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Tourism is one of Madera County’s fastest growing industries.
While the primary focus of tourism is in the eastern part
of the county around the south gate to Yosemite National Park
and the Sierra National Forest, tourism is alive and growing
in the valley districts as well.
Being in the exact center of California, both from border
to border and geographically, places Madera County in an enviable
position as “gateway” to almost every destination
in the state. Stretching across three California tourism regions
from the Central Valley, to the Gold Country and into the
High Sierra speaks to the diverse number of experiences from
which visitors can choose.
Valley districts boast the fast emerging family wineries of
the Madera Wine Trail. Agriculture is showcased at various
locations including historic Cobb Ranch, home of the famous
Pizza Farm. One of North America’s largest fossil finds
in the north county near Chowchilla has prompted future plans
for a discovery center style museum. Stay tuned for exciting
news about this new attraction. Travel amenities are readily
available at nearly every exit on State Highway 99 in Madera
County.
The eastern part of Madera County continues to set the bar
for soft adventure and family activities. Just follow the
Southern Yosemite Highway 41 from Madera to the foothill communities
of O’Neals, Raymond , and North Fork. Historic communities
like Coarsegold, Oakhurst and Ahwahnee, with museums and sites
that dot the landscape, are monuments to Madera County’s
rich heritage. Bass Lake has been recognized as one of the
“West’s Best Lakes” by Sunset Magazine and
enjoys many other accolades. Historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar
Pine Railroad with its authentic steam-powered Shay locomotives
is both educational and entertaining.
American Indian culture is also an important part of the regional
experience. Numerous gatherings happen each year as the resident
tribes celebrate and educate. Two tribes in the region are
involved in gaming enterprises as a means of economic development.
Chukchansi Gold Resort in Coarsegold is celebrating its second
year and a new facility by the Mono tribe is planned for a
site in the north county.
Madera County, while sometimes being referred to as the “southern
gateway” to Yosemite National Park, is also the gateway
to locations in the magnificent Sierra Nevada. Bordering the
Sierra National Forest with access to the famous Ansel Adams
and John Muir Wilderness areas as well as the Sierra Vista
National Scenic Byway has spawned the term “Passageway
into the Range of Light” to describe more fully the
experience of the region.
Being the neighbor to an international icon like Yosemite
National Park also gives Madera County an advantage in attracting
worldwide visitation. With affordable lodging choices, internationally
recognized cuisine and award winning wines, the obvious choice
for millions each year is a visit to the “Yosemite Sierra
Country” of Madera County.
For more information to plan your visit to Madera County contact
the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau at 559-683-4636 or click
on www.YosemiteThisYear.com.
Contacting
Us  |
Yosemite
Sierra Visitor Information Center
41969
Southern Yosemite Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Telephone: (559) 683 - INFO (4636)
Fax: (559) 683 - 5697 |
Email:
Web Site: www.YosemiteThisYear.com
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