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    Kern Valley Museum

    4.7 (31 reviews)
    Closed • Closed

    Kern Valley Museum Photos

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    One of many inside displays
    John H.

    You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy the Kern River Valley Museum. The staff is wonderful and happy to tell you stories of this exciting place and its importance to California's History. There are many displays broken into categories, such as mining, the movie industry (John Wayne's Stagecoach was filmed in part near here), horses, water and more. There is so much to look at. This was our second visit and I saw some things I had missed on our first. New to the museum is the Research Annex. There is a full library at your fingertips. It's filled with lovely artwork from the collection of Aldis Walker. If you're in Bakersfield and want a good day-trip, this one is excellent.

    Martin K.

    A great, small little museum that makes for a relaxing pitstop for the family. It's amazing for the little kids to run around and enjoy the small displays and the models in the outer court in the back. Many local histories are collected and displayed here, and the best part is all are entirely run by volunteers and locals. The docent volunteers are just friendly and kind to talk in great length about the artifacts and the stories behind the donations here. It's fascinating, and just the best way to spend a moment to catch your breath in the nice A/C with restroom while the kids take an educational stroll down the hallway of small gems and tokens.

    Outside

    Even if you have a short time, definitely stop by!! We were wandering around the town and almost missed this absolute gem. With free admission, awesome docents and tons of cool exhibits the museum makes for a great hour or so to get to know the town and the history. There is something here for everyone! We talked with Rick who gave us great advice and even directions to the Trail of 100 Giants. We thought we didn't have time to see any sequoias but because of his advice we were! Linda was a joy to speak with. She had some very cool information about the back portion of the museum and told some great stories about electricity, olympians, the river, and so much more. It truly made my day to learn a little something and it really made me appreciate the land even more. The museum is all volunteers as well which is super cool. I definitely recommend everyone stop by, no matter how long you're there for!

    Historical events
    Janelle E.

    I had a wonderful time visiting the Kern Valley Museum. I learned some very interesting information and have gain even more knowledge about the history of Kernville and the surrounding areas. I was very fascinated learning about the original towns of Old Kernville and Old Isabella prior to moving to their current locations in 1951. Most of the original towns, especially Old Isabella, are under what is now Lake Isabella. I've learned that some buildings were relocated but most were demolished before the completion of the Isabella Dam. You'll find some really cool antiques, displays, and pictures here. Linda was a great museum guide and host. She answered all of my questions, was very personable, and was very passionate about sharing Kernville's history. I highly recommend coming here, especially since admission is free. Random fact: If you are interested on seeing what's left of the town of Old Kernville, you can access it since the water levels are very very low right now and no longer covering it. When you turn on Old Cemetery Rd., make a right on a road with a sign called "Day use only." Keep going straight until you make it to dirt roads. If you look at the Old Kernville map, you can compare it to what still exists there. You'll find the foundations of the building of Odd fellows/or Outdoor Movies, Standard Oil Plant, the elementary school, and the Methodist Christ for the down on right. Have fun exploring!

    Free entrance
    Anna H.

    Luckily it was open during this pandemic and on our trip to Kernville. Hours are 11am to 3 pm. Lots of local history, super friendly and informative docents, and it's free! Really small gift shop.

    Exterior of the Kern Valley Museum (2014)
    McKenzie S.

    Kern Valley Museum is the absolute cutest little museum and a hidden gem in the Kern Valley area. I came across the Kern Valley Museum over five years ago when I found a geocache in the front area. The museum happened to be open and we happened to have a little time to explore. Inside this small little place was a TON of local history. From maps, to photos, and rare items - it really provided a wealth of information. The docents were especially kind and knowledgeable. We only allowed ourselves 45 minutes to explore and could have easily spent more. Definitely make sure to call ahead since their hours tend to vary. They also close early.

    Sunny D.

    This museum is awesome so much history in this town it's fascinating .. The volunteers here are amazing greet to talk too. My favorite part was the camera history it's was cool .. If your in town come by put your cell phone away and enjoy a conversation with the volunteers they got loads of information to talk about. Places like this are fading away fast so take advantage of it and visit. Plus donate a dollar if you can just to help out. If you don't like museums and the history they hold. then your just stupid. This will be a mandatory stop when I'm passing through.

    Front of museum

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    2 years ago

    Friendly and knowledgeable staff ! The collection is amazing and such an awesome stop to check out during your stay !

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    15 years ago

    Nice way to spend 30 minutes if you need a side distraction. Friendly knowledgeable "tour" guides. Free.. Donations only.

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    17 years ago

    Local museum with lots of artifacts and history. Maintained by volunteers who are very involved.

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

    What a gem of local history. If you're in the area definitely make the effort to stop in.

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    Ask the Community - Kern Valley Museum

    Review Highlights - Kern Valley Museum

    “Everyone is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Kern River Valley and Kern County as a whole.”

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    Kern County Museum

    Kern County Museum

    4.1(83 reviews)
    41.6 mi

    If you are in Bakersfield and looking for something to do, I highly recommend stopping by to learn…read moreabout the city's history. Caution: It gets really hot in Bakersfield, so it might be a tad hot. Make sure to hydrate, wear comfortable clothes, and shoes because you will be walking around looking at the exhibits. There are a few indoor exhibits, but the majority are outside. Tours are self-guided, which is a plus because you can freely explore the grounds and village in the back. There are a few indoor exhibits that feature the vehicles used in the past for multiple purposes, and also a barn that includes memorabilia from old bars that our ancestors enjoyed in Kern County. Definitely a cool concept filled with lots of artifacts from the past. What a great day to enjoy a fun blast from the past!

    A MUST-SEE! If you're in Bakersfield, you love architecture, and appreciate the growth of a city,…read moreyou need to see the Kern County Museum. The best introduction to a region is learning of its history. I stopped by as I told my Mom this is a highly-rated experience and gem of the community! Turns out, it is. Kern County Museum is an immersive outdoor experience set up as a community or town where you go from houses to buildings to barns, exploring what life was like when people lived in the olden days. We spotted a hotel, doctor's office, schools, courthouse, and so many more buildings. All the structures are well-maintained and have descriptions in front of them. You're even allowed to go in some of the buildings! My favorite was a the spooky Mason Lodge! We spent a while enjoying the stories and significance of these locations which led to the development of a well-known Central California city! Kern County Museum even has a research center, mini art gallery, and children's discovery center. The facilities are clean and well-kept. There's an indoor section to the museum with background on Native American and war-time culture in Kern. My Mom and I came during a week day, we saw several parents bring their children to explore the museum. There's plenty of parking and room to move around. As an educator, i highly recommend checking this out! It's also perfect for field trips!

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    Kern County Museum
    Kern County Museum
    Kern County Museum

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    Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science - Very nice and shiny fossils

    Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

    4.2(34 reviews)
    42.3 mi

    Fun little museum in the heart of downtown where you can see some fossils and taxidermia…read more Plenty of street parking was available nearby. We spent about 2 hours here going between the different levels the main level you walk in is the middle area and then there's an upstairs and downstairs. Upstairs there are some more animals and then big dinosaur fossils. There a small Egyptian exhibit which was a cool addition. Then on the bottom level it's an area where everything is touchable so the kids can really have some fun. There was area that they're redoing so that was off limits. There is an elevator so if you have some mobility limitations that is helpful. There are fans on all the levels because it doesn't get the best circulation. Overall a great place to spend a few hours out of the house for a fun learning experience.

    This museum is so neat! The docents (who are all volunteers btw!) are knowledgeable and funny, and…read morethey kept my Girl Scouts' interest with no issue. The exhibits are beautiful and interesting, and there are interactive elements to some displays. I was stunned by the Yokuts display, which had a full replica of a traditional Yokut home. An extraordinary, nearly-complete fossil found locally is on display. The bottom floor also has a fun exploratory area for kids! It's great! Highly recommend this museum to all ages.

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    Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science
    Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science - Taxidermy animals.

    Taxidermy animals.

    Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science - Marine fossils and on this level are restrooms.

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    Marine fossils and on this level are restrooms.

    Tehachapi Museum

    Tehachapi Museum

    4.8(9 reviews)
    43.2 mi

    A 5 star stop for sure!!! What an incredible collection of history. From all ages of Tehachapi…read more Stones and arrowheads to modern horse carts. Doctors accessories, and pieces of historic value from the towns growth. Flash back to an early civilization and see how we were grown. I am in love with the deep history this location boasts. So we'll displayed. Very clean and cool inside, super friendly folks here filled with information. Hit the cool gift shop corner on your way out. There is even a really neat salt and pepper display. There is so much rich history to see here! I highly recommend you pop in ON A WEEKEND and see. They are not open midweek.

    If somebody passing through Tehachapi was to ask me, what are the two things we need to do while…read morehere? My answer would be an easy one. Number one head to the Tehchapi Museum, and the second would be to enjoy a poor boy sandwich and ice tea at Kohnens. Those two things and you will have a perfect day. When I visited recently I had the good fortune of meeting Judith Reynolds, who is the museum director. I learned that the museum is run by the Tehachapi Heritage League and is solely run by wonderful volunteers. The docents work about one day a month for 4 hours and range in age from late 50's to 94 years young. I love that they have kept the admission free to the public, they wanted to make sure families could bring the kids and not worry about the price of admission. They do have a donation box and rely on the kindness of visitors, volunteers and grants to keep this museum up and running. You can join and become a member of the museum as I did for my family. It's 20$ for individual or 25$ for a family. People spend more than that on coffee a month, what a great way to keep Tehachapi history alive and available to everyone. With that membership you will receive a newsletter 4 times a year, it's called Settlers' Gazette. It tells about upcoming events for the museum and the Errea House Museum across the street. I was unaware of the events they hold here and now I will make sure my family doesn't miss any. Most of all the items on display are donated by families or on loan. Some of the exhibits include farming, railroad, local history, Native Americans and much more. I happened to really enjoy the display and story about Tony Anthony the fire chief for the old Tehachapi City Fire Department. I am part of a firefighter family and enjoyed looking at everything displayed. I also bought fire patches to add to our collection. In the back to the left is such a great gallery honoring the Kawaiisu people of the Tehachapi mountains. They have a movie playing that is really great to watch. There is so much more to say about the Tehachapi Museum it would take all night to write. Just please visit, learn, become a member and tell your family and friends passing through to stop and see what an amazing place Tehachapi is.

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    Tehachapi Museum
    Tehachapi Museum
    Tehachapi Museum

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    Kern Valley Museum - museums - Updated September 2026

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