Tours & Groups
Connecting You With Riverside’s Story
Discover Riverside’s history through guided tours. Most tours take place at Heritage House, where you’ll explore Victorian life firsthand. For groups with a special interest, we also offer extended experiences connected to our mission and Riverside’s historic properties.
Small Groups or Individuals
Heritage House is open for guided tours that bring Riverside’s Victorian past to life. Whether you’re visiting on your own or with a small group, you’ll explore the home, gardens, and stories of the 1890s.
Group Experiences & Accommodations
Have a larger group, special request, or specific needs? We’re happy to work with you to create an experience that fits. Our team can adjust tours, talks, or activities to make your visit welcoming and memorable.
School Tours
Students take a 30-minute house tour that introduces life in Riverside in the 1890s, focusing on comparisons between then and now. Outside, they tour the barn and orange grove, watch a citrus sizer work, do laundry, and try Victorian era household items.
School visits last about two hours. Classes may bring lunches to enjoy in the Heritage House garden.
Curriculum Standards
- How the geography and climate encouraged both health seekers and citrus entrepreneurs to relocate to Riverside (3.5.1)
- How the citrus industry brought immigrants, including the Chinese to seek jobs in Riverside (3.3.1/3.1.2)
- How these newcomers shaped the economy and culture of the area (3.3.2)
- How the roles of women and immigrants changed because of the changing needs of the community (3.3.3)
- How some of these newcomers eventually sought to influence government both at the local level and statewide (3.3.4)
- How these new residents lived, including a hands-on experience with period artifacts, e.g. use of kitchen gadgets, an 1890’s washday experience, an examination of Victorian toys and school items, and a demonstration of early citrus industry paraphernalia (3.3.2)
Seasonal Traditions on View
Want to see Heritage House in a new light? At different times of the year, the house is presented with special themes, including festive Christmas decorations, Victorian mourning traditions during the Black Veil season, and romantic touches for Valentine’s Day.
Heritage House also presents new exhibitions each fall and spring.
Touring during special events
During our largest events, tours are offered without reservations. To accommodate all visitors, these tours cover the first floor of the house.
Beyond Heritage House
While our downtown historic sites remains closed for restoration, we continue to share their stories through walking tours offered in collaboration with local partners or by special arrangement.
Parking
Free on-site parking is available in the lot behind the house. The driveway to the lot is located to the right (north) of the house accessible from Magnolia Avenue. Street parking is available on Magnolia Avenue.
Bike racks are available on site located near the ADA parking spaces in the parking lot.
Accessibility
Limited accessible parking is available in the house parking lot. Strollers are not permitted inside the house. An onsite employee or volunteer can assist visitors in using the wheelchair lift, located at the side of the rear entrance. Please note that only the first floor is accessible by lift; the second floor may be reached by staircase only. A photo book and interpretive materials are available for any visitor unable to access the second floor, and a docent or staff member will gladly provide a guided overview of the upstairs rooms.
Service Animals
INSERT VERBAGE ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS THAT HAS BEEN CLEARED WITH CITY ATTOURNY OFFICE
FAQ
How much is a tour?
Our tours are free, but donations are welcome on site.
Why can't I book a tour during an event?
Some of our largest events like Moon Festival, Ice Cream Social, and Christmas Open House will have modified house tours to allow more visitors to come through without a timed reservation. RSVP for a full tour here!
Do you have parking on site?
Yes! Free on-site parking is available in the lot behind the house. The driveway to the lot is located to the right of the house. Street parking is also available on Magnolia Avenue. Limited accessible parking is available in the house parking lot.
Do you have a café on site?
No, we do not have a café offering food and beverages for purchase on site, nor do we allow food or beverage inside of the house. We do, however, have a water bottle filling station just outside of the on-site restrooms where visitors can grab a cup of water or refill their own water bottles.
Are you looking for volunteer docents?
Yes, we are! Visit volunteering for more details!
My group has 15 or more people or unique needs—can we still tour?
Absolutely! Please make reservations at least three weeks in advance. To make a reservation, please call Museum Tours at (951) 826-5273 or contact us by email: MuseumTours@riversideca.gov
Do you have restrooms on site?
Yes! The restrooms are located in the building closest to the parking lot at the back of the property.
Baby changing stations are available in both onsite restrooms.
How can I view the exhibition currently on display at Heritage House?
While there are items on display and interactives from the current exhibition in the Carriage House near the back of the property, the main part of the exhibition is on display throughout Heritage House itself. Taking a tour of the house is recommended to see the exhibition in its entirety.