Introduction to Perris, California
Perris, California, in Riverside county, is 10 miles S of Moreno Valley, California (center to center) and 15 miles SE of Riverside, California. It's located in the Perris Valley and is included in the Riverside-San Bernardino metro area. The municipality offers a mild Mediterranean climate. The city includes a large Hispanic population. It's a prominent regional distribution center.
Perris History
Spanish and Mexican miners discovered gold in the nearby hills. The area was also mined for tin and coal. The city is named in tribute to Fred T. Perris, the former chief engineer of the California Southern Railroad. The town experienced significant growth due to the arrival of the railroad in 1886. However, after the railroad tracks were unusable due to storms, train service to San Diego was no longer offered on the rail line.
Perris incorporated in 1911. When water was brought to the area in the 1950's alfalfa, King potatoes and sugar beets became the primary crops. After Lake Perris was constructed in the early 1970s the area became a popular recreational location.
Perris Attractions
- Orange Empire Railway Museum features a collection of trollies and is regarded as the largest operating museum of its type situated on the West Coast.
- Perris Auto Speedway.
- Rock Castle.
- Perris Multicultural Festival.
- Perris Valley Historical and Museum Association showcases collections of Luiseno Indian artifacts, historic farming equipment and clothing.
- Santa Fe Depot features High Victorian architecture and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Fred T. Perris Day.
- Potato Festival.
Perris Activities
Perris is a popular location for amateur and professional skydivers. Perris Valley Skydiving is regarded as one of the largest skydiving centers located in North America. It's also known for hot air ballooning. Lake Perris provides opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding and hiking and attracts a large crowd during the summer. Visitors and residents enjoy the activities in nearby Palm Springs. The scenic San Bernardino National Forest includes camping and picnic locations and offers scenic hiking trails.
Perris Higher Education
Riverside Community College and Mount San Jacinto College are nearby.