Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre campus along the banks of the Sacramento River with educational and entertaining activities and experiences that interpret the relationship between humans and nature. The Park tells the story of the region and its people through a museum that includes an underground aquarium, Native American history and exhibits, interactive experiments, and rotating art exhibits; wildlife exhibits; Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp; California's largest North American butterfly house (seasonal); an amphitheater; and, across the Sacramento River, the McConnell Arboretum and Gardens. The gardens feature 20 acres of Mediterranean climate display gardens, a children’s garden, medicinal garden, and two beautiful and unique water features. Enjoy a snack and refreshments at the Turtle Bay Café, which has captivating views of the Sacramento River as well as the world-famous Sundial Bridge.

The unique location of the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens sets it apart from other public gardens - with a magnificent view of Shasta Bally Mountain to the west, the impressive tower of the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay to the east, and the riparian environment along the banks of the Sacramento River, with natural valley oaks and native vegetation. The design of the pathways, garden spaces, plant collections, and the integration of nature-based and nature-inspired original art build upon the beauty of the natural environment.

McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offers insight about plants with thoughtful emphasis on making selections in harmony with the climate, either native species or from the same type of climate zones elsewhere in the world. These include plants that are drought tolerant and tolerate cool, wet winters. They are tough plants, both beautiful and appealing. This is a place to enjoy while learning new and unusual plant facts.