Kearney Mansion Museum

The basics

The only way to see the rooms of the Kearney Mansion Museum is to join a tour with one of the attraction’s guides, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. The hour-long tour provides context about the buildings, the area’s agricultural history, and Kearney’s Fruit Vale estate. The museum also has a gallery featuring rotating exhibitions, and it’s pleasant to stroll around the surrounding public park (formerly the grounds of the property).

Things to know before you go

• Visiting this Fresno attraction won’t take up a full day, so it’s best to plan on grabbing a meal, having a picnic in the park, or seeing another attraction before or after your visit.

• The Kearney Mansion Museum is good for older kids interested in California history, but isn’t geared toward very young children.

• This attraction is only open for a few hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so plan accordingly.

• There’s a gift shop on-site.

• It’s possible to schedule a gallery-only visit, separately from a full tour.

How to get there

From downtown Fresno, it’s easiest to drive to the museum. Hop on CA-99 N and drive until you reach the exit for CA-180 W. Follow 180 and then turn left on South Bryan Avenue. Lastly, turn right onto West Kearney Boulevard.

When to get there

The Kearney Mansion Museum is only open three days a week—Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with Fridays usually being the least crowded day. Tours are usually offered three times in the afternoon on each of those days, but check ahead of your visit, and reserve your spot.

Visit the Meux Home Museum

Another treat for history buffs lies just about a 15-minute drive away from the Kearney Mansion Museum. The Meux Home Museum is another impressive residence, but one from even earlier in the 1800s. It’s a Victorian-style mansion that also features original period furnishings and embellishments worth seeing.