Willits Interests & Events

Willits Points of Interest

Mendocino County Museum
707-459-2736
400 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490
Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, the museum is part of the East Commercial Street Cultural Complex and within walking distance of the Skunk Train depot.

Roots of Motive Power-Antique Steam Logging Equipment Display
707-459-2736
400 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490
Located in the East Commercial Street Cultural Complex next to the Mendocino County Museum. The Roots of Motive Power Festival is held in September and the equipment is “steamed up” for a working demonstration.

Ridgewood Ranch – Home of Seabiscuit
707-459-5992
16200 Highway 101, Willits, CA 95490
Historic walking tours provide a glimpse into an bygone era and the role that the racehorse Seabiscuit played during that time. This was the long time home of Seabiscuit and the horse’s final resting place.

Festivals, Fairs, and Other Events

Christmas Express
This holiday celebration is free of charge and features Santa? arrival on a steam locomotive. The event includes caroling, singing, refreshments, and fun for kids of all ages.

Community Craft Fairs
Local craft fairs take place in December, in anticipation of the holidays.

Roots of Motive Power Festival
Held in September at the Roots of Motive Power – Antique Steam Logging Equipment Display, the festival includes the equipment being “steamed up” and the public experiencing first-hand the workings of these mechanical pieces of history. The festival includes a whole-pig barbeque fund-raiser.

Skunk Train
The Skunk Train is known as one of North America’s top ten scenic train rides. The route runs for 40 miles between Willits and Fort Bragg, with a midway stop at Northspur. The route cuts through coastal ridges filled with majestic Redwoods, as well as crisscrossing the Noyo River. Riders pass through two mountain tunnels and cross about 30 trestles and bridges.

Willits Airport Day
Held during the summer, at the air strip in Brooktrails, the event offers biplane and Cessna/Piper rides, helicopters and fly-ins, as well as food and fun.

Willits Community Festival and Car Show
Held during Memorial Day weekend, the car show highlights two days of activities, food, music, and fun.

Willits Farmers’ Market
Held every Thursday, the market offers locally produced fresh vegetables, plants, fruits, honey, fish, and sausage. Local crafts are part of the fare, as well as live music.

Willits Frontier Days
“California’s oldest continuous rodeo,” is a week-long community event taking in the Fourth of July. Aside from multiple adult and junior rodeo events, the week includes a carnival, parade, barbeque, vendors, and several family-friendly activities.