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Chowchilla, California: Mammoth Orange Stand

Built in 1947, the big orange stood in several towns along Highway 99 until it closed in 2007. It was abandoned in a storage yard (where it became home to a family of foxes). After many years it was restored and reopened as a museum concession stand in September 2023.

Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County

Address:
19450 Ave. 21 1/2, Chowchilla, CA
Directions:
Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County. CA-99/Golden State Hwy exit 164. Drive west a half-mile, turn left at the stop sign, then right into the parking lot. The orange is on the back side of the parking lot.
Phone:
559-288-1157
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Visitor Tips and News About Mammoth Orange Stand

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Mammoth Orange Stand

The orange stand is no longer on site (reports say it's being renovated), but some apparently related construction has begun. And there is a banner for a Gofundme page to raise money for the project.

[Ashley Burke, 06/30/2020]

The plan, at least in 2018, was to restore the Orange, set it on a concrete pad beneath a sturdy awning, and reopen it as a snack stand. Not enough donations have been squeezed to complete the project.

Mammoth Orange Stand

The Mammoth Orange stand has been moved to the edge of the parking lot of the Fossil Discovery Museum on Avenue 21 1/2 just south of Chowchilla, off the 99. However, as of February 2020 it seems to have deteriorated into a mangled orange slice located in a vacant area at the back of the museum parking lot.

[Jana Steeves, 02/26/2020]

The Fossil Discovery Museum has planned to restore the Mammoth Orange for years. The concrete pad next to the mangled orange slice is meant to be the Orange's new permanent home. It looks like the Orange has been disassembled for repairs.

Mammoth Orange.

Mammoth Orange Stand

The Mammoth Orange Stand is severely dilapidated, but kind of cool. Hopefully it will get restored.

[Nick, 04/28/2018]

Orange stand.

Mammoth Orange Stand

The Mammoth Orange stand has been moved to the edge of the parking lot of the Fossil Discovery Museum on Avenue 21 1/2 just south of Chowchilla, off the 99. However, as of July 2014, it has not yet been restored to its former glory.

[Sara D., 07/26/2014]
Mammoth Orange Stand

The Mammoth Orange Stand is now closed. Building is still there.

[Lee Harpoina, 06/11/2010]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Fossil Discovery CenterFossil Discovery Center, Chowchilla, CA - < 1 mi.
Madera Zoo Site, Stuffed PollyMadera Zoo Site, Stuffed Polly, Madera, CA - 10 mi.
Restaurant with Outer Wall of FishRestaurant with Outer Wall of Fish, Chowchilla, CA - 16 mi.
In the region:
Sierra Mono Indian Museum, North Fork, CA - 40 mi.

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