Founders’ Park, Anaheim (must see)

Founders’ Park is a serene and picturesque tribute to the city's vibrant heritage, offering visitors a journey back in time through its rich history. At the heart of the park stands the historic Anaheim Mother Colony House, dating back to 1857. This charming redwood structure, one of the earliest buildings in Anaheim, is a testament to the city's pioneering spirit and serves as a reminder of its humble beginnings. The house, with its single gable roof and decorative roof crest, has been meticulously preserved and transformed into a museum, making it the oldest in Orange County and a designated State Historical Landmark.

Adjacent to the Mother Colony House is the Woelke-Stoffel House, a magnificent Queen Anne masterpiece built in 1894. This grand two-story residence, designed by prominent architects George Franklin Barber and Armstrong Davis Porter, reflects the architectural elegance of the late 19th century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Woelke-Stoffel House enriches Founders’ Park with its ornate façade and intricate detailing, offering a glimpse into Anaheim's prosperous citrus era.

The park's recent expansion includes the addition of a Carriage House, complementing the architectural grace of the Woelke-Stoffel House, and a Pump House with a windmill, which pays homage to Anaheim's agricultural roots.

Founders’ Park is also graced by Anaheim's renowned Moreton Bay Fig Tree, celebrated for its role as the inspiration behind Disneyland's iconic Swiss Family Robinson Tree House attraction.