Explore the tolowa cultural trail

A T T H E B E A C H F R O N T P A R K I N C R E S C E N T C I T Y , C A L I F O R N I A

tentative opening date is set for february 2026

Explore Our Heritage

The Tolowa Cultural Trail is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Taa-la-wa dee-ni'. Join us in exploring the traditions, stories, and history that shape our community.

PBS goes behind the scenes

The video work for the Tolowa Cultural Trail is one of six Coastal California Arts & Culture projects chosen to be featured on PBS SoCal. The video work was funded through the Coastal Conservancy as part of their Coastal Stories Grant Program. Go behind the scenes to see all the work that has gone into creating this powerful new Beachfront Park Feature.

THE FIRST EXHIBIT AT THE WELCOME STATION: THE PEBBLE MOSAIC

The Pebble Mosaic

The pebble mosaic is a public art feature that will be located at the Tolowa Cultural Trail Welcome Station. As visitors arrive, they will be forced to walk over a collection of pebbles strategically placed along the pathway at the entrance and exit of the Welcome Station.

Our Story

The interpretive panels located within the exhibit will explain the meaning behind the pebbles. At one side of the exhibit is 10,000 pebbles, representing the estimated Taa-laa-wa dee-ni' population before the Euro-American invasion. At the other side of the exhibit is 504 pebbles, representing the Taa-laa-wa dee-ni' population post-contact, according to the 1906 census conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

A Memorial

The Welcome Station will introduce visitors to the Tolowa Cultural Trail and set the tone for the entire experience. The pebble mosaic will also serve as a memorial for the Taa-laa-wa dee-ni' ancestors who survived and for those who were lost.

The Setting of the Stones Ceremony

On October 13, 2025, Indigenous Peoples' Day, community members gathered to write the names of their Taa-laa-wa dee-ni' ancestors on the pebbles for the Welcome Station pebble mosaic before they were set in concrete. These names have now become a permanent part of the exhibit.

Photos of the Taa-laa-wa dee-ni' ancestors being honored here are now on exhibit at the College of the Redwoods for the month of November. Stop by the Student Commons from 9-5PM to check them out.

latest construction updates:

All four interpretive stations have been installed! They are just waiting for the interpretive panels and final art installations. If we get lucky with the weather, we can stay on schedule for opening day!