Willits is one of those towns that travel magazines rarely feature but that travellers with good instincts keep discovering. Located on the northern end of Mendocino County — where Highway 101 passes through a mountain valley before continuing north toward the Oregon border — Willits has the character of a genuine small California town rather than the curated authenticity of a tourist destination.
For guests staying at Beside Still Waters Farm, Willits is the nearest town — approximately 8 miles from the property — and serves as both a practical base for supplies and a destination in its own right. Here is our guest’s guide to making the most of it.
The Historic Skunk Train: Willits’ Best-Known Attraction
The Willits depot of the California Western Railroad — the Skunk Train — is one of the most famous narrow-gauge railway journeys in the United States, and it begins right in the centre of town. The train travels through 40 miles of old-growth and second-growth redwood forest to Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast, crossing dozens of bridges and trestles through terrain that is otherwise inaccessible by road.
There are multiple trip options available: the full Willits-to-Fort Bragg journey, shorter excursions into the redwoods and back, and seasonal special events including holiday trains and star-gazing rides. Book in advance, particularly in summer and on weekends — the Skunk Train fills up quickly during peak season. We are happy to pack a picnic for guests making the full journey.
The Skunk Train is also one of the best day trips accessible from Beside Still Waters Farm — our full day trips guide covers it alongside the coast, wine country, and other regional highlights.
The Mendocino County Museum
The Mendocino County Museum on East Commercial Street is one of the most well-curated county museums in California — a genuine achievement for a town of Willits’ size. The collections cover the deep Indigenous history of the region, the logging era that defined Mendocino County’s economy in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the cultural evolution of the county through to the present.
The museum is connected with the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, and rotating exhibitions regularly bring material from that collection north to Willits. Allow two to three hours for a thorough visit. Admission is modest and well worth it.
Dining in Willits: Local Favourites
Willits has a dining scene that reflects its character — unpretentious, locally sourced where possible, and focused on the kind of food that people who work outdoors actually want to eat. For guests coming in from the farm:
- Ardella’s Downtown Diner — classic American breakfast and lunch, locally beloved for decades
- Purple Thistle — vegetarian and vegan options in a relaxed setting
- Tsunami’s — sushi that consistently surprises guests who didn’t expect to find it
- Frank’s Bar — Willits’ gathering point, with live music on weekends
For groceries, Willits has a Safeway and several local natural food options. Stock up on first-day supplies here — particularly wine, as the farm’s proximity to Anderson Valley means excellent local options are available in Willits stores at cellar-door prices.
The Brooktrails Township: Hiking on the Farm’s Doorstep
The Brooktrails Township — a community association that manages one of the most extensive private trail systems in Northern California — begins effectively at the edge of the farm’s property. The trails pass through pristine forest and open ridgeline with views across the Mendocino County mountains that are among the most beautiful in Northern California.
The air on the Brooktrails trails is consistently described by guests as among the cleanest they’ve breathed anywhere in California — a product of the combination of elevation, forest cover, and distance from any industrial or automotive pollution source. Bring water from the farm’s spring (genuinely excellent) and appropriate footwear, and allow more time than you think you need.
The farm’s connection to the Brooktrails trail system is one of the location advantages that makes being 8 miles off Highway 101 such a specific pleasure — access to backcountry trails from a private farm cottage is not something most accommodation options provide.
Annual Events in Willits
Willits hosts several annual events that attract visitors from across Northern California and beyond:
- Frontier Days Rodeo (late June/early July) — one of the oldest continuously operating rodeos in California
- Willits Farmers Market (seasonal, Wednesday and Saturday mornings) — local produce, crafts, and community
- Wings Over Willits Airshow (periodic) — spectacular display at the local airport
If your visit coincides with any of these events, check with us at the farm and we’ll help you plan your itinerary around the schedule.
Ready to Plan Your Stay at Beside Still Waters Farm?
Beside Still Waters Farm has been welcoming guests to Mendocino County, California since 1998. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure, a pet-friendly getaway, or an intimate elopement — our three private cottages are waiting for you.
Call us at (877) 230-2171 — we love talking about what makes each stay special.
Browse our cottages and book direct for the best rates — no middlemen, no booking fees.