Ferndale, California is home to an exceptional collection of Victorian architecture dating back to the 19th century, much of which is so extraordinarily well preserved that walking down Main Street feels like a trip back in time. The small town is famous for its “Butterfat Palaces,” which are ornate Victorian homes funded by the area’s early dairy wealth.
Not only is Ferndale one of the most stunning Victorian towns in the country, it also serves as a gateway to California’s mythical Lost Coast and the scenic Redwood National Park. Would you make the road trip to Humboldt County to see it for yourself?
History of Ferndale
Long before American settlement, this part of California was inhabited by the southern Wiyot people who lived along the Eel River. Settlers founded the city of Ferndale 1852, which attracted diverse newcomers from Great Britain, New England, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Portugal.
Ferndale’s fertile valley led to a booming dairy industry, which flourished during the second half of the 19th century. This prosperity funded the construction of the famous “Butterfat Palaces,” Victorian buildings which are splendidly ornate and remain in exquisite condition.
The Main Street Historic District comprises 39 buildings over 46 acres, including the 1875 Ivanhoe Hotel, the 1854 Carpenter-Gothic style Shaw House, and the 1902 Queen Anne-style Goble House. Not for nothing, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
These days, visitors can walk through Ferndale’s Main Street and residential neighborhoods to admire these Butterfat Palaces, which boast intricate woodwork, “gingerbread” trim, turrets, towers, stained glass windows, decorative brackets, and bold color schemes.
Visiting Ferndale
Simply strolling through the streets of Ferndale is the best way to take in its stunning Victorian buildings, but you’ll find it easy to lose yourself in the many antique stores, art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops on Main Street. If you’re especially history-inclined, consider spending an hour in the Ferndale Museum or the hillside cemetery. Don’t miss out on a drink at the historic Palace Saloon, which is the westernmost bar in the continental United States.
Ferndale is located about 4.5 hours up the coast from San Francisco, which makes for a scenic road trip. You can take advantage of Ferndale’s proximity to other Northern California gems, such as the following:
Eureka
Consider visiting this other Victorian town in California with over 150 historic structures, where you’ll also find the famous Redwood Sky Walk that lets you walk suspended in a redwood canopy.
Lost Coast
This stretch of rugged coastline in Humboldt and Mendocino counties showcases the raw beauty of Northern California. The Lost Coast Scenic Drive offers sweeping views between Ferndale and Mattole Beach. You can also stop off in communities like Shelter Cove, Petrolia, and Whitethorn.
Redwood National Park
A 139,000-acre national park famous for its dense redwood forests along the coast. Explore over 200 miles of trails and see some of the oldest trees in the world.