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Welcome to the Shinn Family's Former Nursery & Ranch
Our Neighbors Since 1856
Welcome to the Shinn Family's Former Nursery & Ranch
Our Neighbors Since 1856
For just a $20 ticket there are historic places to visit all over California in September!
In 1856, James and Lucy Shinn moved from Texas to the south bank of Alameda Creek. The last remaining four acres of their ranch is now Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum, nestled among suburban homes. The family's history can be seen in the remaining buildings, the landscape, and in the museum. Three groups volunteer at the park.
About Shinn Park and its volunteers
About Shinn Park and its volunteers
House
The Shinn House, built in 1876, is the center of the park. Mission Peak Heritage Foundation (MPHF) manages the Shinn House: docent house tours, teas, and events. See the calendar and facebook for hours. You can have the Shinn house opened for weddings or parties during park rentals or special tours.
The online tour of the park is always available.
Contact mphf.secretary@gmail.com if you have questions about tours or teas.
Museum
The Shinn family created a Shinn House Museum behind the Big House in 2003. It is managed by MPHF. The museum is open during Shinn House hours and other times as well by appointment for researchers or for special events. Some of the archival materials are being digitized by the California Revealed program. They are also accessible from the Internet Archive. The Shinn family archives can also be found at the Bancroft library and at the Washington Township Museum of Local History.
Bunkhouse
The bunkhouse is the last remaining building from the Shinn Ranch China Camp that was located along Alameda Creek. The Chinese Bunkhouse Preservation Project has researched this building and is investigating how to preserve it. More about Chinese History in the Washington Township
Gardens
Two acres of Gardens are planted and maintained by the Friends of Heirloom Flowers garden club volunteers. The club has been taking care of the Shinn family's gardens since 1994. Historic trees from the 1870s live here among the gardens. The online tour is always available.
Kato Japanese Garden
This tiny Japanese garden was built in 1983-1985. The George Koomei Kato Memorial Garden is taken care of by the Friends of Heirloom Flowers and the Merritt College Aesthetic Pruning Hands-On class.
City of Fremont
The park is owned by the city of Fremont. You can rent the lawn area on weekends. Did you know that you can also arrange for a tour of the house during your rental? Contact the Shinn House Docents to find out how to get a docent-led tour of the Shinn House during your rental.
Thank you for coming to the...
Thank you for coming to the...
Celebrate Summer in the Gardens of the historic 1876 Shinn House. For almost 150 years, the grounds surrounding the 3-story ranch house have been the place for celebrations, events, and memories—family weddings, community gatherings, and fundraisers for charitable causes.
The historic trees have been witness to them all — colossal Chilean wine palms, a massive Moreton Bay fig, a row of redwoods, a cluster of cork oaks, and many others. Make your own memories in the Shinn gardens – that are lovingly cared for by the garden club, Friends of Heirloom Flowers.
On the lawn, find the perfect gift, made by artisans. If your inner child is inspired to create your own art, there are arts and crafts tables where you can create paintings, build tiny wood houses, and draw in chalk.
Music, all through the day, will entertain you - Ukulele, Hula, and classical
In the barnyard, visit the last bunkhouse of the Shinn Ranch “China camp.” Chinese and other immigrant laborers helped build California into what it is today. This lone bunkhouse is a rare physical remnant of the hard working people who were crucial to the growth of Southern Alameda County, our state, and our country. Learn more about the history of the building from the Chinese Bunkhouse Preservation Project team.
The historic Shinn House is open for tours from 12pm-3pm. Join a tour led by a Mission Peak Heritage Foundation docent to learn more about the Shinn family who came to California as a result of the Gold Rush. The suggested donation for the house tour is $5 per adult. $3 for children (age 7-13) cash or credit card. There is more to learn about the Shinn family in the museum at the back of the house; museum admission is free!
Parking and activities are free.
The Kona Ice truck will be available for icy treats. Bring a picnic if you like.
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