About Fresno Flats Historic Village & Park

Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park recaptures the flavor of 19th Century life in the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains of Central California. Eastern Madera County is the southern end of the historic California gold fields, but the people who settled here came not so much for gold but more to build their lives and raise families, making their living as farmers, merchants and using the rich natural resources of the mountains.

The museum complex is built around two restored and furnished homes dating to the late 1860s. Both have been designated by the State of California as Points of Historical Interest for their unique construction styles once common throughout Northern California, but virtually unknown today. They were saved from demolition, moved to Fresno Flats Historical Park and restored by the volunteers of Sierra Historic Sites Association, as were a pair of early-day one-room schools, two 19th Century jails and several other farm buildings.

Starting in 1975, the volunteers of the non-profit SHSA began developing Fresno Flats Historical Park and its historical research center for the enjoyment and education of this and future generations. The name Fresno Flats recalls the days before 1912 when Oakhurst was known as Fresno Flats. This was truly a community effort. Preservation, restoration, maintenance and operation over the years have been accomplished primarily through volunteer labor, materials, and funds. 

Fresno Flats village and grounds are open from dawn to dusk for self guided tours and check our events calendar for museum hours and guided tours of the historic buildings. Our facilities are perfect for events, including weddings, family reunions, picnics or group meetings. Your family or group may schedule a tour or reserve the park at anytime during the year by emailing fresnoflatsmuseum@gmail.com.