Lake Wildwood - Community

Lake Wildwood is located in Penn Valley, CA. Penn Valley was founded in the 1800's and is thought to derive its name from the many "pens" that were erected to serve as a transportation point for livestock. It still retains its ranch style ambiance in the "town" of Penn Valley. Penn Valley hosts an annual rodeo every spring and this year marks its 46th year. There are three local grade schools that serve the community, with Williams Ranch and Pleasant Valley serving the children in Lake Wildwood. Nevada Union High School is located in Grass Valley.

There is a local Lion's Club, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. Just outside the Lake Wildwood main gate there are two shopping centers that provide most of the basic needs of the community including a full service market, retail and professional offices.

About 10 miles east on Hwy 20, you find the historic towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City. These towns attract visitors year round and the Nevada County Fairgrounds is known throughout the state as one of the most beautiful fairgrounds in Northern California. Besides the annual county fair, every September brings some of the largest horses alive to the Draft Horse Classic. Grass Valley is also home to Empire Mine State Park, one of the most productive mines in all of California during its prime. Both Grass Valley and Nevada City reflect this mining heritage with their restored Victorian downtowns.