A visit to the La Purisima Mission near Lompoc truly takes you back in time, to the 1820s to be exact, when this mission was in its heyday. La Purisima is one of only 3 of the 21 missions that are within the state park system. Parish churches own the rest. La Purisima, which means the Immaculate Conception of Mary, is the most fully restored Franciscan mission and some of that restoration includes its rich agricultural history. Visitors to the mission can see the authentic types of animals that were on the mission in the 1800s. Along with the livestock, the sprawling grounds of the mission have been planted to reflect the era. The mission attracts almost 200,000 visitors per year. State park officials want visitors to experience the feeling of stepping back in time when they come to La Purisima. La Purisima Mission State Historic Park is located three miles from the city of Lompoc along Highway 246 and Purisima Road. For more information call (805) 733-3713. If you have questions or comments about this story, please E-mail Producer/Reporter Pat McConahay at pmcconah@kvie.org.