Sacramento River History Rolls Along in a New Museum

Turtle Bay Museum opens this week as the focal point of a 300-acre park being developed along the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding in Northern California.

The museum presents the art, history and natural environment of the region. It includes a 22,000-gallon re-creation of the river with local fish; a simulated limestone cave with stalactites; a replica bark-house used by the native Wintu; hands-on exhibits that let visitors build landforms from sand, among other activities; an art museum; and a cafe. Opening exhibits include “Journey to Justice” (on the Wintu, through Oct. 19, 2003) and Ansel Adams photos (through Oct. 6).

The park was formed by the merger of several local institutions, including the Redding Museum of Art and History and the Carter House Natural Science Museum. It already includes a butterfly house, an arboretum and Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp, with displays on the logging industry. A futuristic 720-foot-long bridge by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava is also planned.

Starting Saturday, entrance to the park, including the museum, will be $11 adults (up from $4) and $6 ages 4 to 16 (up from $2.50). The museum is open daily through summer; closed Mondays after Oct. 1. (800) 887-8532, www.turtlebay.org.