One of the colorful dioramas at the visitor center. Photo courtesy of Leona Butts.

KELSEYVILLE – A new season begins at the Clear Lake State Park Visitor Center this Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Docents Bobbi and Neil Towne will greet visitors, give tours and show the many new items in the gift shop.

The visitor center’s first opening was May 6, 1989. The exhibits were designed by Clear Lake State Park staff and volunteers and refined by dioramist Fred Funk and Richard E. Cook.

The exhibits are as lovely today as at the original opening. The auditorium has been newly painted and old carpet replaced during the off-season. The sales counter in the gift shop has a new look as a portion has been lowered for American Disabilities Act compliance.

Another diorama features a local critter, the mountain lion. Photo courtesy of Leona Butts.

Outside the redbud and California poppies seem to dance in the sunlight and the osprey have returned doing aerial ballet as they claim both the nesting tree at the campfire center and the platform nest erected by PG&E. Visitors will notice that new boat slips are being put in place.

It's poppy season at the park. Photo courtesy of Leona Butts.

Clear Lake State Park Visitor Center is located at 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.

The visitor center offers exhibits and gifts to take home. Photo courtesy of Leona Butts.

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