Last updated: 1/18/2012
8899 Orr Road
Galt, CA 95632
P.O. Box 782
Galt, CA 95632
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Ida Denier
phone: 209-745-1477
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In 1998, when the Galt Area Historical Society began their project to make possible a living history ranch on the McFarland Ranch, members of the Society had no idea what joy would come from seeing children dressed in costume, reliving pioneer life on a farm at the turn of the twentieth century. We really didn't have a clue how wonderful and rewarding the effort would be.
The McFarland Ranch, originally a part of the vast land holdings of John McFarland, is now owned by the Sacramento County Department of Parks and Recreation, and a portion of it is leased to the Galt Area Historical Society to be preserved for the people of the Galt area.
The McFarland Living History Ranch is quickly becoming a popular destination for California Central Valley students and beyond. The students enter a portal of time back to the late 1800's. Judging by the smiles and laughter learning is fun, not only fun but also something students remember a lifetime. Life was not flipping a switch, watching television or having a room full of toys to play with.
Students learn that to be able to see at night one must make candles for light, to eat, a garden must be planted. They find as they twist, turn, and decorate their corn husk dolls that toys were simple and rarely elaborate nor plentiful. Students toil over a washboard and wringer to clean clothes, probably wondering how long it would take to wash the closet full of clothing at home by hand instead of pushing a button
McFarland Ranch is the perfect setting for your event, whether it's a family reunion, anniversary celebration or business meeting. The ranch has played host to weddings, photography sittings, car and trade shows, craft fairs, and more. The setting is lovely with the wide-open grass and oaks of the Cosumnes River Preserve bordering the ranch on three sides and vast vineyards on the other. There are several large open lawns on the ranch including the great lawn to the south of the historic house covered with young and mature trees. The historic McFarland Ranch House has returned to its original turn-of-the-century charm. The front or back porch can be used as a stage with handicap access via the back porch. The front lawn of the main house is well shaded and has hosted many dinners and luncheons for a variety of organizations. Some guests create an intimate setting with white lights in the trees for their after-dark events. The rear lawn is also a lovely setting and is the site of the annual McFarland Ranch Committee meeting.
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