McKinleyville, 15 miles north of Eureka, is one of the fastest-growing communities in Northern California. The town offers a variety of lifestyles, from apartments to ocean-view homes. Yet even with a population of almost 14,000, the town is proud that horses still have the right of way.

In the 1860s, rancher Joe Dow established a community between the Mad River and the Little River. In the late 1890s, local businessman Isaac Minor began building businesses in what was then known as Dow's Prairie, to provide necessities for the gold miners and timber workers coming to the area. Settlers to the new town called it McKinleyville, in honor of President McKinley In August 1897, the townspeople dedicated the new town and renamed it Minorville to honor its founder. In 1901, after McKinley was assassinated, the town was renamed McKinleyville to honor him.

McKinleyville is home to the largest airport in Humboldt County, theArcata-
Eureka Airport, with service by United Express and Horizon Air. The Airport Business Park includes a Holiday Inn Express. Several rental car agencies have counters at the airport. The airport also serves as home base for the Coast Guard's Air Rescue Team.

McKinleyville offers the extensive and scenic Hammond Trail, a walking, bicycling and equestrian trail that begins at Mad River Road and ends at Knox Cove. The Azalea State Preserve is another scenic destination, where trails wind through the plants and informational markers describe the various species. The town also includes a high school, three elementary schools, a library, senior center, shopping centers, nurseries, a golf course, three parks and numerous restaurants.
McKinleyville's largest annual event is Pony Express Days, which takes place the first weekend in June and includes a parade, barbecue, food and crafts fair, a multitude of children's activities and more.