Madera County is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. The cunty has a rich agricultural tradition which coexists with a growing industrial base.  As of 2010 the population was 150,865. The city of Madera is the county seat. There are two courthouses in Madera County. The county is named for the town of Madera. Madera is the Spanish term for wood.

Madera County is known as California’s Gateway to Yosemite. Yosemite’s southern entrance, accessible through Madera County, leads to some of Yosemite’s most iconic spots.The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Tunnel View, Glacier Point and more are all accessed via the Southern Entrance.  On the way to Yosemite,visitors are treated to great restaurants with amazing menus, award-winning wineries along the Madera Wine Trail, amazing art galleries and fun museums. Tourists may also visit the beautiful Bass Lake or the Madera County Courthouse Museum to learn the rich history of the region.  Other tourist destinations in the county include two Vegas style casinos, rodeo grounds, two auto race tracks, six golf courses, three small theater groups, four community centers, Bass Lake, Mammoth Pool, Millerton Lake, Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake, Berenda Reservoir and several smaller lakes.