Tres Pinos: Local History and Hang Gliding

Tres Pinos offers a range of attractions, from historic buildings and artifacts to railroad, church, and rodeo history, along with a hang-gliding training area. When planning your trip, you can focus on either of two distinct experiences: exploring local history or setting aside time for an active pursuit.

Historic Buildings and a Model Railroad

The Historical Village is located in the San Benito County Historical and Recreational Park at 8300 Airline Highway in Tres Pinos, one mile south of the town center. The grounds feature a diverse collection of historic buildings and artifacts. The Village therefore offers more than a single exhibit: the buildings and objects together make up the town’s historical centerpiece.

A special stop for railroad enthusiasts is the San Juan Pacific Model Railroad Club exhibit in the Ferrando House. Its tracks run through three rooms. This expansive layout is one specific detail that sets the model railroad exhibit apart from a single display case. It gives a visit to the Historical Village a distinct focus alongside the historic buildings and artifacts.

Church History and the Town’s Development

The history of Immaculate Conception Church can be traced through two notable dates. The first Mass there was celebrated at daybreak on December 8, 1892. In 1904, Tres Pinos became an independent parish under the name Immaculate Conception, with Rev. Emile Cota as its first pastor. Together, these details offer a glimpse into the town’s church history, from the first Mass to the establishment of an independent parish.

The railroad is also part of the town’s history: it reached Tres Pinos in 1873. This made the town a shipping point for grain and livestock from the valley. This historical aspect adds Tres Pinos’s economic role to its church history and shows that the town’s past can be understood not only through individual buildings, but also through its function in the valley.

Rodeo Memories and the County Fair

The Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Museum was founded in 1991 by the Saddle Horse Show Association. Its mementos from years past include photographs, riding gear, saddles, and artwork by local Western artists. The museum focuses on the equestrian and rodeo tradition and preserves different kinds of mementos: photographs, equipment, and art.

Family-friendly entertainment is an annual tradition at the San Benito County Fair. Those interested in local history will find several different ways to explore it in Tres Pinos: religious history, railroads and shipping, model railroads, and rodeo-related mementos. The Fair adds an annual program of entertainment to these themes, without requiring visitors to plan around a specific event date.

Hang Gliding as an Active Pursuit

Tres Pinos is also a hang-gliding training location. The site includes practice slopes and a landing zone that is one mile long and half a mile wide. The landing zone measures one mile in length and half a mile in width.

The hang-gliding site near Tres Pinos is accessible via Highway 25 and Quien Sabe Road. The parking area and meeting point with the flight instructor are at the first gate on the right. Since access arrangements should be confirmed before setting out, check these details for your planned trip.

Choose a Vacation Rental That Suits Your Plans

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Tres Pinos, you can use these different interests to guide your choice of location. The Historical Village is one mile south of the town center; the hang-gliding training area has its own access route via Highway 25 and Quien Sabe Road.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: San Juan Bautista, Paicines, Hollister.

Go to the main travel guide: San Benito.