Rancho La Patera & Stow House

Goleta Valley Historical Society invites you to experience a historic ranch preserved for our community.

The Stow House is open for tours!

Join us at 2pm & 3pm Saturdays and Sundays

Please meet at the Visitor Center!


SUNDAYS AT THE RANCH:
Barn animals, outdoor fun & tractor rides. Always FREE!
11 am – 2 pm

 


Museum Store & Visitors Center Open Saturdays & Sundays 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Follow us on Facebook at: The Stow House in Goleta
Follow us on Instagram at: stowhouse

The grounds of Rancho La Patera are open to the public except when reserved for special events. No Dogs for Special Events.

Support Goleta Valley Historical Society Today!

The Ranch is a place to gather and celebrate the life, the land and the love of the "Good Land."

Visit our family friendly, peaceful refuge in the heart of Goleta. Explore the gardens and preserved buildings, and truly enjoy the ambiance of Rancho La Patera.

Get Involved

Find out more about how you can help us preserve this special piece of history!

Venue

A beautiful place to make history. The gardens of the Ranch are the perfect setting for your next event or wedding. 

Events

Check out our calendar and find out what we are doing to make this a historic gathering place for our community to cherish.   

Shop

Our Museum Store features local Goleta gifts, historical books, Goodland memorabilia, and old-fashioned toys.

Want more information about Rancho La Patera & Stow House?

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"Goleta Valley Historical Society had a modest beginning – a dream to collect and promote our unique history.” This is the mission of the Society, which in 1967 assumed stewardship of one of our community’s most significant and treasured landmarks – the headquarters of historic Rancho La Patera and home of the pioneering Stow family. Rancho La Patera has become the focal point of Goleta Valley’s rich and ethnically diverse history for the thousands of visitors that tour annually. This landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a rare opportunity to experience what life was like here during the early twentieth century.

Come and visit us!

Goleta History

Explore the fascinating story of our Goleta Valley and the agriculture and ancestry that defines us today. Step back in time. The story of the Stows began in 1873.

OUR MISSION... To collect, preserve, interpret and foster appreciation of Goleta Valley’s history through exhibits, programs, and stewardship of the historic Rancho La Patera, home to the Stow family.