“Tiny but mighty” is a great way to describe an unexpected surprise; something deeper than the cover; a hidden gem worth the journey. And that is what you’ll find at the Woodland Opera House State Historic Park. The smallest state park in Northern California, it has a long and storied history and continues to make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape in the surrounding community.

Located in the town of Woodland, approximately 20 miles northwest of Sacramento in Yolo County, the Woodland Opera House was originally built in 1885.
Christian Marie H/Google Maps
Unfortunately it, and most of the Woodland downtown structures suffered from a devastating fire a few years later. Nevertheless, the Opera House was rebuilt and reopened its doors again in 1896.
The Woodland Opera House has always been a center point for the community.
Christian Marie H/Google Maps
From its initial founding until 1913 when it went out of business, it played host to over 300 touring companies and screen and stage performers, many of whom were quite famous in their day. Among them were John Philip Sousa and his band, Sidney Greenstreet, Nance O’Neil, Verna Felton, and Weber and Fields, just to name a few.

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Although the Woodland Opera House was boarded up, seemingly lost forever, it regained new life in 1971.
Christian Marie H/Google Maps
Five years later, in 1976, it was declared a state historical park, the property encompassing a mere .26 acres, making it the smallest state park in Northern California. Its status as a California Historical Landmark also includes being one of four of California’s fully functioning 19th-century opera house structures.
And that’s where you could say “tiny but mighty” come in.
Gerardo Antonio Silva/Google Maps
Today the Woodland Opera House has been transformed into a leading arts entity offering, "A Quality Live Theatre Experience in a Landmark Venue." Cultural offerings include five annual Mainstage Productions, a Young People's Theatre Program, Youth Theatre Camp, and Summer Melodrama Program.
Looking at the historic ceiling you can see the beauty that contributed to it being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ajit de Silva/Google Maps
If the walls holding it up could talk, they’d have fantastic stories to tell!

Historic, resilient, and a major player in the arts and cultural scene in Yolo County, the “tiny but mighty” Woodland Opera House State Historic Park is a hidden gem worth exploring!

Have you been to the Woodland Opera House State Historic Park? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also find out about their special events on their Facebook page.

If you’re looking for other historic attractions in Northern California, be sure to check out the Fort Humboldt State Historic Park.

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Woodland Opera House State Historic Park, 340 2nd St, Woodland, CA 95695, USA