The Lord told me about this place in a dream, and the upstairs is a temple. I been here 3x first 2…read moreI came it was closed but the third time I came they were open however to visit the temple upstairs you will need appointment in advance. I pray that this place will be preserved forever in Jesus name because the spirit of the LORD dwells here.

Much history here in China Alley. I used tio come here as a kid with my parents. They just…read morerecently had a fire in one of the buildings bt had minimal damage than goodness. But as I figured Id be there when the doors were closed. I strolled through and took some pics. It was fun.

Beautiful little place in downtown Hanford! My son goes to music therapy there. Love the garden and…read morecharming atmosphere.

Very cute place. I enjoyed this stop. The kids had a lot of fun running around and visiting the…read moredifferent storybook homes. They also enjoyed going in the water. I didn't bring swimsuits so I let them swim in their underwear. The kids loved it.

First time here with the kiddos and their little cousins! They had a blast! And I'm just at awe…read moreevery corner I look and go to! Down to the restroom with the tiny tiny toilets for the littles! Lol! Love the fact there's kid friendly washing stations through the museum making it easy for the kids. The indoor treehouse has cameras on the outside so parents can keep an eye on the littles while they are in the treehouse which is awesome! The entire time we were there I saw workers tidy up and sanitize and clean the whole time so that is reassuring! Like the indoor didn't impress me enough.. when we went outside.. I was mind blown at how much is outside and how even cuter it is! They had balance bikes with helmet and a track for kiddos, fishing, building, learning to milk a cow, dinosaurs, farmers market, and so much more! Also, kid friend height table and benches perfect for snacking and breaks. Is to note there isn't any food or drinks available for purchase at the museum but we were able to bring our snacks. Price point was so affordable especially for the experience and what they offer for the kids. We will definitely recommend this place and would highly likely return!

Heard this is a great place for young kiddos, and boy that rumor was true! Our kids loved it! Our…read morekids were entertained the whole time. Loved all the hands on activities. Everything from a fish aquarium, to a fire truck, slides , kitchen, and more. Could have spent the day here , if they were open longer. They have an outdoor area, however was closed due to the rain. Will be back to check it out though. Only open to the public four days a week, other days closed for field trips. Can be pricey $15 for kids one and up and $10 per adult; $7.50 for seniors. Can add up quickly for large families.

If you find yourself in Three Rivers, look for Paul Bunyan and go ahead and stop. It is a small but…read morea very informative museum. We learned a lot. They were reorganizing when we were there but we still got a good look. My husband got stuck in the Mineral King room reading about how Walt Disney was going to build a ski resort here before he died. Three Rivers would have looked alot different now had he. Sweet lady running the museum was warm and welcoming even though it was almost closing time. Time well spent!

I can not believe I have never ever been here and it's free! This cute little museum is right off…read morethe main road and you can't miss it, because Paul Bunyan is right in front of it. The museum also has inside activities for the kids to do, and very informative about the area locals. The museum also continues outside, where your brain can soak up more knowledge from very interesting amazing WOMAN!! Oh and I can't forget the one thing that made me laugh...they have a freaking IBM computer from the 90s, in there!!! Lmao! The employee running the place is also very nice! I will definitely be back!

This was a very interesting place. It's nice someone cared enough to preserve it for future…read moregenerations. It's good to embrace history and this museum is full of that. Our tour guide was new and a little vague on some points of interest but that really didn't bother me. It has a cute little gift shop and tours are by donation so don't cheap out when you visit. What's a few dollars to walk back in time.

Quoted from the Taoist Temple Preservation Society website (where you can also contribute online):…read more "Everything you ever wanted to know about China Alley. China Alley in Hanford, California traces its roots to 1877, when the Central Pacific railroad was extended westward into the area and the new town of Hanford was formed. Numerous Chinese came to the area, many initially to help build the railroads, but others came for farming and agricultural purposes. China Alley grew rapidly and the Chinatown prospered to include restaurants, homes, boarding houses, grocery stores, laundries, herb shops with reputable herbal doctors, sundries stores, gambling establishments, a Chinese school and a Taoist Temple. It soon became known as a "city within a city" with buildings lining both sides of the alley made from bricks formed and fired on site. Visiting Hanford's China Alley Historic District is a fascinating adventure that allows us to step back into history. As visitors enter China Alley today, they are met with a sense of historic ambiance that is reminiscent of a strong cultural heritage. Many of the buildings lining the alley are visually unaltered and remain largely as they did over 100 years ago. Various myths and folkloric legends have weaved their way into tales of this historic Alley. It has been alleged that the population of Hanford's Chinatown went from a small but thriving number of residents to a crowded metropolis rivaling the Chinatowns of San Francisco and Los Angeles. The stories of underground passageways that connected the basements of some merchants on China Alley have been wildly embellished to include tall tales of an expansive network of subterranean tunnels that reached far away from the Alley's core. Some minor alterations to the ground floor of several of the buildings occurred while creating The Chinese Pagoda and Imperial Dynasty restaurants in the late 1950s. These restaurants were established and operated by the Wing family and once served as a catalyst for the revitalization of China Alley. For nearly 50 years until its closure in 2006, the Imperial Dynasty was recognized as a world renowned restaurant serving continental cuisine. The restaurant became famous for its gourmet dinners, extensive wine cellar, and escargots bourguignon. Certified executive chef Richard Wing is widely credited as the originator of fusion cuisine as he combined Chinese and French cooking techniques that became known as Chinoise. One of the highlights of China Alley is The Taoist Temple Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Temple and Museum offers a rare and authentic experience of entering a unique and historic cultural structure that has remained mostly unchanged over the years. Upstairs in the Taoist Temple Museum, the original Temple exists where visitors are first met with large plaques covered with Chinese characters that list the names of members of the Sam Yup Association who donated funds for the construction of the building. On the south wall are wooden figures of the eight immortals while their corresponding ceremonial staves are displayed next to the stairwell. In a corner of the room is a ceremonial brick oven in which symbolic paper money or clothing was burned as an offering to an individual's ancestors. Silk embroideries throughout the Temple featuring animals, birds, and shiny objects have various symbolic meanings. A variety of tools used for individual worship remain where they were once used. Apparent on the ceiling are different methods of lighting from bygone eras that were used to illuminate the Temple. A separate room behind an elaborate altar served as a schoolroom so children could learn of their cultural heritage and beliefs. The street level of the Taoist Temple Museum includes rooms that once served as sleeping quarters for single men. These rooms now reveal a variety of artifacts from the everyday life of Hanford's Chinese residents including kitchen items, gambling matter, and articles and furnishings from several of the Alley's herb shops. Along the walls of the single hallway are photos of the early populace and structures of the area. A small shop occupies the front of the ground floor where informative books and commemorative items can be purchased with the proceeds used to assist in ongoing maintenance of the Temple and the restoration of other buildings in the Historic District."

Such a FUN place!! It was a good find and affordable tickets. Veterans and kids less than 3 y/o get…read morein free (Yayy). The only ticket we paid for was my husband's and that was only $8! My son loved it. He ran everywhere, fed the fish, dug for bones, so many things! Ms. Natalie did the group play when we were there, she is so sweet and professional. We will definitely keep Fresno discovery in our family's activity rotation. Thank you

We met family from Sacramento here today, we're from Bakersfield. We have never been here before…read more It was a great deal at $3/person, since it's the 1st sat of the month. We spent about 3 or so hours playing & exploring. It's really meant for younger ages,probably up until about 10-11. My son is going to be 11 next week & loved it because he loves dinosaurs, digging & science. Not sure i would go out of my way to go back, only because we don't live locally but if we lived in fresno I would consider getting a membership. They have a lot of great programs throughout the week which would be great for school field trips or homeschooling co-ops.

Well organized and informative, with a wide range of local historical exhibits. Displays cover…read morepaleontology, Joaquin Murrieta, oil era, earthquake, and much more. Pleasant and helpful staff.

Such I neat museum! So many things to see. The docent is very nice as well. Enjoyed this and the…read moregas station museum as well

Did you know you can tour this museum? You can; make reservations online if possible; if not you…read morecan also come at the tour time and pay then. Tours are usually 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm on weekends or selected days! Cost is $12 for adults; seniors $10. This museum is located in Kearney Park, to enter is $5 per car. On this tour you learn about the history of the Kearney family. The architecture is beautiful and historic! The rooms are big and full of quality pieces.

A piece of history right in your backyard. The Kearney mansion is preserved in its original state…read more What a treat to walk through these walls and see the decor, and see the once glamour of the Victorian era - Gilded Age. Step into the past and learn all about Fresno's history and agribusiness that could have sent this town in a different direction. Filled with Gatsby era artifacts and hometown history. Come visit this local treasure with your family or school.

Looks unassuming from the outside with a tiny entry door, but there's a wealth of history waiting…read moreto be discovered here! I came on a Sunday and practically had the entire place to myself! I would say this is at least 2 museums rolled into one and they integrate different aspects of Tulare County history. Come to Mooney Grove Park, which I learned is the oldest county park in California! Entrance to the park was free when I came, not sure if and when they charge. Also, coming to the museum is free! You can make a donation if you wish. The museum is a self-guided, go at your own pace type of experience. There are lots of information boards to help you as you go. There is an inside area with a few rooms full of displays. Then there is an outdoors area that is the Pioneer Village with historical buildings, farm equipment, and other things about life in a by-gone era. I was actually fascinated with the Barber Shop's Duart Permanent Wave Machine (hair perm machine). I thought they were antique electric razors at first, but upon a closer look, I read what it was and later looked it up online. The things women suffer through for a change-up, in this case, a Perm!! And in the Dental Office, there's an old X-Ray Machine. Did you see the 1916 Cadillac?!?! For some reason, I love the Cadillac brand. If you venture a little further out, there's a huge warehouse-like building labeled Farm Labor & Agriculture Museum. There's also an AG Equipment Barn around to the side. I didn't go there, so I can't say what it's like. It was interesting to see the cultural groups and when they came to Tulare County. There's quite a lot to see in this place! I'm sure even if you come a few times, you'll see something you missed previously!

This museum is inside a park. It is very informative of the history of this place. It has something…read morefor everyone. When I went to the museum they also had like other small business and interactive areas. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.