Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Founded in 1850 as a base for lumber camps, today Arcata is defined as a magnet for
20-somethings looking to expand their minds: either at Humboldt State University (HSU),
and/or on the highly potent marijuana which grows around here like, um, weeds. After a
1996 state proposition legalized marijuana for medical purposes, Arcata became what one
New Yorker
article referred to as the 'heartland of high grade marijuana.' The economy of
the regions has become inexorably tied to the crop since.
Roads run on a grid, with numbered streets traveling east-west and lettered streets going
north-south. G and H Sts run north and south (respectively) to HSU and Hwy 101. The
plaza is bordered by G and H and 8th and 9th Sts.
Sights
Around
Arcata Plaza
are two National Historic Landmarks: the 1857
Jacoby's Store-
10th St)
, which some local historians claim is the oldest theater in the US built specifically
for showing films.
Humboldt State University
UNIVERSITY
The University on the northeastern side of town holds the Campus Center for Appropriate
Technology (CCAT), a world leader in developing sustainable technologies; on Fridays at
2pm you can take a self-guided tour of the
CCAT House,
a converted residence that uses
only 4% of the energy of a comparably sized dwelling.
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
WILDLIFE RESERVE
On the shores of Humboldt Bay, this has 5 miles of walking trails and outstanding birding.
tion welcome)
offers guided walks Saturdays at 8:30am, rain or shine, from the parking lot
at I St's south end. Friends of Arcata Marsh offer guided tours Saturdays at 2pm from the
Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center
(
707-826-2359; 569 South G St; tours free;
9am-5pm)
.
