Walter Cottle Lester Visitor Center

Address

5283 Snell Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
Martial Cottle Park

Visitor center hours

The Walter Cottle Lester Visitor Center hours vary depending on volunteer availability. Call ahead to find out if the visitor center is open. 

Contact us

Park office: (408) 535-4060

Exhibits

Although the historic ranch is not yet open to the public, you can visit the park’s visitor center to learn more about the agricultural legacy of Santa Clara Valley, as represented by the Martial Cottle family from the 1850s through the 20th century. 

You can learn about Cottle Ranch's workers and residents and see items from their daily life. The exhibit includes clothing, letters, toys and bakeware as well as a replica cattle brand, garden tools, and farm equipment.

About Martial Cottle Park

Martial Cottle Park is one of the newest additions to the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department. This unique urban park celebrates our region’s rich agricultural history while showcasing innovations in modern organic, sustainable, and urban farming practices.

While the historic structures are not open to the public, plans are underway to provide access to the historic ranch area. Learn more about the Cottle Lester Historic Ranch site plan.