Heritage House is a restored Queen Anne Victorian house museum in Riverside, California, built as a home during the city’s citrus-industry boom. It is about 1.5 miles and a seven-minute drive from Arlington Inn, which offers guest rooms.
- Location: 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
- Typical opening pattern: Open Friday to Sunday; closed Monday to Thursday
- Guided tours: Free; donations are welcome
- Admission suggestion: The Museum of Riverside suggests a $5 donation per person
The Story of Heritage House
Heritage House tells the story of a Riverside orange grower’s home and the city’s citrus-industry boom. Mrs. Catharine Bettner had the two-story Queen Anne Victorian house built in 1891.
Bettner lived there until her death in 1928. Riverside Museum Associates purchased the house in 1969, and it was deeded to the City of Riverside in 1974. The City identifies it as Riverside City Landmark #5.
A visit can also be paired with the Sherman Indian Museum in Riverside.
What Visitors Can See
The restored interior is furnished with period pieces and reflects Riverside life from 1891 to 1900. Highlights include the staircase, gas lamps and turn-of-the-century decor.
Outside, the grounds include gardens and original and reproduction outbuildings. A Victorian Gift Shop is also on site. The Museum presents seasonal themes at different times of year, including Christmas decorations, Victorian mourning traditions during Black Veil season and Valentine’s Day displays; new exhibitions appear each fall and spring.
Heritage House Riverside Tours, Hours, and Admission
- Hours
- and-admissions page suggests $5 per person
Heritage House welcomes visitors from the first Friday after Labor Day through the last Sunday in June. Guided tours start at 12:00, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m.
Opening hours
- Friday to Sunday: 12 PM–3:15 PM
- Monday to Thursday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Tours are free, and donations are welcome; the Museum’s hours-and-admissions page suggests $5 per person. You can use the Museum’s booking option to reserve a tour.
Groups of 15 or more, and groups with unique needs, should reserve at least three weeks ahead by calling (951) 826-5273 or emailing MuseumTours@riversideca.gov. For hours and tour arrangements, check the official site before you go.
Some of the Museum’s largest events offer tours without reservations, covering the first floor of the house. The Museum’s seasonal themes also vary, so the regular tour experience may differ across the year.
Getting to Heritage House and Planning Your Visit
Heritage House is at 8193 Magnolia Avenue. Free parking is available in the lot behind the house, reached by the driveway on the right when you face the building; street parking is also available along Magnolia Avenue.
Limited accessible parking is available in the rear lot. Staff can assist visitors with disabilities in using the lift on the side of the house, but the second floor is accessible only by stairs. Restrooms are in the building nearest the parking lot at the back, and both on-site restrooms have baby-changing stations.
There is no café selling food or beverages on site, and food and drinks are not allowed inside the house. You can refill a water bottle at the station outside the on-site restrooms.
For current bus routes, consult Riverside Transit.
For time outdoors, you could also visit Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park.
FAQs
What kind of house is Heritage House?
It is a restored two-story Queen Anne Victorian house museum, built in 1891 for Catharine Bettner.
Is Heritage House a Riverside landmark?
Yes. The City of Riverside identifies it as City Landmark #5.
Can visitors access the second floor?
The second floor is accessible only by stairs. Staff can assist visitors with disabilities in using the lift on the side of the house.