Is the Will Rogers State Beach also connected to the Park?
Will Rogers once owned the stretch of beach named for him. The ranch and the beach are both a part of the state park system, and they are near to one another geographically in Pacific Palisades, but they are not linked otherwise.
What time does the park open?
Typically, the park opens at 7:00 a.m.
What time do the gates close?
Typically, the park closes at sunset or 7:00 p.m.
What is there to do at the ranch?
How do I reserve a picnic table?
Generally, single tables are available without prior arrangement. If you have a large group, we recommend making a prior arrangement to be sure you will have enough space for your group - there is a fee of $100 to reserve 5 tables or more . The rangers at WRSHP arrange for picnic table reservations. They can be reached at 310-454-8212 x101.
How can I get married at the ranch?
Weddings are currently not allowed at the ranch. Several nearby parks to consider include Temescal Gateway Park (http://www.lamountains.com/planning_temescal.html) or the Adamson House (http://www.adamsonhouse.org/weddings.html). If you are looking for a great historic site, the Los Angeles Conservancy also has a list of historic sites available for special events that might be helpful (https://www.laconservancy.org/resources/guide/historic-sites-special-events).
How much do the house tours cost?
House tours are free - the money you pay to park covers your tour fee!
When are house tours offered?
House tours are given by a volunteer docent or park ranger and start at the top of the hour:
When is the store open?
Typical store hours are Thurs. - Sunday (+ holidays), 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Is there food for sale at the park?
There is currently no food concession at the ranch, so be sure to bring your picnic! Only trail mix and water are available at the store when it is open. Why? CA State Parks generally avoids entering into concession agreements where the facilities, products, or services are adequately provided within a short distance outside the park boundaries (lots of food options just up the road in the Palisades).
Does it cost anything to come to the ranch?
Yes, like most CA State parks, there is an entry fee per vehicle. The cost to park at the ranch is $12 per car. If you plan to come to the ranch frequently, consider purchasing a parking pass! The best bet for the ranch is the Historian Passport ($50 - http://store.parks.ca.gov/park-passes/historian-passport-day-use-admission-annual-pass/) but there are other choices as well. Passes are available for sale from the park ranger staff, the entrance kiosk (when open), or online (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049).
Why is parking so expensive?
CA State Parks charges an entrance fee for most of the parks it runs throughout the state. The entrance fee helps to pay the staff and maintenance costs of keeping the ranch available to the public. Please consider purchasing a parking pass if you come to the park frequently! The best bet for the ranch is the Historian Passport ($50 - http://store.parks.ca.gov/park-passes/historian-passport-day-use-admission-annual-pass/) but there are other choices as well. Passes are available for sale from the park ranger staff, the entrance kiosk (when open), or online (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049).
When is polo played at the ranch?
The Will Rogers Polo Club plays on the polo field at the ranch - their season runs from May to the end of September, typically Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For a more specific schedule, visit their webpage (http://willrogerspolo.org/schedule). Also, for the past few years, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic has been held at the ranch in October - you can find out more about that event at their website (http://www.vcpoloclassic.com/).
I have a piece of WR memorabilia - do you want it?
Maybe? The person at Will Rogers State Historic Park best suited to answer that question is museum curator Rochelle Nicholas Booth - she can be reached at 310-454-8212 or via email (Rochelle.Nicholas-Booth@parks.ca.gov).
How do I arrange a group tour?
Yes - special group tours are arranged by the park staff - typically, there is a fee of $6/person. Call 310-454-8212 for more information.
Can I bring my class to the ranch?
Yes - school tours are arranged by the park staff - see the park website for more detailed information (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23807) or call 310-454-8212 for more information.
Can I ride my own horse at the park?
Yes - the ranch is a public resource. The trails, polo field, and arenas are available for equestrian use when not otherwise reserved.
Can I take a public trail ride at the ranch?
Yes - public trail rides are available through http://www.willrogerstrailrides.com/.
I want to volunteer at the ranch - who should I contact?
Will Rogers State Historic Park staff manages the volunteer program at the ranch (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23808) - if you are interested in volunteering as a tour guide (docent), please contact the park interpreter, Mike Deagon, and he can assist you - 310-454-8212 x103 or via email at wr.interp@parks.ca.gov.
What is the official CA State Park website for Will Rogers State Historic Park?
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=626
Will Rogers once owned the stretch of beach named for him. The ranch and the beach are both a part of the state park system, and they are near to one another geographically in Pacific Palisades, but they are not linked otherwise.
What time does the park open?
Typically, the park opens at 7:00 a.m.
What time do the gates close?
Typically, the park closes at sunset or 7:00 p.m.
What is there to do at the ranch?
- Come to the Visitor Center and learn about Will Rogers
- Take a self-guided tour of the historic site.
- Take a trail ride.
- Watch polo.
- Have a picnic (bring a blanket and sit on the lawn or reserve a table - see next item).
- Take a hike. Follow the Self-Guided Inspiration Point Trail Booklet.
How do I reserve a picnic table?
Generally, single tables are available without prior arrangement. If you have a large group, we recommend making a prior arrangement to be sure you will have enough space for your group - there is a fee of $100 to reserve 5 tables or more . The rangers at WRSHP arrange for picnic table reservations. They can be reached at 310-454-8212 x101.
How can I get married at the ranch?
Weddings are currently not allowed at the ranch. Several nearby parks to consider include Temescal Gateway Park (http://www.lamountains.com/planning_temescal.html) or the Adamson House (http://www.adamsonhouse.org/weddings.html). If you are looking for a great historic site, the Los Angeles Conservancy also has a list of historic sites available for special events that might be helpful (https://www.laconservancy.org/resources/guide/historic-sites-special-events).
How much do the house tours cost?
House tours are free - the money you pay to park covers your tour fee!
When are house tours offered?
House tours are given by a volunteer docent or park ranger and start at the top of the hour:
- Thursdays and Fridays, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
- No tours Monday through Wednesday.
- School group tours and special group tours are on Thursday and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. by special arrangement.
When is the store open?
Typical store hours are Thurs. - Sunday (+ holidays), 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Is there food for sale at the park?
There is currently no food concession at the ranch, so be sure to bring your picnic! Only trail mix and water are available at the store when it is open. Why? CA State Parks generally avoids entering into concession agreements where the facilities, products, or services are adequately provided within a short distance outside the park boundaries (lots of food options just up the road in the Palisades).
Does it cost anything to come to the ranch?
Yes, like most CA State parks, there is an entry fee per vehicle. The cost to park at the ranch is $12 per car. If you plan to come to the ranch frequently, consider purchasing a parking pass! The best bet for the ranch is the Historian Passport ($50 - http://store.parks.ca.gov/park-passes/historian-passport-day-use-admission-annual-pass/) but there are other choices as well. Passes are available for sale from the park ranger staff, the entrance kiosk (when open), or online (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049).
Why is parking so expensive?
CA State Parks charges an entrance fee for most of the parks it runs throughout the state. The entrance fee helps to pay the staff and maintenance costs of keeping the ranch available to the public. Please consider purchasing a parking pass if you come to the park frequently! The best bet for the ranch is the Historian Passport ($50 - http://store.parks.ca.gov/park-passes/historian-passport-day-use-admission-annual-pass/) but there are other choices as well. Passes are available for sale from the park ranger staff, the entrance kiosk (when open), or online (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049).
When is polo played at the ranch?
The Will Rogers Polo Club plays on the polo field at the ranch - their season runs from May to the end of September, typically Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For a more specific schedule, visit their webpage (http://willrogerspolo.org/schedule). Also, for the past few years, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic has been held at the ranch in October - you can find out more about that event at their website (http://www.vcpoloclassic.com/).
I have a piece of WR memorabilia - do you want it?
Maybe? The person at Will Rogers State Historic Park best suited to answer that question is museum curator Rochelle Nicholas Booth - she can be reached at 310-454-8212 or via email (Rochelle.Nicholas-Booth@parks.ca.gov).
How do I arrange a group tour?
Yes - special group tours are arranged by the park staff - typically, there is a fee of $6/person. Call 310-454-8212 for more information.
Can I bring my class to the ranch?
Yes - school tours are arranged by the park staff - see the park website for more detailed information (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23807) or call 310-454-8212 for more information.
Can I ride my own horse at the park?
Yes - the ranch is a public resource. The trails, polo field, and arenas are available for equestrian use when not otherwise reserved.
Can I take a public trail ride at the ranch?
Yes - public trail rides are available through http://www.willrogerstrailrides.com/.
I want to volunteer at the ranch - who should I contact?
Will Rogers State Historic Park staff manages the volunteer program at the ranch (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23808) - if you are interested in volunteering as a tour guide (docent), please contact the park interpreter, Mike Deagon, and he can assist you - 310-454-8212 x103 or via email at wr.interp@parks.ca.gov.
What is the official CA State Park website for Will Rogers State Historic Park?
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=626