Rancho Cucamonga is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located about 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. With a population of over 175,000 residents, it is one of the larger cities in the Inland Empire region. Rancho Cucamonga has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was an agricultural community known for its wine grapes and citrus groves. Today, Rancho Cucamonga is a thriving suburb with a diverse economy and many points of interest.
In this article, we have collected 47 riddles related to the city of Rancho Cucamonga. Some touch on its history, geography, attractions, sports teams, and more. The riddles vary in difficulty and cover a wide range of topics related to this Inland Empire city. Each riddle is followed by an answer and a brief explanation. Test your knowledge of Rancho Cucamonga trivia and see how many you can get right!
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga History
Q: I’m an early rancho purchased by John Rains in 1839. I lent my name to today’s city. What rancho am I?
A: Rancho Cucamonga. The land grant from Mexico formed the basis of today’s city.
Q: We were an indigenous tribe that occupied the Rancho Cucamonga area for centuries. The city name derives from a phrase in our language. Who are we?
A: The Tongva or Gabrielino tribe. Cucamonga likely comes from their phrase “kukamunga” meaning “sandy place.”
Q: I’m an influential explosives company that got its start in Rancho Cucamonga in the 1920s. My factory dominated the local economy for decades. What company am I?
A: The Victor Equipment Company. They manufactured dynamite and fertilizer.
Q: I’m a 1934 novel by Helen Hunt Jackson set in early Rancho Cucamonga history. I provided the city’s first cultural claim to fame. What book am I?
A: Ramona. It romanticized the Californio and Native American past.
Q: We were agricultural leaders who helped develop modern irrigation and drainage systems in Rancho Cucamonga. Our legacy lives on through a local school name. Who are we?
A: The Deerings. The Deer Canyon Elementary School honors this pioneering family.
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga Geography
Q: I’m a major east-west highway that cuts through Rancho Cucamonga. I link the city to Los Angeles and points farther east. What highway am I?
A: Interstate 10, or the San Bernardino Freeway.
Q: I’m a mountain range that defines Rancho Cucamonga’s northern border. My tallest peak inside city limits is Etiwanda Peak. What am I?
A: The San Gabriel Mountains.
Q: I’m a historic grape-growing region overlapping parts of Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario. Many of my old vineyards have been replaced by housing. What am I?
A: Etiwanda.
Q: I’m a major north-south road traveling nearly the entire length of Rancho Cucamonga. You’ll find City Hall on my route. What street am I?
A: Haven Avenue.
Q: We’re two major earthquake faults running through Rancho Cucamonga. Our names combine to form most of the city’s name. What are we?
A: The Cucamonga and Etiwanda Faults.
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga Neighborhoods and Parks
Q: I’m a master-planned community built around a man-made lake. I feature Victoria Gardens shopping and dining. What neighborhood am I?
A: Town Center.
Q: I’m a historic neighborhood dating back to the 1920s. Many of my streets are named after Ivy League colleges. What am I?
A: Alta Loma.
Q: I’m a large community park located near Rancho Cucamonga High School. I feature sport fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and an amphitheater. What park am I?
A: Red Hill Park.
Q: I’m a serene botanical garden nestled against the foothills. I contain peaceful trails, koi ponds, and a Japanese tea house. What garden am I?
A: Ponio Garden.
Q: I’m a recreation area offering fishing, camping, and equestrian activities. You can find my namesake reservoir inside my grounds. What am I?
A: Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park.
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga Sports and Teams
Q: I’m a minor league baseball team playing home games at LoanMart Field since 1993. My mascot is a gray alien named Tremor. What team am I?
A: The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
Q: I’m a former minor league hockey team that played at Center Ice from 1995 to 2007. My mascot was Ollie the Dragon. What team was I?
A: The Ontario Reign.
Q: I’m a minor league soccer team founded in 1996. We’ve won multiple championships at our cozy home stadium. What’s our name?
A: Rancho Cucamonga FC Quakes.
Q: I’m a public 18-hole championship golf course located inside Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. What links am I?
A: Empire Lakes Golf Course.
Q: I’m a major tennis tournament held each year at the Epicenter tennis stadium. Top WTA players like Serena Williams have competed here. What event am I?
A: The BNP Paribas Open.
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga Businesses and Economy
Q: I’m a Fortune 1000 company headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga since 1978. I pioneered warehouse club retailing. What company am I?
A: Price Club, now part of Costco.
Q: I’m a leading US solar company founded in Rancho Cucamonga in 2000. What’s my name?
A: SolarCity, now a Tesla company.
Q: I’m a global shoe company headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga. My brands include Skechers and Mark Nason. Who am I?
A: Skechers USA.
Q: I’m a major shopping and entertainment complex with a Main Street theme. I’m home to the Victoria Gardens mall. What am I called?
A: Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.
Q: I’m a performing arts center and event venue located downtown. You can catch live music and comedy shows at my space. What’s my name?
A: Lewis Family Playhouse.
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga Culture and Events
Q: I’m a family-friendly October event at the fairgrounds. I feature carnival rides, contests, food, and fall activities. What festival am I?
A: Scarecrow Festival.
Q: I’m a huge 4th of July fireworks show that takes place at Epicenter Stadium each year. What celebration am I?
A: Red, White, and Boom.
Q: I’m a Cinco de Mayo festival held downtown at Thomas Winery. I celebrate Latino food, music, and dance. What’s my name?
A: Fiesta Rancho Cucamonga.
Q: I’m a summer concert series held on Friday nights at the Epicenter. I bring major acts like Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire. What am I called?
A: Concerts in the Park.
Q: I’m a family festival focused on health and sustainable living. I feature eco vendors, workshops, yoga, and kids’ activities. What’s my name?
A: Be Healthy RC Festival.
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga Schools
Q: I’m one of the oldest high schools in Rancho Cucamonga, founded in 1956. Notable alumni include Shane Vereen and Thomas Mills. What school am I?
A: Etiwanda High School.
Q: I’m a public high school whose notable graduates include baseball’s Hunter Pence. My school magazine is called the Pride Paper. What’s my name?
A: Alta Loma High School.
Q: I’m the home of the Rancho Cucamonga Cougars. Alumni include gymnast Sam Mikulak and soccer’s Amy Rodriguez. What school am I?
A: Los Osos High School.
Q: I’m a performing arts magnet school whose show choir was featured on Glee. Grammy winner Will.i.am is one of my famous graduates. What high school am I?
A: Rancho Cucamonga High School.
Q: I’m a public library and cultural center in Rancho Cucamonga. My design celebrates the indigenous history of the area. What am I called?
A: Archibald Library.
Riddles about Rancho Cucamonga Landmarks and Attractions
Q: I’m a historic home built in the 1920s atop a hill with panoramic views. I’m known for my beautiful gardens. What home am I?
A: Ellena’s Village.
Q: I’m a family fun park featuring miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and an arcade. What’s my name?
A: Mulligan Family Fun Center.
Q: I’m a popular shopping mall off the 15 Freeway. Retailers like Macy’s, Apple, and Barnes & Noble can be found here. What mall am I?
A: Victoria Gardens.
Q: I’m a local history museum housed in a former sheriff’s station. I showcase artifacts from the city’s past. What museum am I?
A: Rancho Cucamonga History Museum.
Q: I’m a multi-use sports complex that’s home to the Epicenter tennis stadium and Quakes stadium. What’s my name?
A: The Epicenter.
Conclusion
How did you do on the riddles? Rancho Cucamonga has a rich history and many unique attractions despite its relatively young age as an incorporated city. This exercise hopefully provided some fun facts and trivia about this vibrant community in San Bernardino County. Learning more about local history and points of pride through riddles is an engaging way for residents and visitors alike to connect with the spirit of a city.
