriage collection, and hosts a variety of trade shows, rodeos, horse shows, dinners, luncheons, fund raisers, dances, concerts, weddings and receptions, just to name a few