RV Rentals Lodi, California

Explore Lodi, California, in an RVshare RV Rental

Like so many small towns and cities in the west, Lodi's modern-day existence is largely due to the presence of a railroad station. In 1869, the Central Pacific Railroad was in the process of creating a new route, so a group of early settlers offered up 160 acres to build a townsite as an incentive for the railroad to build a station there. The railroad accepted the offer and surveyors began laying out streets, which in turn drew flocks of new settlers from nearby towns. 

In the earliest days of the West, towns and settlements were often named for local landmarks or bodies of water. Unfortunately, this also meant there could be a number of towns or settlements in the region with the same name. In this case, the town was originally called Mokelumne and Mokelumne Station after the nearby river, but it was changed due to the number of other towns and settlements with the same name. 

There are a few different stories regarding the origin of the name Lodi, mostly based on local legends. The most common explanation, however, is that it was named after the Italian city where Napoleon won his first military victory. It's likely that many of the earliest settlers were from Lodi, Illinois, and chose to name their new hometown after their old one. 

While you're in Lodi, you can visit one of more than 86 local wineries or one of several local nature preserves. You can also shop in Lodi's charming historic downtown, visit one of the many art galleries, or catch a concert or play at the Hutchins Street Square performing arts theatre. Water lovers can swim or fish at Lodi Lake or paddle or kayak the Mokelumne River. Educational opportunities include a visit to the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Micke Grove Zoo, Hill House Museum, Lodi Serpentarium, or World of Wonders Science Museum.

Events Near Lodi, California

• Willow Folk Festival - Held each August in Stockton, this festival has been celebrating the history and culture of regional music since 1967.

• San Joaquin Asparagus Festival - This delightful food festival takes place every April in Stockton.

• Graffiti Summer - Fans of the classic movie "American Graffiti" will love this event held every June in Modesto.