Lassen-Feather Loop Museums offer Learning behind Every Door

Are you looking to learn more about local history while enjoying the area’s outdoor community? If so, there are lots of opportunities as the Lassen-Feather River History Loop has expanded beyond its focus on history to include the greater regional stories of diverse geology, night sky, bird-watching opportunities, and conservation activities that reflect the passion for the land of those living on it. The Lassen-Feather River Loop concept began in May 2015 as a collaboration of local museums, business leaders, and Lassen Volcanic National Park to highlight the rich history the Lassen and Feather River areas have to offer its visitors. Following is a list of museums and opportunities to learn more about the Lassen-Feather River History Loop.

Westwood Museum

Greenville Cy Hall Memorial Museum: The Greenville Museum features a history of Crescent Mills. The museum hosts three seminars each season in May, July, and September. This season’s presentations will focus on the 1970s on May 14, the 1980’s on July 14, and the 1990’s on September 8.

Collins Museum: Collins Museum, located at Collins Pines Mill in Chester, mission is to develop exhibits on lumbering, forestry and principles of sustainability. Terry Collins may be reached at 258-4441 or visit www.collinsco.com/museum.

Chester Museum: The Chester museum is open year round. Museum hours are 10am to 5:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and 1 pm to 7 pm Thursday. The Chester Museum adjoins the Chester Library, which has the distinction of being the only public library in California housed in a log cabin built for that purpose. The museum collection focuses on the history of the Big Meadows/Lake Almanor Basin from the early native Maidu people through the gold mining, pioneer diary, and cattle ranching and early Chester era.

Indian Valley Museum: Indian Valley Museum’s special exhibit this year will be the Hardgrave Stage Coach circa 1906. The stagecoach was originally owned and operated by John Hardgrave and regularly ran from Beckworth through Genesse to Taylorsville and Greenville in the early 1900’s. The museum is a central part of Pioneer day that is held on June 11. The Hardgrave Stage Coach will be on display at the Creamery from 10am to 4 pm.

Historic Olsen Barn: The Feather River Land Trust took on the task of purchasing 107 acres on the eastern edge of Chester. The property is best known for its 130-plus-year-old barn, known as the Olsen Barn. The property also has significan ecological value particularly for birds.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Lassen Park will be turning 100 years old on Aug. 9. The park has planned several special events to help celebrate its centennial. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is located near the southwest entrance to the park. It’s open daily from 9 am to 5 pm from April 1 through Nov. 30. Park film and exhibits highlight the natural and cultural history of the park. Rangers are available to provide park information. The Loomis Museum is located at the northwest entrance to Lassen Park. The museum will be open Friday through Sunday, Memorial Day weekend through June 12. From June 13 through the end of October, the museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Exhibits include photos from B.F. Loomis, who best documented the eruption of Lassen Peak in the early 1900’s.

Tours, Trails, and Treasures along the Lassen-Feather River Loop: Each community has self-guided historic waling tours. To find details on each of the museums and other events and attractions, visit www.moutainaffairs.com.