About Glenn County
Glenn County
Glenn County is located in the United States about half way between Sacramento and Redding in the heart of the Sacramento Valley of Northern California. Glenn County is an agricultural community with the mountains of the Coast Range and the Mendocino Forest on the west and the Sacramento River bounding the east side of the County. The valley floor is relatively flat and most of the land is productive soil that has been laid down by the Sacramento River.
School districts in the Cities of Willows, Orland, Hamilton City and Elk Creek serve the County boasting active agricultural education programs. Glenn County Sheriff’s Department, the Orland Police Department, a Search and Rescue Squad, Posse, and Auxiliaries serve Glenn County. A paid fire department in the City of Willows and well-trained, dedicated volunteer personnel throughout the rest of the county provide mutual aid and serve the county well.
over 1,000 FARMS over 500,000 ACRES UNDER CULTIVATION
Glenn County Back Story
Glenn County was developed out of the northern portion of Colusa County and was named for Dr. Hugh J. Glenn, who was the largest wheat farmer in the state during his lifetime, and a man of great prominence in political and commercial life in California. Glenn County was incorporated on March 5, 1891. The County seat, Willows, was created March 11, 1891.
WORK -- Our work feeds the world
Our commute is one of the best in the state! Glenn County industry is based on agriculture. We are home to farms that grow some of the most wholesome, quality foods grown in the world. Value-added isn’t a catch phrase with us. We enhance our raw products and feed the world.
Don’t count us out when it comes to other types of business. We have a strong manufacturing community and are home to Johns-Manville and many other fabricators.
Chambers of Commerce in Orland and Willows support our business community.
PLAY -- We wake with the sun and celebrate with family
There are many recreational opportunities and points of interest in Glenn County. Home to Black Butte Lake and Stony Gorge Reservoir as well as the Sacramento River, fishing, boating and water sports provide summer fun. Thunderhill Raceway brings auto enthusiasts from across the world to the track located just west of Willows. Sacramento Wildlife Refuge provides unlimited opportunity for bird watching and photography. Glenn Golf and Country Club is available for golf enthusiasts.
Glenn County is rich in cultural events, including the Glenn County Fair in Orland in May, the Avenue of Lights at the Orland Fairgrounds in December, the Lights Parade in Willows in December, the historic Lamb Derby Parade in Willows in May, the Car & Bike Show in Willows in August, and the Hamilton City Levee Festival held in October. Also in September each year a fundraiser “Splendor in the Valley” is held at the famous Cal Worthington ranch in support of our local hospital Glenn Medical Center.
For year-round entertainment, view the list of Glenn County Annual Events.
LEARN -- Our schools are small, but our impact is big
Small school districts throughout the county provide great personal K-12 experiences for our youth. We are part of the Butte College District and many of our youth start their college careers at this outstanding junior college. California State University, Chico, is just 20 miles east of Orland and boasts exemplary programs in construction, business and agriculture.