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875 Lakeport Blvd.
Lakeport, CA 95453

 

City of Lakeport

The City of Lakeport is located on the western shore of Clear Lake just north of the intersection of State Highways 29 and 175. Lakeport was originally settled in the late 1850s and incorporated as a town in 1888. In its early years, the town served as a shipping port from which passengers and supplies were ferried to various points across the lake. The community was later designated as a city and has served as the seat of Lake County government for many years.

There are several unique and historic buildings in Lakeport which is centered around a quaint Victorian era downtown and the historic Lake County Courthouse Square. With a population of just over 5,200 people, Lakeport has a quintessential small town atmosphere.
The historic Downtown area is the focus of the Lakeport Main Street Association which has been instrumental in placing decorative lampposts on several blocks of Main Street and has also sponsored beautiful hanging flower baskets (2 per lamppost), greatly enhancing the area. They also produce the downtown showcase event ‘Taste of Lakeport’ featuring Lake County wines, local restaurant fare, tasty treats and live music.

The Lakeport Redevelopment Agency has invested heavily in downtown improvements and a building facade enhancement program. Plans are under way for even more significant public area improvements including wide sidewalks, intersection bulb outs, patterned crosswalks, decorative lighting, and street trees on Main Street and several adjacent streets. The Agency also continues to pursue exciting revitalization options for existing lakefront and downtown properties.
Library Park is the centerpiece of Lakeport’s Clear Lake shoreline, with free Friday night summer concerts, a huge July 4th celebration, and various other community events. Several shopping centers and commercial areas are developed on Lakeport Boulevard, 11th Street, High Street, and Main Street.

The Lake County Fairgrounds, which hosts summer auto races, the annual Lake County Rodeo in July and the County Fair in late August, is situated just southwest of downtown.
You will find shopping, professional services, dining, overnight accommodations, quality housing in nice neighborhoods, good schools, medical facilities and a lot of nice people. For more information about Lakeport, visit www.cityoflakeport.com. Come see us soon.
 

Blue Lakes

Serene surroundings and a popular spot for kayaks, canoes, patio boats, and even the occasional windsurfer.

In northwestern Lake County, the quaint recreational community of Blue Lakes dots the shores of two small, peaceful lakes known simply as Upper Blue Lake and Lower Blue Lake. The lakes are bordered by State Highway 20 to the north and densely forested hillsides to the south. Just a ten minute drive from the town of Upper Lake and 15 minutes from Lakeport, the County Seat, this spot is a favorite getaway for local residents and out-of-town vacationers alike.

Swimming and fishing are popular activities in the clear waters of Blue Lakes, and although boats are allowed, a speed limit of 5 mph is enforced, making for serene surroundings and a popular spot for kayaks, canoes, patio boats, and even the occasional windsurfer.

The deep, crystal water of Upper Blue Lake supports populations of bass and bluegill and are stocked monthly with rainbow trout, so novice and experienced anglers alike have an opportunity to drop in a line from a dock or the shore’s edge, or even head out by boat in search of a favorite fishing spot. If you are a fishing enthusiast, be sure to mark your calendar for the Trout Derby held in April every year.

Upper Lake

The gateway to the Mendocino National Forest, Upper Lake offers opportunities for all types of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, boating, fishing, and even off-highway vehicle adventures.

Nestled in a valley along State Highway 20 at the northern end of Clear Lake is the small pioneer town of Upper Lake. This is the gateway to the 913,306-acre Mendocino National Forest, which offers opportunities for all types of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, boating, fishing, and even off-highway vehicle adventures.

One of the oldest settlements in Lake County, Upper Lake is a pioneer, logging, and ranching town and was a main port back in the days when small steam-powered boats carried cargo to several ports of call on Clear Lake. Today, a levee area provides nesting and roosting habitat for an abundance of birds, including herons, egrets, and white pelicans.

The Upper Lake area has an agricultural heritage, and today major crops include pears, walnuts, strawberries, apples, wild rice, and wine grapes.

In town, Upper Lake’s Main Street offers a glimpse at yesteryear with old-fashioned shops selling antiques, gift items, handmade crafts and Native American goods, as well as several restaurants and lodging establishments. Community “welcome” signs painted by local artists Bob Russell and the late Dick Gutierrez greet visitors along Highway 20 at Main Street.

Restoration and renovation efforts are continuing in Upper Lake as well as the entire north shore of Clear Lake. At the corner of First and Main streets, an old-time stable got a much-needed facelift. Just up the street, the historic Tallman Hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, and the adjacent Blue Wing Saloon opened as a replica of the original nineteenth century structure that was destroyed by fire years ago.

A variety of musical entertainment is being offered throughout the year at the Tallman Hotel/Blue Wing Saloon. From Blues to Jazz and the Classics, there is entertainment for all tastes.

For visitors to the town, a handy brochure featuring activities, shopping, and events is available at several local merchants or by contacting the Lake County Visitor Information Center in Lucerne at (800) 525-3743.

Upper Lake community events include Wild West Days the first Saturday in June, Thursday Night Markets throughout the summer, a Christmas Light Parade the first Saturday in December, and a Teddy Bear Reunion Display throughout the holiday season.

Nice and Lucerne

Lucerne and the neighboring town of Nice are two of several lakeside communities along the north shore of Clear Lake on State Highway 20, the major east-west thoroughfare in Lake County. Long beautiful stretches of shoreline are shaded by large pepperwoods and giant oaks. Several resorts and campgrounds offer visitors a place to stay, and public beaches, parks, and harbors provide residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy the lake.

Along State Highway 20 between Nice and Lucerne are two wineries—Ceago Vinegarden and Tulip Hill Winery, both of which offer wine tasting daily and host special events throughout the year.

With the steep Bartlett Mountain Range as its backdrop, the lakeside town of Lucerne is often referred to as “the Switzerland of America” with terrain and sweeping views reminiscent of the Alps. The town of Nice was patented in June 1871 and named after the small town of Nice, France. Spectacular redbud shrubs bloom throughout the town in springtime.

In the community of Lucerne, the Lake County Redevelopment Agency is developing the Lucerne Promenade between State Highway 20 and Clear Lake. You will find a Visitor’s Center in Lucerne on Highway 20 or contact 800-525-3743 for information.

In Nice, the Agency has developed a town square at Hinman Park with plans to develop a tourist-oriented retail center around the square.

Clearlake Oaks

When visiting Lake County we invite you to stay and play in the Clearlake Oaks area, which is truly the perfect destination in Lake County. We are proud to be the gateway to Clear Lake.

Lake County’s easternmost community—referred to as “the Oaks” by locals—is scattered with both lakefront and hilltop homes. Other nearby communities include Glenhaven, Kono Tayee, Paradise Cove and Spring Valley.

Some favorite spots are Shannon Ridge Winery and High Valley Estate Vineyards tasting rooms and Happy Garden, a Thai and Chinese restaurant, plus several lakeside resorts and campgrounds frequented year-round. Eleven Roses Ranch, in the mountains above Clear Lake, offers historic family ranch and wildflower tours in their mule drawn carriage.

Held annually for over twenty-five years, the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Catfish Derby is the largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi. Each May, hundreds of eager anglers visit Clear Lake for a chance to land the BIG ONE and win one of many prizes. The tournament features: separate divisions for adults and children; food and entertainment; a new boat, motor, and trailer for the largest fish caught in the adult division; a quad ATV for the largest fish in the children’s division; and over $9,000 in cash and other prizes.

The July 4th Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks display presented at Widgeon Bay in Clearlake Oaks every year is a cherished tradition in this area. Maxine Sherman was a Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association member who was convinced of the importance of putting on this yearly display and worked hard to make that happen. The fireworks are launched from Widgeon Point in Clearlake Oaks.

Many new projects have been completed or are underway in the Oaks/Glenhaven area. Recently completed projects include Nylander Park and Town Plaza with picnic tables and barbecue grills, a new youth center, a new visitor center, and the Eskaton senior apartment complex. Projects underway include a new town clock, street lamps and sidewalks.

We have everything you need for a visit to Lake County right here in the Oaks: hotels, campgrounds, fishing resorts, free boat launching, a tackle shop, and wine tasting.

 
Kelseyville

The small friendly town of Kelseyville is a community of people involved in the area businesses, schools, churches, service groups and cultural activities. Members of the community take pride in what the country town has to offer: historical sites, recreation, lodging, dining, shopping and special events complemented by rural countryside and agricultural lands. 

An ambiance of country friendliness is found in the small shops along Main Street. Take time to stroll Main Street, which is lined with historic, early 20th Century streetlights. You can enjoy sitting at tables outside the eateries and wine tasting at Wildhurst, Rosa d’Oro and Focused on Wine tasting rooms. The Saw Shop Gallery Bistro features Lake County wines and fine dining.

Taylor Planetarium & Observatory, located at 5725 Oak Hill Road, is operated by the Lake County Office of Education and is equipped with a permanently mounted 16 inch reflector telescope and astrophotography equipment. Visit their website at www.taylorobservatory.org.

During the summer, there are street dances on Main Street with local musicians. On the last Saturday in September, the town hosts the Kelseyville Pear Festival. It features craft booths, entertainment, a quilt show, art and antique tractor shows and begins the day with a great street parade. Not to be missed is the annual Christmas in the Country on the first Friday of December. For more information, call 707-279-9022 or 279-1561.

Also located in Kelseyville on the shores of Clear Lake is the beattiful Clear Lake State Park.

A favorite destination for boaters and campers alike.Clear Lake State Park is located about three miles northeast of Kelseyville. The park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating facilities.

There are 147 campsites of which 60 are open year round. The park can easily accommodate large groups for special events. There is a swimming-only beach area and an excellent boat dock for access to beautiful Clear Lake for a large variety of water sports.

A real jewel of the park is the Clear Lake State Park Visitor Center. It was created from the inspiration of the park’s staff and volunteers to showcase Lake County’s cultural and natural heritage. The Visitor Center is volunteer-staffed and is open various hours in spring and summer. Call the Park for hours.

The Center offers a close view of vignettes that are rarely seen and features dioramas to illustrate lakeside, woodland, and pre-contact Pomo Village scenes. The underwater environment is shown in a 700 gallon aquarium. The volcanic peaks that now define the landscape are illustrated in a unique and “active” ceiling shadow box display. Nature films, slide shows and personal presentations are regularly scheduled in the Center’s Audio-Visual room.

Clear Lake State Park is located on Soda Bay Road at: 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451. You can call them at (707) 279-4293. For camping reservations call (800) 444-7275 or go online at www.reserveamerica.com or www.parks.ca.gov.

 

City of Clearlake 

Located at the southeast shore of Clear Lake (the Lake), lies the City of Clearlake with a population of just over 14,000.

City government is actively pursuing commercial developments for its 10.5 square miles. There is a large public launch ramp at Mike Thompson Harbor at Redbud Park, one of three lakefront parks. Free parking and no launch fees make this an attractive destination. There are several family style resorts located in Clearlake.

Yuba Community College has a satellite campus in Clearlake offering a variety of classes.

The city has several community activities all year, the most unique and long-lasting (since 1970) is the Annual International Worm Races, celebrated as part of the July 4th activities.

Lower Lake

The town features some of the oldest buildings in Lake County and prospered in early years from nearby mining.

Historic Lower Lake is located at the southeastern end of Clear Lake where two major Native American trails crossed. Founded in the late 1850’s, the town soon became the center of commerce for the region.

Lake County was created out of the northern portion of Napa County in 1861. Lower Lake vied with Lakeport to become the county seat, succeeding in winning that distinction from 1867 to 1870.

The town features some of the oldest buildings in Lake County and prospered in early years from nearby mining of sulfur, borax and quicksilver. The first jail in Lake County, a stone structure of just one room, is said to be the smallest in the United States. It is California State Historical Landmark # 429.

The Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum, built in 1877, served as a schoolhouse until 1935. Due to the hard work of a grass-roots organization, the schoolhouse was restored and a fine museum opened in 1993.

The building has a distinctive Mansard roof, remodeled in 1906 after the great California earthquake damaged the bell tower. The 16-foot tall ceilings and nine-foot windows give the museum its true historic character. Displays include a schoolroom, Victorian parlor, gems and minerals, Native American and pioneer artifacts. The upper floor boasts an auditorium that serves as a venue for cultural and community events.

Other notable historic sights in Lower Lake are the Pioneer and Lower Lake Cemeteries, the Odd Fellows Hall, built in 1868, and the United Methodist Church, built in 1884. A very popular Bluegrass Festival, featuring well known artists, is held each September at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park just north of Lower Lake. The Park features a ranch house, archeological sites and nature trails.

Lower Lake offers a hometown shopping atmosphere with a variety of unique businesses, including a coffeeshop/cafe, wineries, and antique stores. In Lower Lake you can truly step back into rural America and “stroll around” enjoying history and shopping.

 

Middletown and Hidden Valley

Middletown (formerly, Middle Station and Middleton) was started in 1871 and is located 11 miles west of Lower Lake, at an elevation of 1099 feet. The town was given its name because it is halfway between Lower Lake to the north and Calistoga to the south. Middletown is the gateway to Lake County coming from the Napa Valley and the first town visitors come to once passing over Mt. St. Helena.

Middletown is definitely a “Hometown USA” with great specialty gift shops and splendid places to go for coffee, an internet fix, or a relaxing massage. We even have our own micro brewery! If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day you will have numerous choices here with wonderful indoor and outdoor facilities. Lunch and dinner also provide several opportunities for grill, Italian and Mexican all with main street flair.

Middletown has many historic buildings, including the original stage coach stop located at Bush and Armstrong Street. The town is also the closest to the historic Harbin Hot Springs and home to the famous (Lily) Langtry Estates & Vineyards.

Twin Pine Casino recently completed a major expansion, adding a new 50,000 square foot casino area, a 60 room hotel, wine tasting and three restaurant areas. Visit Wiloth Horseback Riding Center and Equine Therapy (located at the corner of Hwy 29 and Butts Canyon Road) for an old-time pony ride.

In addition to all the residential choices in Middletown, just a short ride north on Highway 29 you will find the gated community of Hidden Valley Lake, complete with an 18-hole golf course, a beautiful clubhouse, tennis courts, a restaurant and bar open to the public, a private man-made lake with two beaches, beautiful homes for sale or rent and vacation rentals. Hot air balloons rising up into the clear blue skies are a wonderful sight during the warm spring and summer months.

Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake offer fresh air, open spaces and a rural essence, making them the perfect places to visit for a mini vacation! Middletown’s big events are Middletown Days, complete with an old-fashioned parade right down the main street, horsemanship contests on Father’s Day Weekend in June, and Christmas in Middletown which is held the second Saturday in December.

Visit www.christmasinmiddletown.com and www.shopmiddletown.com  for more information.

 

Cobb Mountain-The Four Season Wonderland

 Located in the Mayacamas Mountain Range with elevations of 2,400 to 4,722 feet, Cobb is a ‘Four Season Wonderland.’ Winding one’s way up to Cobb Mountain inspires a feeling of awe as the trees become more majestic with each rise in elevation. This forest of pine, oak, fir, madrone and cedar is also a natural habitat for dogwood, redbud and wild lilac.Located in the Mayacamas Mountain Range with elevations of 2,400 to 4,722 feet, Cobb is a ‘Four Season Wonderland.’ Winding one’s way up to Cobb Mountain inspires a feeling of awe as the trees become more majestic with each rise in elevation. This forest of pine, oak, fir, madrone and cedar is also a natural habitat for dogwood, redbud and wild lilac.

Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest is open year round to the public for camping, picnicking, mountain bicycling, horseback riding, hiking and hunting. Boggs Lake Ecological Preserve, a protected vernal pool, is available for guided tours through the nature conservancy.

The communities surrounding Cobb Valley were developed in the late 1800’s when several famous volcanic hot springs resorts attracted many people seeking remedies for their ailments. Summer time is still a busy time on Cobb Mountain as families flock to the remaining cottage resorts. A variety of lodgings, restaurants, a gas station, antique stores, golf courses, a water bottling plant, a market, video stores and post office are also found on the mountain.

The Cobb area has seen a tremendous growth in the last few years. Many young families have purchased homes in the surrounding areas, many older summer homes have been remodeled to accommodate year round living and new homes are being constructed. Parents are delighted to find that Cobb Mountain Elementary School is rated among the highest in the state.

The Cobb Mt. area is home to many artists and published authors and hosts several events a year such as “Holiday Art in the Pines” in time for the Christmas Season. Rob Roy Golf Club initiates many unique community events and offers excellent dining opportunities.