Every town has its own unique story to tell, and museums are where those stories come to life. Five local museums in four different communities are joining together to launch the Central Valley Museum Trail, an exciting opportunity for residents and visitors to discover the rich history, heritage and stories that shaped these communities.

The trail includes The Oakdale Museum and History Center, Oakdale Cowboy Museum, Escalon Museum, Riverbank Museum, and Knights Ferry Museum. The five make for a unique museum-hopping adventure designed for history lovers, families, visitors, and curious explorers of all ages.

Visitors can pick up a Central Valley Museum Trail passport at any one of the participating museums. As they visit each location, they can have their passport stamped. Collect at least four of the five museum stamps, then return the completed passport to a participating museum for a chance to win one of five unique gift baskets celebrating this region and its communities.

Completed passports can also be mailed to the Cowboy Museum, 355 E. F St., Oakdale, CA 95361.

The passport program runs through Nov. 1.

The Oakdale Museum and History Center is at 212 W. F St., Oakdale and is open Thursday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; call 209-844-5161.

The Oakdale Cowboy Museum is at 355 E. F St., Oakdale and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; call 209-847-7049.

Escalon Historical Society Museum is at 1630 Main St., Escalon and is open Wednesday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. or by request; call 209-838-8070.

Riverbank Historical Society and Museum is at 3237 Santa Fe St., Riverbank and is open Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; email: Riverbankhistorical@gmail.com

Knights Ferry History and Museum Associates is at 17631 Sonora Road, Knights Ferry and is open the first Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; call 209-881-3535.