Guided Walking Tour #2 Lodi Lake: Aunt Estella Spills the Beans

Hello, Explorer! It’s our pleasure to introduce you to Lodi Lake Park in “livable, lovable Lodi.”
You have booked a 15-minute costumed re-enactment of farmer Estella Smith, owner of Lodi Lake 1902-1937, followed by a 45-minute guided tour of the Nature Area “through pioneer eyes.”
If you need accessibility accommodations, please email Tours@ExploreLodi.org at the time of booking.
Meeting Place: Meet inside beautiful Lodi Lake Park. Walk inside the Nature Area gate and take a seat in the redwood amphitheater. Sorry, no dogs in the Nature Area.
Parking: Park free in a nearby neighborhood and walk at no cost over the low levee into Lodi Lake Park. Or pay to park your car inside Lodi Lake Park at the Nature Area or the playground. Note that for cars the entry kiosk at Lodi Lake on weekends can be busy, so allow extra time. https://www.lodi.gov/348/Lodi-Lake
Tour Length: 1 hour, less than a half-mile, mostly level packed dirt and pavement.
Tips: Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen, bring water and bug spray.
Note: Explore Lodi tours take place in public buildings, public streets, and walking trails. Tour participants will be required to sign a waiver before the tour begins. Every attendee assumes their own responsibility for navigating features such as uneven surfaces, traffic, wildlife, and interactions with other members of the public.

FAQs FOR GUIDED TOURS:
When will I definitely be booked for the tour?
Not until you re-confirm close to the tour date. You’ll receive an email near the tour date and must respond affirmatively 24-48 hours before the free tour to re-confirm that you will be at the meeting place and ready to go at the agreed-upon time.
What kind of things will I see on the tour?
On Guided Walking Tour #2 Lodi Lake: Aunt Estella Spills the Beans you’ll see Lodi Lake, the Mokelumne River, and the Nature Area. The costumed docent will take you back in time to when the Mokelumne River flowed freely to the Pacific, and you’ll learn how the land changed once the Woodbridge Dam was built. “Estella” will share the ups and downs of single-handedly managing her vineyard, almond orchard, and livestock and the effect General Mills and busy Lodi had on her long life. After the re-enactment you’ll take an easy walk around part of the Nature Area to understand how it was in days past.
Are the guided tours really free?
Yes, though donations are welcomed: https://givebutter.com/explore-lodi
What do I need to know about the meeting place?
From the entry kiosk at Lodi Lake, turn right. Pass the playground on your right. Turn right at the next opportunity into the Nature Area parking lot. Restrooms are available at that parking lot. Walk into the Nature Area, past the Native Plant Garden, and down the slope on your left. The amphitheater will be 50 steps away, surrounded by redwood trees.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Please check this website for “Hourly Weather in Lodi, CA” 24 hours before the tour: https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/ccc8e7a68b53fd1c398920efc9d6674ca0515b2dbe83527ca52955d8c8dfdd32
If the tour start-time’s chance of rain is predicted to be 50% or greater, the tour will likely be cancelled. You can confirm weather-related tour status by emailing Tours@ExploreLodi.org.