• Why is Folsom a great destination for visitors?
    • Folsom is the perfect place to experience California’s quintessential year-round lifestyle, offering a mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping, and dining.
  • What historical significance does Folsom have?
    • The city’s history is filled with Gold Rush-era greatness, connections to Johnny Cash, and a strong dedication to preserving nature and the arts.

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1. Harris Center

Harris Center


  • What is the Harris Center for the Arts?
    • The Harris Center for the Arts is an 80,000 square foot regional arts center that provides visitors the opportunity to experience and celebrate works of art across several mediums.
  • When did the Harris Center open?
    • The center opened in 2011 and is popular among the community for invoking the creative process through an array of programs suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.
  • How many visitors and events does the Harris Center host?
    • The center attracts over 150,000 patrons and hosts over 400 public events every year.
  • What types of events take place at the Harris Center?
    • Concerts, musicals, and conversations fill their event calendar, providing a wide range of performances and discussions.
  • Which artists and organizations perform at the Harris Center?
    • The center features performances from groups such as Kahulanui, the Folsom Lake Community Concert Association, Music Beyond Borders, and more.
  • What is the contact information for the Harris Center?
    • 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-608-6888

2. Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary


Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary


  • What is the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary?
  • How is the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary different from a traditional zoo?
    • Unlike a traditional zoo, animals at the sanctuary are not bred, sold, or traded. They only take in animals that can’t be released into the wild.
  • What kinds of animals live at the zoo sanctuary?
    • Most of the residents are native to North America. Some that you’ll come across include mountain lions, sheep, bears, bobcats, tigers, wolves, eagles, and much more.
  • Are there any additional facilities at the zoo sanctuary?
    • Yes, the zoo sanctuary includes a gift shop where visitors can buy clothes, toys, and plush animals.
    • There is also the Beastro café, where guests can stop for snacks and drinks.

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, 403 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-351-3527

3. Lake Natoma


Lake Natoma


  • What is Lake Natoma?
    • Housed within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Natoma spans nearly 500 acres and is a popular destination for several family-friendly activities.
  • What water activities can visitors enjoy at Lake Natoma?
    • Locals and visitors head to the lake during the warmer months for swimming, kayaking, rowing, canoeing, water skiing, fishing, and boating.
  • Are there any championship events held at Lake Natoma?
    • Yes, the lake hosts several championship events throughout the year, including the West Coast College Rowing Championships.
  • What is the historic Negro Bar?
    • While visiting, guests can explore the historic Negro Bar, located by the lake on what was once the site of a gold rush-era African-American mining camp.
  • What other activities are available around Lake Natoma?
    • Visitors can also enjoy biking, hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding in the surrounding area.
  • What is the contact information for Lake Natoma?
    • 7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-988-0205

4. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area


Folsom Lake State Recreation Area


  • What is the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area?
  • How large is the park, and when was it established?
    • The park spans nearly 20,000 acres and was established in 1956 following the creation of Folsom Dam.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
    • Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, biking, horseback riding, water skiing, boating, and camping.
  • How many trails are available in the park?
    • The park features 95 miles of trails, including a paved bicycle trail that loops around Lake Natoma.
  • Is fishing allowed at Folsom Lake?
    • Yes, the waters are home to an abundance of yellow perch, bass, trout, and catfish, making it a wonderful location for fishing.
  • What is the contact information for Folsom Lake State Recreation Area?
    • 7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-988-0205

5. Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park


  • What is Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park?
  • Who built the Folsom Powerhouse and when?
    • The power house was built in 1895 by architect H. T. Knight and the Sacramento Electric Power & Light Company.
  • What historical designations does the Folsom Powerhouse have?
    • It is recognized as a California Historical Landmark, a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
  • What can visitors see at Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park?
    • Visitors can experience an exciting part of Sacramento’s history through the preserved structure, which still looks much like it did in 1895.
    • Massive General Electric transformers, which are still housed there today, offer a glimpse into the power station’s original operation.
  • What is the contact information for Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park?
    • 9980 Greenback Ln, Folsom, CA 95630

6. Folsom Historical Museum

Folsom Historical Museum


  • What is the Folsom Historical Museum?
    • The Folsom Historical Museum , operated by the Folsom Historical Society, is located in the area’s historic downtown and preserves the history of Folsom’s settlement and development.
  • What can visitors see at the Folsom Historical Museum?
    • The museum houses a collection of treasures and artifacts that chronicle the history of Folsom, with a focus on the Gold Rush era.
  • What aspects of Folsom’s history are highlighted?
    • Exhibits display the lives of Folsom’s native people, the discovery of gold, the formation of mining camps, and the contributions of ethnic groups to the area.
  • Does the museum host events?
    • Yes, several events are held throughout the year, including Antique Evaluation Day, 100 Years of Fashion Accessories, and more.
  • What is the contact information for the Folsom Historical Museum?
    • 823 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-985-2707

7. Beal’s Point


Beal’s Point


  • What is Beal’s Point?
    • Beal’s Point is a scenic location beside Folsom Lake’s sandy beach area, Granite Bay. It is a great place to spend the day outdoors and take in the surrounding views.
  • What amenities are available at Beal’s Point?
    • The area features large grassy and shaded areas, making it ideal for family picnics and other outdoor activities.
    • Amenities such as barbecue pits are available for visitors to use.
  • Is there a popular biking trail at Beal’s Point?
    • Yes, a popular pastime is bicycling on the 32-mile long American River Trail, which starts at Beal’s Point and follows the scenic river to Old Sacramento.
  • Can visitors camp at Beal’s Point?
    • Yes, Beal’s Point is one of only two locations on Folsom Lake that allow for overnight camping, making it a popular spot for campers during the summer months.
  • What is the contact information for Beal’s Point?
    • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area: 7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-988-0205

8. Folsom Premium Outlets


Folsom Premium Outlets


  • What is Folsom Premium Outlets?
    • Folsom Premium Outlets is an outdoor shopping mall that is home to over eighty stores specializing in apparel, footwear, jewelry, and more.
  • What makes Folsom Premium Outlets a good shopping destination?
    • It’s a great place to get some shopping done, buy souvenirs to take back with you, and have a fun time with friends and family.
  • What stores can be found at Folsom Premium Outlets?
    • Some of the well-known stores at the outlet mall include Under Armour, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Gap, and Sketchers.
  • Can visitors find good deals at the outlets?
    • Yes, shoppers can find great deals on branded items as they stroll through the mall.
  • Are there dining options at Folsom Premium Outlets?
    • Yes, visitors can take a break and enjoy a snack or meal at cafes and restaurants such as Kristen’s Coffee Corner, tcby, Taco Bell, and DJ’s Grill & Deli.

Folsom Premium Outlets, 13000 Folsom Boulevard, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-985-0313

9. Folsom Aquatic Center


Folsom Aquatic Center


  • What is the Folsom Aquatic Center?
    • Open during the area’s warmer months, the Folsom Aquatic Center is a fun and safe destination where residents and visitors go to cool down and beat the heat.
  • Who can visit the Folsom Aquatic Center?
    • The center is open to residents and visitors of Folsom and is designed to be safe and fun for all ages.
  • What attractions are available for young children?
    • The center features a water playground for little ones, complete with play structures such as water cannons, water sprayers, and tumble buckets.
  • What other water attractions are available?
    • The aquatic center includes water slides, diving boards, and a lap pool.
    • Visitors of all ages can climb three stories to slide down the 165-foot spiral water slide, which ends with a splash in the pool.
  • Are there areas to relax at the center?
    • Yes, visitors can relax on the shaded grassy lawns and in designated picnic areas surrounding the pool.
  • Is the Folsom Aquatic Center safe?
    • Yes, the facility is watched over by professional, licensed lifeguards to ensure visitor safety.
  • What is the contact information for the Folsom Aquatic Center?
    • 1300 Riley St, Folsom, CA 95630, Phone: 916-355-8318

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Photo Credits: © Harris Center, Courtesy of sandrafotodesign - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Kristina - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Andy - Fotolia.com, Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, Folsom Historical Museum, Courtesy of renamarie - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of photoprime - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Tropical studio - Fotolia.com,