Upland: History, Culture and Family Experiences

Upland combines impressive memorial sites, local history and family-friendly experiences with opportunities to stay active. Those planning a trip can choose between cultural discoveries, historic sites, an inclusive playground and a section of the Pacific Electric Trail. A vacation rental in Upland can serve as a base for a stay whose focus you can tailor entirely to your interests.

History That Remains Visible in Upland

One of the most distinctive landmarks is the Madonna of the Trail. The monument was dedicated in 1929 and is one of twelve identical statues erected in twelve states. They commemorate westward expansion and the role of pioneer women. The Upland monument is also intended to represent the Mojave Trail, the de Anza Trail, the Emigrant Trail and Canyon Road. It thus offers a tangible entry point into the historical narratives connected with the city.

The Old Carnegie Library is also part of Upland’s historical profile. It is the city’s oldest public building and is rented by the City of Upland for public community events. San Antonio Park is also home to the historic station of the former Ontario & San Antonio Heights Railroad Company, built of stone and mortar. The station houses a small museum and a mural about the legacy of William G. Kerckhoff.

Those who want to explore the city’s history in greater depth will find non-circulating materials in the local history collection of the Upland Public Library. These include photographs, newspapers and magazines, oral histories, yearbooks, as well as documents and directories of local businesses and the city. The Cooper Museum is likewise dedicated to preserving local history, including the history of the Indigenous Gabrieleno-Tongva people.

Historic Districts and Trails for Active Days

Euclid Avenue is among the Upland resources listed in national and California state historic registers. The Old Town District has a period of significance from 1900 to 1930 and is classified as a commercially oriented development area. Those interested in architecture, urban development and the region’s past can incorporate these different facets into their day plans.

The Pacific Electric Trail provides an active change of pace. A section in Upland is used by cyclists and people walking through the city. This allows you to add physical activity to your travel plans without giving up the cultural focus of your stay.

Family Experiences and Planning Together

Olivedale Park features an inclusive playground with several sensory amenities, a ramp leading to the main structure and an Alta-Glide swing for wheelchairs. Families can therefore plan this spot as a specific option for a play break. The park also has two reservable areas for gatherings or group stays, each with a capacity of up to 35 people.

Magnolia Park also offers two reservable areas, each accommodating up to 50 people. This information can help you decide whether a visit to the park, a family gathering or an outing with a larger group fits your travel plans. Food trucks are part of the offerings at the Upland Lemon Festival, which has more than 200 vendors in total.

Choosing Upland as the Right Base

When choosing a vacation rental or another type of accommodation, you can therefore consider which daily rhythm and priorities suit your travel group. The key is to base your accommodation decision on the experiences you have planned and then incorporate the individual destinations into your personal itinerary.

Find more destinations to consider for your own trip here: Montclair, Yermo, Running Springs, Fawnskin, Fontana, Crestline, Victorville, Rialto.

For the overarching travel overview: San Bernardino.