Historical Walking Tours of Downtown Lodi

Historic Lodi Walking Tour
A Free Explore Lodi Guided Experience

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to “livable, lovable Lodi.” This free guided walking tour brings Lodi’s history to life through fascinating stories, unexpected locations, and the people who shaped the city. Whether you’re a long-time local or a weekend visitor, you’ll uncover hidden stories that make downtown Lodi unforgettable.

What You’ll Discover on the Tour
On this free Explore Lodi guided tour, you’ll learn:

• How Lodi “stole” the railroad from Woodbridge
  
• Where the bars, brothels, gambling houses, and opium dens once operated
  
• The story of Lodi’s most famous citizen—a suffragist
  
• Why Prohibition was the best thing that ever happened to Lodi
  
• Where the Big Fire of 1887 began
  
• The location of Lodi’s oldest commercial building
  
• What Lodi’s historic bricks are trying to tell you
  
• The story of Lodi’s pacifist German community
  
• Tunnels rumored to exist beneath Lodi’s streets
  
• The mysterious façade of Masonic Lodge No. 256
  
• One of the best Japantowns in California
  
• Why an effigy was hung from the Lodi Arch in 1918
  
• “Beautiful Bertha,” Queen Zinfandel at the 1907 Tokay Carnival
  
• Lodi’s striking Walldog murals
  
• The hidden-in-plain-sight 1905 Opera House
  
• …and more surprises along the way!
  

Tour Details
Meeting Place:
Inside the historic train depot, 24 S. Sacramento Street, Lodi
Restrooms available on site

Tour Length:
Approximately 2 hours
Less than 1 mile
Mostly level pavement with some curbs
Accessibility & Important Information
If you need accessibility accommodations, please email Tours@ExploreLodi.org at the time of booking.
Tours take place in public buildings and on public streets.
Participants assume responsibility for safely navigating uneven sidewalks, traffic, and interactions with the public.
A waiver is required before the tour begins.

Helpful Tips
Please re-confirm your attendance 24–48 hours before the tour start time
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Bring water and sunscreen

About the Tour
These tours are completely free. No tour-guide payment or tips are accepted. If you’re inspired to support Lodi’s history, the Lodi Historical Society gratefully accepts donations toward the purchase and renovation of Lodi’s Old City Hall on N. Main Street, soon to become the Lodi History Museum. Ask your tour guide for details.

Explore Lodi is affiliated with and endorsed by the Lodi Arts Foundation and the Lodi Historical Society.