State Historic Site · California

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Location: Sonoma County, California
Nearest town: 13.1 miles west of Monte Rio
Type: State Historic Site

About Fort Ross State Historic Park

From 1812 to 1841, this fort served as the center of Russian trading settlements on the North American coast, run by the Russian-American Company. It stood as the first multi-ethnic community north of the Spanish missions in California, drawing Native Californians, Native Alaskans, Russians, Finns, and Swedes to live in and around it. Archaeologists have studied the site, which now holds status as a California Historical Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and an entry on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Fort Ross State Historic Park is in Sonoma County, California, 13.1 miles west of Monte Rio. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Fort Ross State Historic Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →

Towns near Fort Ross State Historic Park

State parks near Santa Rosa, State parks near Ukiah, State parks near Sonoma, State parks near Clearlake

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.