Out of the many times driving up to Big Bear throughout the years, I finally visited the Big Bear Valley Museum. Admission is a $5 donation per adult, and there is plenty of parking. You can get yourself an old fashion Sarsperella or Root Beer in a glass bottle in the shop across from where you donate. It's pretty much a self-guided tour with volunteers sharing the history of each buildling/attraction you go to. Definitely worth the visit. read more

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Visiting Big Bear for a few days so we wanted to find things to keep the kiddos busy and make it enjoyable. It was only $5 for adults and kids 14 and under are free. All the staff were very friendly and shared about the history but made it interesting for the kids and adults. They had a gold rush activity the kids enjoyed. Restrooms were clean and on site. Parking was free. They interacted with the kiddos at the blacksmith center and they all were given a little sword as a souvenir. read more

Big Bear Valley Historical Museum - The flowers outside are beautiful. - Museums Near Me - Big Bear City, California

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Awesome,very informative,kind sweet ppl that volunteer,work there Great family experience,Soo Recommend

Words cannot truly capture how incredible this museum is. Initially, we visited the local zoo but left after just 15 minutes due to its small size and the $16 admission fee, which left us a bit disheartened in our search for more to do in Big Bear. However, discovering this museum turned out to be a delightful surprise. We ended up spending three hours exploring and were captivated by the rich history of Big Bear. The museum is run by dedicated elder volunteers who are deeply passionate about preserving historical buildings and sharing their stories. Engaging with them was a highlight--please make sure to ask them about the history of each building; their enthusiasm and knowledge are truly enriching. The blacksmith section was a standout experience. The blacksmiths are true artisans, and seeing their skill in action was fascinating. Their ability to transform metal into intricate, sculpture-like pieces is nothing short of extraordinary. If you're fortunate, you might even leave with a handcrafted peanut butter spoon! Towards the back of the museum, we stumbled upon a replica Saloon/Barbershop/Dentist setup. We were intrigued to learn that in the past, barbers often doubled as dentists, and many would visit a saloon beforehand to numb themselves before dental procedures. The exhibit also featured Asian artifacts, which, despite their somber history, were presented with a commendable level of openness and respect. They also just opened up a really cute picnic area, so pack a lunch! This museum visit has undoubtedly become one of my favorite memories from Big Bear. I will note that adults/ older kids may have more fun at this location. read more

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The Big Bear Valley Museum was an unexpected pleasure! We stopped expecting a building with pictures and history. Boy were we surprised to visit all the authentic buildings preserved from the 1800's and early 1900's with a multitude of authentic artifacts from those times. It was so interesting to see how people lived during those times. I don't think I'll ever complain about housework again! read more

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We went for a wine event with barrel 33, what a gem! The kids had fun and had lots of space to run around and learn! They got to learn how to Pan for gold, and how they made knives and such with iron working! Really great staff, and lots to learn ! Thanks for the experience! read more

Big Bear Valley Historical Museum - Panning for gold - Museums Near Me - Big Bear City, California

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.The museum is a seasonal, volunteer-run facility that opens on Memorial Day Weekend and closes on Labor Day. Visitors can watch blacksmiths create items in their forge, explore docent-led rooms showcasing historical buildings from Big Bear Valley, and see a working stamp mill. There's even a "Surry with the Fringe on Top" and many other exciting experiences to view. Children can pan for "gold" in a sluice box filled with concentrates and take their findings home. The museum operates from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day Monday, open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, and entry is free for children. The museum is dog-friendly and features a picnic area--so feel free to bring a lunch and enjoy your day at the museum! Do you miss Old Miner's Days of the past, they are having an Old Miner's Day Celebration Aug 2-3, 2025! read more

I had a great time visiting the museum today. From the street it is very deceiving on how big the property is. The museum is made up of multiple buildings including original structures from the area dating back over a hundred years! The buildings are filled with interesting period items that the historical group has collected over many years. I thought I would be able to see everything in an hour or so, but I was very wrong! I got caught up in looking at all the vintage items inside and outside of the buildings. The absolute best part we're the volunteers! They made the whole place come alive by explaining and demonstrating the use of the old tools. The demonstrations included real Blacksmiths, a giant rock crushing mill, and a "Real" Deputy walking around! If you are in Big Bear this place is a great place to go and learn about the history of the area. read more

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Really worth a visit to the variety of historical buildings and impressive exhibits and collections. We went on a very warm day so we appreciated the ability to purchase cold water bottles! Especially enjoyed the blacksmith's demonstrations. read more

Been here on several occasions. I am a history nerd and I love museums. I've dragged my 3 boys to too many museums to count. This is the only one my middle son has ever enjoyed, lol. They are all grown now and I went by myself. $5 entry fee, blacksmith demonstration and panning for "gold" (pyrite) included. They have redecorated since my last visit and the entrance is now further down Greenway. Note that this museum operates 58 days a year. That's Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day only. If you miss it, you'll have to wait until next year. The docents are always ready to educate and answer questions, some even dress in character. The museum is run strictly by volunteers and that's remarkable. I love strolling around and taking my time. This is certainly a worthwhile place for people of all ages to spend an hour or so wandering around learning about Big Bear's very interesting past. You can even enjoy a delicious, iced cold Sarsaparilla in the Cantina. The gift shop has many books if the visit piqued your interest in the history of Big Bear Valley, plus some t-shirts, mugs, and the like. I already own all the books and know most all of Big Bear's history, but seeing some of these displays is very pleasing to behold. Great job docents. Big Bear never ceases to astonish me. read more

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This place was so awesome--and run by the absolute sweetest employees. They were knowledgeable, helpful, and great with the kids. The gold panning was so much fun! And FREE!! Adults pay a minimal entrance fee. Kids are free. And they get these cute little glass vials to put their "gold" in. The kids also each got a mini "sword" from the blacksmith. And got to watch the blacksmith work the metal. He was super funny and engaging. The displays/cabins were all so cool. This would be a great place for a family picnic and adventure. They have a super cute area behind the nice, clean restroom, with tables and pergolas all set up. Highly recommend!!! read more

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If you're a history buff like me, you'll appreciate the work they do here. Great historical knowledge for locals and visitors alike.

What a great find! We've been coming to Big Bear for years and stay less than a mile away, yet we never heard of it before. It only costs $5 for adults and free for kids unThe museum consists of 8 buildings with historical artifacts and docents who are happy to share interesting information. There was a blacksmith show where the kids got a free "pirate's peanut butter knife" and a gold panning station where they got to take home their findings (in a plastic canister that only cost $.50). It was not crowded at all, definitely recommend for an hour or two with the kiddos. read more

Big Bear Valley Historical Museum - We're rich! - Museums Near Me - Big Bear City, California

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This was such a charming place to visit and all the volunteer docents were so friendly and had a lot of information about the exhibits. Panned for gold and lasso'd a steer and drank sasparilla! Fun morning out! read more

Definetely worth going if you are in Big Bear. The museum introduces you the interesting history of Big Bear and you can even do interactive things like learning how to do gold mining with your hands. Above all you can meet the incredibly kind volunteers who'll give you all the fun facts and anwears to any question you could have. read more

A lot of fun. A must do when in big bear. Interesting history, great staff. Good for all ages

The drive to the museum is a bit tricky because navigation takes you to an old building which is not part of the museum anymore. If you drive further down and are across the way from the tiny airport you have reached your destination. Plenty of parking, $5 admission and .50 cents to buy a glass vial to stash your "gold" panning treasure. The panning is cool to look at and the volunteers explaining the history is even better. There's no actual gold but they do place pyrite crystals in the water and teach you to pan for it. Pyrite is a fools gold but it's shiny and who doesn't like shiny things? The museum is small and walkable in about an hour or so if you go slow and listen to all the stories which are pretty interesting. There's hardly any shade so bring a hat and sunscreen. Had a great time! Because there's not much to do in Big Bear unless you bike or fish this was the highlight of the trip. read more

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Nice museum, friendly knowledgeable docents and super historical displays. Good job, folks.

Such a hidden gem in Big Bear. We found them on www.BigBearCity.com (.) Occurred like a love letter from Big Bear's past.

I certainly enjoyed this museum. They are not open year round, so check their website for the operating season and times. The kids had a blast, especially with panning for gold and visiting the blacksmith workshop. read more

This another place we have wanted to visit in the past. We made time this trip and glad we did. It was $5.00 for adults and kids were free. They have many artifacts from the early days of Bear Valley and even some of the structures. Austin, Christina and I all had a little fun panning for gold! OK, pyrite. But is was fun! It was cool seeing the things they used and how they lived. It sort of reminded me of Knotts Berry Farm. There was a lot of history to be seen about Bear Valley. read more

This museum offers a look into the past. Take your time and look at the artifacts of days gone by. visit each room full of furniture of the past times at Big Bear. Rachel room offers a fun look into the past. I enjoyed the hosts as well as the interests. There are blacksmiths on site that are awesome and will forge a goodie for the kids. The book store offers a few great books as well as fun trinkets for kids. A #1 in Big Bear! read more

Such an awsome place. Everyone here is a volunteer and is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they do. I would recommend to all ages! read more

Excellent museum with old and rare artifacts. Old leather carvings, black smith demonstrations, fun and interesting. Great feel for early 1900s's lifestyle. Old log cabins,school house, tools, etc. Highly recommend especially for kids to see. read more

Big Bear Valley Historical Museum - Old hunting cabin - Museums Near Me - Big Bear City, California

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This is a great place to take your kids and learn about the Big Bear History and meet great people. Staff is super friendly.

Very friendly people! Awesome place With lots of history ! The workers here are very informative and really know the history of this place! Recommend read more

We had a wonderful time at the Big Bear museum. Located off of Greenway drive, just east of the airport. It is operated by the Big Bear Valley Historical Society and all docents are volunteers. Admission is $3.00 for adults and kids 14 and under are free. We panned for gold and toured the authentic 1875 log cabin, 1906 schoolhouse and the Shay Ranch house. The docents were friendly and knowledgable. They even stayed open late for us because my kids were so enthusiastic and interested in the artifacts. We can't wait to visit again! read more

It's a fun museum with great local stories. We live in Big Bear and found it fun! It has a small budget and staff, but if you keep that in mind you can have a great visit! Learn something new on each trip to Big Bear! read more

Well, this is my second time visiting & it still wasn't all that great! Seems like a place where white folks hang out and try to overpower people of color with their negative consequences asking for money to enter their collections of collectibles stereotyping heritage. I get that its for everyone but seems like its more for children. Some people are minorities & don't know time over hundreds years ago living in Big Bear which wasn't long ago but long enough. I am native american and understand trading amongst traders. Its not foreign but to some tourist it can be. Nice to know heritage works to identify, preserve and protect the historic, architectural and cultural resources. This museum takes pride in their job & how far they've come and have faith in... I like how each cabin has a curator which oversees all the collection and answers any questions. I found it very interesting to learn about Alan Woods and his "Soiled Doves" saloon painting. I felt a little offended but good to know about existence. Sorry the blacksmith was unable to do demonstrations due to high wind fire danger & i did notice the panning for gold but in reality, i don't need a "gold claim" just living the American Dream. I do like how they have extended the lot and built a general store... plenty of room on the back lot for more collections!!! On all interest, it'll be a long time before we return to visit unless its a free for all approach. read more

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This museum had more artifacts and bigger than I expected. There are several buildings including an old cabin, school house, etc. It's interesting to see all the things people used and how they lived more than a hundred years ago in the Big Bear area. The staff were all very friendly and informative. I believe they are open weekends 10am-4pm and Wednesdays only till October. I would recommend a visit if you like history and in the area. It's $5.00 for adults and kids are free. read more

Great museum for the area and growing. Big Near has a rich history and this museum is preserving an important part of it. Everyone there is very friendly, in particular the blacksmiths, and all the docents know a lot about everything in the museum. We had a great time and will go back!!! read more

This place just keeps going - after you've seen the entrance museum, the mining stamper, the blacksmith shop ( with volunteers who demonstrate,) the check wagon, and tons of farming and mining equipment...all of a sudden you turn a corner and there's a cabin, a schoolhouse, and so on. My favorite was the carriage barn, which has the original surrey with the fringe on top used in the Broadway production of Oklahoma! read more

Seems a little expensive for what they have. I did buy some books that I have not seen elsewhere. The staff there seem very knowledgeable. But it is just pretty small. Might be interesting for kids. It took me about 10 mins to see everything. It is ok for a one-time visit but you are not missing much if you don't have time. read more