Wassama Round House State Historic Park

A Native American round house and grinding rock along the Fresno River

(46)

Ahwahnee, CA

About

Wassama Round House State Historic Park protects a Native American ceremonial round house and grinding rock along the Fresno River in Oakhurst. It's a small, unhurried site — reviewers describe losing track of time wandering the grounds, and it holds a strong 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.

What's on Site

The round house is the centerpiece, set near a stone used for grinding acorns that several visitors call out as a highlight. Trails loop through the surrounding grounds past river-side boulders — including a formation nicknamed "bear rock" — where families stop for photos, and there's a spot overlooking the Fresno River that reviewers say is worth lingering at with a picnic.

Hours and Visiting Tips

The park keeps limited hours: open Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed Monday through Friday. Access can be inconsistent even during open hours — one visitor found the gate open but the round house itself locked with no staff around, while others were greeted by park hosts who shared the site's history. Calling ahead at (209) 742-7625 before making a special trip is worth doing.

Good to Know

Bring a picnic — several reviewers mention eating by the river
A good stop for kids, who reviewers describe as fascinated by the round house and grinding rock
Weekend-only operation means this isn't a spontaneous weekday stop

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Wassama Round House State Historic Park?

It's open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed Monday through Friday.

Can you always go inside the round house?

Not guaranteed. Some visitors have found the gate open but the round house itself locked with no staff on site, so it's worth calling (209) 742-7625 ahead of a special trip.

Is this a good stop for kids?

Reviewers describe children being fascinated by the ceremonial round house and the Native American grinding rock, plus a photo-op boulder nicknamed "bear rock."

What else is there to do besides see the round house?

Reviewers recommend walking the grounds' trails, picnicking near a spot overlooking the Fresno River, and taking in the site's quiet, historic setting.

Reviews (46)

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4.5

46 reviews

Google Reviews

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Maugeri Kirtley

2 weeks ago

Got a great spot on one of the big rocks overlooking the river and didn't want to leave

Chyle Lupoe

3 weeks ago

honestly such a cool spot, it’s not like any other park I’ve been to. The round house itself is the main attraction but the whole area around it is really peaceful to walk around. I kinda rambled through the trails and lost track of time it was that nice. definitely planning to come back with a picnic next time I’m in the area.

Lindsey

6 months ago

I think we got the "not really open" experience despite the gate being open so I will definitely try to come back when it is more available or active or open. The round house was locked down and we could not really peek in. The grinding stone is small but awesome (I love grinding stones). There is a park trailer building but there were no signs on the closed doors/drawn blinds so we didn't feel it was welcome to knock. We were able to park, read the info sign, walk around, and that was it - a brief detour where we wanted more info than was available. I'm sure it's a really exciting place when there are tours, ceremonies, or docents available. Not as extensive as Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park (which also has a round house - cool!), for example.

Dylan Scott

10 months ago

The space felt open and refreshing. It was the kind of place where time passed pleasantly without noticing.

Glenn Hymel

a year ago

Restored and active ancient native site.