History shouldn't be trapped in dusty old file cabinets.

History is itching to jump out to entertain us!

Explore Lodi is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) team that spends dreary rainy days digging through old newspapers and books. We travel to archives. We sit down with elderly residents to hear how their grandparents solved the problems of their day.

Once we know the facts about Lodi's history, we "conjure" the spirits of farmers, merchants, ranchers, miners, ne'er-do-wells, "ladies of ill repute" -- all of Lodi's founders.

Then we buy the costumes, rehearse our scripts, and bring the spectacle of Lodi history alive!

Explore Lodi walking tours have introduced hundreds of local residents and travelers to the people, buildings, and streets of old Lodi.
Explore Lodi's on-site presentations have entertained and informed dozens of large and small organizations about Laura DeForce Gordon, Lodi's most famous resident.
Explore Lodi created and manages Laura DeForce Gordon Day, a wacky celebration of Laura's inspirational courage that pushed California to give women the right to vote.

As Explore Lodi has grown from a single costumed docent walking the streets to a skilled team whose innovative strategies pull new tourism to Lodi, we invite you to help us expand our offerings and reach.

Your unrestricted donation to Explore Lodi will help fund important activities such as

website and social media campaigns and other outreach to draw tourism
printed materials like comic books, posters, and lesson plans for local students
costumes and event supplies and insurance and the hundred other incidentals that make up Laura DeForce Gordon Day
new outreach that we haven't even dreamed up yet!

Powered by volunteers, Explore Lodi has very low administrative costs (less than 5%). We are a 501(c)(3)/509(a)(2), which may offer you special tax benefits.

Come make exciting history with Explore Lodi - donate generously today!

Explore Lodi

Active campaigns

LDG Day 2026 Tickets

Laura DeForce Gordon Day