Directions and Transportation

 

This is the entry sign to the Ford building that you will see as you approach the driveway on the left side where the guard gate is.

NPS photo/Luther Bailey

Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center

Situated within the historic Ford Assembly Plant complex, the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center occupies the former "Oil House," a smaller building that once supported the plant's operations. As you approach from Harbour Way South, you'll see the expansive Ford Assembly Plant building on your left. Look for the large brick entry sign (in photo) and a small guard gate marking the entrance to the complex.

Proceed slowly through the guard gate. If a guard is present, they will usually wave you through, otherwise, simply mention that you're visiting the park. Admission to both the complex and the visitor center is free. For parking details, see the information below.

Address
1414 Harbour Way South
Suite #3000 (Oil House)
Richmond, CA 94804

Phone
510-232-5050 Ext. 0

Park Maps

See our Maps page for a visual overview

 

Visitor Center parking map.

NPS

Parking at the Visitor Center

The park visitor center is a smaller building within the historic Ford Assembly Building complex. Parking is free, and there is generally ample parking in the complex. To reach us, after passing the guard gate at the entrance, continue straight ahead, then turn right. Proceed forward toward the smaller brick building in the distance, in front of you. Parking is available to your left along the fence, with additional spaces, including accessible spots, at the back of our smaller building. Note that GPS may direct you to "Bay Trail" as the final destination; please avoid driving past the parking lot located behind the Visitor Center.

Parking Map Image

This map shows the layout of the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center area in Richmond, California, within the historic Ford Assembly Plant complex. Key details include:

• Guard Gate Entrance: Visitors should enter through the guard gate located on Harbour Way South, as indicated on the map.
• Ford Assembly Plant: The large yellow building on the map highlights the Ford Assembly Plant, a historic structure tied to the area’s WWII history.
• Visitor Center Location: The Visitor Center is located in the southeast corner of the Ford Assembly Plant building, clearly marked with the label "Here."
• Parking: Parking is conveniently available near the Visitor Center. Two areas are marked with a "P" symbol—one adjacent to the center (park here first) and one to the west for additional parking (rarely needed).

Additional Note - The "P" parking sign on the left side of the image indicates another parking area that is not connected to the park and is usually full with Ferry commuters. If you happen to park there, you will need walk along the waterfront side on the Bay Trail, in front of the Ford building, to reach us. It's okay to park there but it is a longer walk.

 

San Francisco Ferry to Richmond

Visiting Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park is easy and scenic when you take the San Francisco Ferry to Richmond. The ferry docks near the historic Ford Assembly Plant, just a short walk from our visitor center.

After arriving at the Richmond terminal, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront in front of the Ford Assembly Plant to reach our visitor center, which is a part of the Ford Assembly complex but is a separate small building.

For detailed schedules, routes, and fare information, please check the San Francisco Bay Ferry website. Note that the park does not sell ferry tickets or handle reservations. Plan your trip and enjoy the journey!

 

Driving Directions

The following instructions will help guide you to the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center.

From Sacramento:

1. Take I-80 West.
2. Exit at Cutting Blvd, turn right onto Cutting.
3. Continue on Cutting for 2 miles.
4. Turn left onto Harbour Way South and continue for 0.8 miles.
5. Turn left at the security gate/guard shack just before the large Ford Assembly Building.
6. Inform the guard that you are heading to the Visitor Center.
7. Drive behind the Ford building; the Visitor Center is in a smaller brick building by the water. Note that parking close to the building is limited.

From Berkeley:

1. Take I-80 East.
2. Take the I-580 West split after the Gilman St. off-ramp.
3. Exit at Harbour Way South, then turn right onto Cutting Blvd.
4. Turn right at the next stop light onto Harbour Way South and continue for 0.8 miles.
5. Turn left at the security gate/guard shack just before the large Ford Assembly Building.
6. Inform the guard that you are heading to the Visitor Center.
7. Drive behind the Ford building; the Visitor Center is in a smaller brick building by the water. Note that parking close to the building is limited.

From Oakland/South Bay:

1. Take I-580 West or I-880 North to I-80 East.
2. Follow the directions from Berkeley.

From San Francisco/Peninsula:

1. Take US 101 or I-280 North to I-80 over the Bay Bridge.
2. Follow the directions from Berkeley.

From Marin County/North Bay:

1. Take US 101 South to I-580 East across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
2. Exit at Harbour Way/Cutting Blvd.
3. Turn left onto Cutting Blvd.
4. Turn right onto Harbour Way South.
5. Continue for 0.8 miles until you see the large brick building.
6. Turn left into the gated lot, passing the guard shack.
7. Follow the parking lot all the way to the back, looking for the Visitor Education Center and NPS signage.