10 Best Historical Landmarks in Redlands

If you or your family are staying in Redlands for surgery, you have a wonderful opportunity to take in some of our amazing historical landmarks. Here are some of our favorites.

February 6, 2022

5 min read

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We get a lot of out of town patients who come to our Redlands office for their plastic surgery needs. One of the most common questions we get asked is “what are some great historical landmarks for my family to go see?” So we’ve put together our collective heads, took a poll, and here’s a list of our favorites.

1. Chill at Redlands Bowl

The Redlands Bowl is an amphitheater built by Florence and Clarence White mid-1920s. It was a form of gift to the City of Redlands in 1931. Redlands is most attractive in summer when the Summer Music Festival takes place.

Aside from its structure, the Redlands bowl gained deeper musical meaning. This is after Grace Stewart founded the music festival. She believed that music is for everyone regardless of the differences. Thus in 1923, the history of the oldest running admission-free music festival in the U.S started.

The first artist to perform in this historic amphitheater was Elinor Marlo in 1924. Other famous artists to follow includes Marilyn Horne and more.

This is a must-see historical place to see after having your plastic surgery with us. The countless, free, and diverse performances will surely wash away your worries. Shows include musicals such as Tarzan, symphonies and orchestras, and more!

2. Historical Glass Museum

Everyone finds solstice in different places, even in places that others find “mundane.” One of our favorite places is the Redlands’ Historical Glass Museum.

This is a Victorian-style house on North Orange Street, Redlands, CA. It houses 7,000 glass pieces dating back from the 1800s.

Artifacts include candlesticks, compotes, and kerosene lamps. You can also see bowls, milk glass, stems, and historical plates produced in the depression era.

It took nine years before the founders opened the Historical Glass Museum to the public in 1985. Its founders hoped to preserve and showcase the different glass artifacts. Most of which are from defunct glass-making companies such as Fenton and Heisey.

A stroll in the museum can be a nice way to spend time as you wait for your surgery’s schedule. There’s also a memorabilia shop where you can buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

3. Visit Lincoln Memorial Shrine

Whether before or after your surgery, don’t forget to visit the only Lincoln memorial west of the Mississippi River. Robert Watchorn commissioned the construction of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine in 1932.

This is not only to commemorate the life of Abraham Lincoln, whom he deeply admired. It was also built as a memory for his son, who died during World War I.

This historic shrine was a work of art by famed South Californian architect Elmer Grey. It was first designed in octagon-shaped limestone. In 1937, they upgraded the shrine by adding patio wings, fountains, and benches.

Robert Watchorn and his wife always hoped to extend the facility further. However, the aftermath of the Great Depression made it difficult.

Robert Watchorn passed away, unable to fulfill his dream for the facility in 1944. However, his desire was later fulfilled on February 12, 1998.

The shrine houses the Carrara marble bust of Abraham Lincoln. It also contains his memorabilia, murals, and paintings. You can also find Lincoln’s manuscripts, books, and hair locks.

4. Refresh Your Mind at the Kimberly Crest House & Gardens

Designed by Oliver Dennis and Lyman Farwell for Mrs. Cornelia A. Hill in 1897, the Kimberly Crest house and gardens. The Châteauesque-style House and Gardens is an exquisite sight to see as you recover from your surgery.

This 7,000 square feet three-story Victorian mansion houses breathtaking Italian gardens. It also features several hand-carved statues and koi ponds. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, you’ll love the interior details of the mansion.

In case you’re wondering, yes, this is the Kimberly of the Kimberly-Clark paper company, most famous for Kleenex, Huggies, and more. They also make a lot of surgical supplies that we rely on.

5. Schedule a Tour at San Bernardino de Sena Estancia

As you know, the Spaniards once colonized California, establishing presidios, missions, and pueblos. These served as the foundation from which modern cities grew.

Each mission has a sub-mission referred to as estancia. The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, for instance, has the San Bernardino de Sena Estancia. To this day, this ranch exists, becoming one of the must-see Redlands landmarks.

The San Bernardino de Sena Estancia was first built for cattle grazing. However, it also catered to different roles, such as becoming a polling place in the mid-1800s. It also became a doctor’s surgery area in the early 1900s.

Today, it now stands as an outstanding museum worthy of a visit. The museum features a cactus garden, a wishing well, and even a bell tower.

The charming wedding chapel, landscaped courtyard, and historic rooms are sure indulgent. It also has exhibitions of early pioneer and Native American life.

6. Tour Around Redlands Famed Morey Mansion

Seize the chance to visit the Morey Mansion, which appeared in many films and shows! This gorgeous Victorian mansion was once the home of David Morey and his wife, Sarah. After retiring, the couple moved to Redlands and built a three-story mansion.

The exquisite and detailed Victorian interior caught the viewer’s attention when it first appeared in the film Talk About a Stranger. It, later on, became America’s Most Loved Victorian House.

The house also features elegant spindle work and intricate woodwork. You can also get a gorgeous view of the San Timoteo Canyon at the back.

Aside from its architectural significance, the mansion is also known for its “Blue Room.” This blue room is most famed as Actress Carole Lombard and Clark Gable’s honeymoon home. It’s also known due to the numerous reported spirit sightings.

7. Go Back in Time When You Visit A.K. Smiley Public Library

The A. K. Smiley Public Library was a product of the philanthropic work of Albert K. Smiley. Smiley commissioned the construction of the public library in 1898. It has since then continued to serve generations of Redlands patrons.

The library features unique architectural designs in its arches, curved staircases, and nooks. Such historic architecture made the A.K Smiley Public Library a historic landmark by the California Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee. In addition, it’s recorded on the United States’ National Register of Historic Places.

The facility is also mentioned for its collection of materials on California’s native tribes. Andrew Carnegie also donated his rare collections of South Californian history materials.

Thus, making it a great research archive. Make it a point to visit the facility as you plan for your scheduled surgery.

8. San Bernardino County Museum

If your family needs a place to go as you recover from your surgery, the San Bernardino County Museum is a great place. This regional museum caters to people of all ages. It features various exhibitions such as the Hall of History and Hall of Biodiversity.

After learning about the cultural history of Redlands, you can visit the gardens for a breather. San Bernardino County Museum’s restored native gardens feature stories about California’s plants. In addition, the Ethnobotany Garden highlights local plants important to the local tribe community.

The Museum also organizes public programs for curious visitors. If you’re done for the day, you can visit the souvenir shop to buy a memento for the day’s visit.

9. Downtown Redlands

There is so much to see in the historical Downtown Redlands! Aside from a thriving restaurant scene, it’s full of picturesque walkways and alleys.

Murals and paintings light up the scenes everywhere you walk. Take the Redlands Orange Street Umbrella Alley as an example. We love going to see the 420 multicolored umbrellas covering the alleyway make an uplifting walk.

Graffiti artworks also line up the walkways. Pieces like “The Lion” and the exceptional “Hannah’s Wings” are open for viewing on the walls. “Hannah’s Wings” honors the memory of Hannah Ahler.

10. The Redlands Footlighters

Extend your scheduled visitation when you come for surgery to make time for a visit to Redlands Footlighters. Footlighters was first established in 1945 by a group of 4 women.

They created Footlighters to provide space for performers to grow. Since then, it continued to host performances ranging from classics to comedies.

It’s a great place to visit during your stay in Redlands, especially as you recover from your surgery. The exceptional performances will amaze you. We definitely love going there!

Get Surgery and Tour the Best Historical Places Today!

Who says you can’t enjoy before or after your plastic surgery? In Redlands, you can relish the beauty of historic landmarks as you wait for your surgery.

No historical landmark is too far. After your appointment with our trusted plastic surgeons, you can bask in the beauty of historical landmarks such as the Morey Mansion.

What are you waiting for? Set an appointment with us today!

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