Metropolitan Showcase

Riverside Metropolitan Museum captures the city's rich cultural heritage and gives visitors of all ages a look at Riverside's natural history and anthropology. The museum is responsible for three historic sites: Heritage House, a Victorian house museum; Harada House, a National Historic Landmark; and the museum itself, which is listed on the National Register. Museum-goers can view more than 100,000 artifacts in various collections, as well as 2,000 linear feet of archives. The museum houses both permanent and special exhibits, as well as educational programs, school programs and special cultural events.

Best and worst time to go to Riverside Metropolitan Museum
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on the first Thursday of each month for its Arts Walk. Heritage House is only open limited hours between September and June, and Harada House is not open to the public. The best time to visit the museum is almost any time, especially when a new exhibit or collection is revealed. However, because of its location in Downtown Riverside, it would be best to avoid the local highways near the museum's closing time (5 p.m.) or on Fridays after 2 p.m. when weekend traffic is at its worse.

Must see/do at Riverside Metropolitan Museum
The Riverside Metropolitan Museum has something for everyone! First Sundays Family Day is the first Sunday of each month and offers free events at various cultural sites around the city. Another favorite is the Riverside Arts Walk on the first Thursday of each month. Finally, a tour of Heritage House gives visitors an intimate look at the once affluent homes that graced this area of Riverside.

Admission to Riverside Metropolitan Museum
Admission to the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Heritage House is free, although a $5 donation is recommended to help with their upkeep. Guests are asked to visit any time throughout the day, but at least 45 minutes before closing to be able to view all the exhibits and collections. Most special events are free.

Parking and public transportation to Riverside Metropolitan Museum
Garage parking is available on Orange Street, between Mission Inn and University Avenues. It is free for the first 90 minutes. There is curbside parking along Mission Inn Avenue and a metered lot behind the museum (Lot 160. Check posted signs for cost and time limitations. Parking is free weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Various bus routes lead to the museum. Exact times and dates can be found on the Riverside Transit Authority's website.

Food at Riverside Metropolitan Museum
Because of the nature of the museum and corresponding sites, food and drink are not allowed.

Insider tip for visitors to Riverside Metropolitan Museum
If you are visiting the museum with children during the hot summer months, make plans to check out the 2nd floor nature exhibit. These hands-on activities will keep youngsters entertained and busy for hours.

Author's bio: Mary Beth Adomaitis is a freelance writer from Southern California. She loves to visit exciting and new places with her family. In the summer of 2014, she drove cross-country from California to Ohio (and back), visiting 14 states in two weeks.