A small yet mighty museum! Includes artifacts, information, gift shop and book time experience inside the Joshua cottage. On our visit the book title was; Wolf & Isha Make the Land, illustrated and animated by Sage Romero. Can be found on the California Department of Water Resources website. Beautifully illustrated! Quite a few objects that used to be on display are in the process of being returned to the Chumash, Tongva, and Luiseno ancestors. I look forward to seeing the new exhibits that include the Native peoples input. My favorite part of the museum was the brightly painted artwork on the ceilings. So vibrant! read more

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Seems like there is not much of it at first but when I walk in your greeted by the friendly security guard, after you pay the $3 entry fee you're free to guide yourself into the museum where there are crafts, tools, art, recipes , plants. Deep knowledge given by a beautiful young lady that's from a local tribe about culture and history. This place feels like it's loved and cared for. I purchased this scarf as a souvenir. It's a treasure and deserves to be celebrated more. read more

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Wonderful museum in a remote, historical location. I came out here on a car club run. The displays tell the history of the Native Americans which populated the area. Very informative as for cultural significance. The Swiss chalet house is built into a butte incorporating the natural boulders within its walls. There is a very steep, narrow staircase between two boulders which lead up the second story gallery. The steps of this staircase are uneven and not for those with limited mobility. It is easy to navigate if one goes up sideways slowly. Access to this area can also be made via a ramp outside in back of the house. I chose the ramp for my exit since, according to the docent, it is more challenging to go down the stairs. The first and second levels of the museum has displays of various artifacts which were found in the area. The displays were educational as they detailed the everyday lives of the local Native Americans. I found the displays of plant material and how they were used to be very interesting. There were also displays of artwork and textiles. The time I went, most of the second story displays were in the process of renovation since some of the artifacts have been returned to the original tribes. The outside grounds has various cottages to explore as well as hiking trails. I did not have time to look in depth at all of them so this definitely will entail a future trip. There is a $3 admission price for the museum but it can be used at other historical sites in the vicinity on the same day. read more

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Awesome Indian museum with real life artifacts a place you must go if you live in antelope Valley Palmdale ,Lancaster read more

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The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is a fun, interesting place. Great for day trips. They also have a lot of cultural events!

On some level,  Cabot's Pueblo Museum    in Desert Hot Springs reminds me of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park. Both were built by men who admired the desert environment and great interest in Native American peoples & cultures.  Howard Arden Edwards was a self taught artist and had a stint working at the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles. When visitIng the Antelope Valley, he became so enamored that he homesteaded right at the base of huge rocks at Piute Butte bringing his wife & son in the late 1920's.  The mishmash Swiss Châlet-"Tudor" inspired residence cum Native American research museum in its day played host to plays, theater, a dude ranch, a Hollywood set, and an attraction.  Besides the dramatic backdrop of Piute Butte rising up from the desert floor, what makes this buildIng so architecturally unique is incorporating a rocky, granite outcrop of Piute Butte as its upper floor and having the shear face of the steep granite slope be one of the walls of the groundfloor living room for theatrical effect.   To get to the second floor California Hall exhibit showcasing Edwards' collection of Native American  artifacts from the Kachina Hall livIng room downstairs, you have to negotiate climbing between a cleft in the rock formation using uneven chiseled rock steps and handrails. Definitely not for people w/ disabitilies.  Grace Wilcox Oliver, a former student of anthropology, inadvertently discovered Edwards' Native American research Museum while hikIng in the high desert, and later acquired the property from Edwards.  Oliver improved the buildings and the site in the early 1940's adding her own Native American collection and opened the complex calling it The Antelope Valley Indian Museum until the late 1970's when the State of California bought the property for a state park. Oliver also contributed the entire Southwest Native American collection.  Inside of the house especially the Native American motifs painted on the high ceiling of Kachina Hall and imposing, monolithic, granite wall seem to instill a place of respectful, natural, calm tranquility.  Open only on the weekend from 11am-4pm. Plan a leisurely 45 minutes to look inside, and there is a short quarter mile nature, walking trail surrounding the museum.  4 stars read more

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Awesome too many mountain lions Really informative spiritual place. Can't wait to see the Native American dances next year or whenever it comes up I'll never be there right now read more

I visited the Antelope Valley Indian Museum last summer and it was a splendid afternoon indeed. The grounds are immaculate, and the displays inside are well organized and maintained. The staff is also extremely nice and professional. You can receive a guided tour. Or browse on your own (I think), but remember not to use any flash photography. The artifacts within the cases are hundreds of years old and are very sensitive to bright light. If you are looking for an interesting day to spend either with yourself or with family, I would recommend taking the trip out to this desert oasis of a museum. read more

Loved my visit here! 5 minutes from home! What a gem in the neck of the woods. I want to walk the trail & pack a snack next time to dine at the picnic tables. read more

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Everything old is new again! Visiting this museum feels like you are in the home of the coolest, most culturally-sophisticated member of the Flinstones Family. Was there an Uncle Vincent Rubble that went to art school? And collected arrowheads? And made furniture out of Joshua trees? And painted Kachinas on the walls of his cave? Then he could have lived here. And, it works. Howard Arden Edwards was the set designer, maybe-mad-genius, and collector of Native American artifacts behind this gem of a museum. He constructed the building as his home, designing it right into the naturally occurring rock. He must have been one hell of a set designer, because you could not pick a more perfect setting and design for this home. He also had a good eye. His display of local Native American artifacts can be equaled only by the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. The original residents of this area, which had been inhabited for at least 6,000 years prior to the European influx, were extraordinarily talented artists and craftsmen. Much of their work can be seen here, preserved and beautifully displayed. I had visited the museum several times over the last 20 years and had been dismayed at its deterioration and lack of upkeep. But today changed all that. Everything (all the decor, furniture and displays) has been given the once over and literally sparkles. Apparently, California State Parks spent quite a bundle on the renovation; it shows. New displays artfully showcase the history of the area and are educational without being stuffy. The staff in the gift shop and the docents were very well-informed about the museum and the area, as well as being very helpful. This is not a large museum. It gives you time to take in everything this museum has to offer in depth. There is a hiking trail behind the museum which will take you up into the rocks themselves. Deets: Small but beautifully appointed gift shop. No restaurant but ample picnic tables for your dining pleasure. Parking is free. Oh, and admission is $3 per person. Beat that. I dare you. ONLY OPEN ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS. ALWAYS CALL FIRST FOR ADMISSION HOURS (Best advice I ever got from Mom, although "Always pack a bathing suit because you never know" is a close second.) This museum used to close during the summer. Not sure if this is still the case but CALL FIRST. read more

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There's a lot of local history here. The park attendants were very knowledgeable and fun! I recommend checking this out. read more

Wow! I love these "off the beaten track" gems. This museum is beautiful and informative. It's a mix of information about the original home owners who were fans and collectors of native arts and the historic native artifacts. Our third grader is learning all about the Chumash people at school and this was a wonderful museum to reinforce what he is learning about in school. It's not particularly geared towards "hands on" children, so I would recommend this more for older children and adults interested in the lives of native people. Architecturally this space is STUNNING! It's incredibly beautiful from every angle. Though it should be noted that it's not particularly accommodating for people with physical disabilities. read more

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After hiking Saddleback Butte State Park just east of Palmdale, I decided to continue my wander and check out the Antelope Valley Indian Museum. It's just a few minutes drive from Saddleback so I recommend to see both. The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is such a treasure - filled with artifacts and stories about the history of the local area. It's so close to Los Angeles, yet so far away. The perfect getaway for Angelenos! read more

This place is a real gem located in the heart of the Antelope Valley. The artifacts that are in this museum are dated from the early 19th century to 1000 A.D. This museum really gives you the true history of this desert that was actually once an oasis filled with lakes, and additional resources for the Native Americans to live off of. This museum would be great for any age group to attend since there are many interesting rooms, photos and artwork to look at. A small family excursion on a Saturday afternoon would definitely be in for a treat. The entry is cheap, it's run by the county and there's a great sense of the appreciation, and preservation of the land. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. read more

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Fun and interesting place to go. I love all the rock formations that surround the area. During cooler seasons, it would be a great place to hike. The museum is well done inside and there are a few out buildings that have an interesting history. read more

I've been here as a child and found it really cool and interesting. Their story is pretty interesting and there Is also a nice trail you can go on and even overlooks all Lake Los Angeles (there isn't an actual lake anymore). If you or your kids are into neat stuff you'll definitely see cool hinge here. ALSO if I remember correctly part of the House is built around a rock!! Definitely check it out! Kid friendly. read more

Well worth the drive. I'd read about this museum in different roadside attraction archives. Most pictures of it I'd seen were washed out, far away and only of the outside. The place looked like it belonged in Solvang or something, based on how little detail I could make out. On our way back to L.A., we figured we'd pay a visit. Took the 14, and wound up driving for more than an hour east, heading further into the desert on roads that were becoming increasingly dilapidated. In the museum parking lot, we took dozens of photos of the building with the majestic rock formations behind it. The first few rooms within were like a typical museum from the '70s. The ranger on duty, taking admission, said it was like a museum of a museum with how you could see the layers of modernization. But once you get to the dining room, it all becomes... magical. The Kachina Hall is GORGEOUS. The ceiling is slathered in vibrant colors and expressive patterns. One "wall" is really a rocky outcropping, as the house was built atop a butte. You have to squeeze between the well-worn stone, climbing the stairs up the sometimes jagged crevice, to get to the final gallery. That one is packed with Native American artifacts, several of them phallic-shaped. Anyway, it's all about that Kachina room. This picture doesn't do it justice because there's just so much one photo can't capture: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/antelope-valley-indian-museum-lancaster?select=N6jgjjj1oMb31BgLvtankg#N6jgjjj1oMb31BgLvtankg I wish I could get a big, comfy chair and just sit in that room all the live long day, reading and napping beneath the oil lamp chandeliers. Behind the museum is a light hiking trail. Things to see include the old barn and some of the rock formations, along with the occasional raven or Joshua Tree. While in the area, you might as well visit the film sets maintained nearby, particularly if you're a fan of "Kill Bill" or Rob Zombie's movies. read more

Antelope Valley Indian Museum - The kachina room - Museums Near Me - Lancaster, California

Saturday 1pm My rating might be inflated because I really like rocks and the Antelope Valley Indian Museum had no shortage of rocks inside the museum or outside on the trail. The location is out in the boondocks, 150th street east near Ave M and Lake LA. It's literally in the mountains where Bigfoot resides. It is also windy. Can't quite escape the Lancaster winds even though we drove past 30 minutes worth of Joshua trees. After stressing out about popping a tire driving on the rocks leading to the museum, we parked safely on the dirt and trekked through dust and wind to the entrance. The entrance is a narrow thing with a handle that (literally) required a written explanation to utilize and leads to a sparse gift shop. Then it was on the honor system to pay the lady at the register for your $3 admission in exchange for three brochures and a tip that there was a trail to follow as well. The first room featured pictographs and nicely displayed rocks, shells, and various artifacts of what I thought of as an overview of the next four rooms, with each bigger than the preceding room. My favorite part of the second room was the trade dialogue on the right side of the room, about trading food made from larve for shell currency. In the third room, my companions and I made astute statements about the handmade footwear "that thar don't look comfortable." The fourth room was an impressive living room with colorful painted walls, dolls/god figurines and a man who can answer all your Indian questions. Up a few tight stone steps leads to the bright room with a plethora of rocks strewn around for your viewing pleasure and an extensive collection of Indian artifacts that Mr. Edwards had collected and labeled. Outside, the dirt road leads to a few private residences and the Joshua cottage, which was locked and bereft when we attempted to visit. I liked walking the 14 point trail, with a numbered log every 15 feet or so. One of our companions served as our tour guide by reading off the brochure when we hit each number. I liked the number that talked about the natives having to travel all the way from this mountain to the mountain yonder (maybe a few miles away) to collect pine nuts and acorns. That's just nuts. The whole time, though, as an un-avid trail runner I was tense about mountain lions. The museum and the trail took our party about 2.5hours to explore. The restroom is clean and also has a sign that was not clear to dummies like me - I almost locked the door behind me. Basically you'll accidentally lock the restroom for other patrons if you don't adjust the doorknob a certain way. I am insanely happy with my dragonglass (obsidian, for the plebeians) arrowhead ($2). I was also impressed with the arrows ($20 each), but they looked better as a bunch in a glass and there were only two left. I and the brave companions left the AV Indian Museum educated, exercised, and content with a trip well spent. read more

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What makes this museum special is that it was built in the 1920s and that it is located in an area that is considered to be historically significant. It is situated within Piute Butte (both names rhyme with flute) which is is considered to be a sacred site among Native Americans. It was once a prehistoric trading crossroad and may have even been used for rituals and fertility-related ceremonial purposes (as evidenced by a risqué rock formation modified to resemble female anatomy). The museum was built by Howard Arden Edward in the late 1920s. He would drove up from Eagle Rock on the weekends to build his part-time residence which also served as an "Indian Research Museum." The structure is built around large granite outcroppings that also serve as the inside floors and walls of the museum, including the narrow staircase leading to the second floor. Inside there is a vast collection of Native American artifacts. The day I visited the park staff was both friendly and informative. Be sure to walk along the 0.5-mile, self-guided, nature trail. At the entrance of the museum you can pick up a brochure that highlights 14 different stations. My favorite was the rock face that once featured pictographs and the, " Theater of the Standing Rocks," which used to serve as a natural amphitheater for annual outdoor pageants. You can also view an old barn built in 1932. Walking the grounds you can see why this site was commonly used to film western movies. The museum is only open on weekends. I recommend combining your visit with another nearby activity since it's not quite a stand-alone destination. I suggest the nearby Saddleback Butte State Park where you can view wild flowers in the spring and go on a 5-mile, round trip, hike to it's peak. read more

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Admission into this amazing work of art from a man and a vision, is free to those who have stayed at the Saddleback Butte State Park- so check this place out. The architecture is all hand built, and the art that adorns the walls are all done by the creator. The facility has a rich history and the staff are delightful, fun and informative. There's a short hike out back, and even if you don't pay- a donation is will worth keeping this place alive. Loved this place! read more

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We were looking for an adventure to keep us away from the smoky air in Los Angeles, and found ourselves off the beaten path at this museum. I am very glad we decided to try it. There are fascinating exhibits and interesting architecture, with rangers happy to tell you some cool facts. The collection is quite large and well worth the side trip to get there. read more

Antelope Valley Indian Museum - Interesting architecture from the man who built this Summer home for himself. - Museums Near Me - Lancaster, California

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Can't beat the price! Gorgeous interior and exterior. Fascinating histories. Friendly staff. Awesome trail. Fun events. Great place for history, art, nature and story lovers. Small exhibition so make time for the trail and talk to the staff! They have stories and photos to share! read more

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Great hidden gem in the Antelope Valley. I'd been wanting to check this place out for a while but it is such a long drive to the middle of nowhere that I never got around to it until now. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. There was great information on the local and neighboring Indian tribes in the southwest. There were soooo many artifacts that I didn't know where to look half the time. This is a great spot to take kids. Just be sure to pack a lunch read more

I loved most of the museum but I wish it had more to it. The beginning of it was awesome but the rest of the back of the grounds had be on off limit and you only can walk around it. I wished that they had more artifacts and maybe even more of the traditional clothing and maybe even life size figures. Over all I caint wait till october for the festivities that they have (chanting time!) read more

Amazing historic hidden gem. This is a must see in the AV. If u take 14 North Exit K. Take K to 150 th make a right. Take 150th to M and make a left. Less than .5 mile it's on the left had side. Kids under 12 free. Adults was $3. Oh it woukd be nice to bring a luch for afterwards. Just make sure to clean up ur mess. This is a well kept piece of history. read more

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Pretty cool place! There's a huge collection of artifacts. The staff were super friendly and it was not at all busy. Will definitely go back! Make sure to sign up for the email list-srv to find out about other cool events. Will def go back! read more

Place is full of Native American artifacts, articles and way of life stories. Found the rangers to be friendly and knowledgeable. This valley was widely used as a trading route amongst the native tribes. Such traits of artifacts are shown and mapped out. The structure was originally a home in the 1930's that became a museum. There is a small 1/2 mile trail you can hike and also visit small cottages which are homes for the rangers. A native American tribute event is set to occur on October 4th and 5th full of performances, story telling and local foods. Great little place to visit. These tribes loved natured and adapted to the environment, which we all can learn from :D read more

Antelope Valley Indian Museum - Early settlers being domesticated by Europeans. - Museums Near Me - Lancaster, California

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My sons class went on a field trip and we went on a Hike and after the hike they were not allowed to eat lunch the kids were tired and hungry and had to get on the bus and go back to school to eat that was dumb u can't tell kids they can't eat when there hungry read more

It's awesome here! Staff members are very into our culture, and are always willing to spend time explaining the history.

Smaller than I anticipated but very well put together. I enjoyed my afternoon at this little museum a few months back, and would gladly go again when time next allows. Not super handicappable (my senior mom had a few issues walking around inside) but they worked with what they had and made it very pleasant. I even liked the informative and courteous staff that were on hand and eager to answer any questions about anything on display. read more

What a gem of a place it is a must see and take your time looking, went here twice already and next time will bring a lunch to enjoy the view afterwards at the benches. read more

The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is a great place to visit! It is open to the public on the weekends and is located just north of Avenue M between 150th Street East and 170th Street East in the small community of Lake Los Angeles. The AV Indian Museum hosts artifacts from ancient tribes who once settled within this region of the Antelope Valley. Resembling a Swiss chalet, it was built atop of a natural rock formation in 1928 by H. Arden Edwards, a self-taught artist and professor of art in Los Angeles, who wanted to house his ancient American Indian research with their motifs in his private collection in a private museum within his weekend home. Built as the Antelope Valley Indian Research Museum on the weekends, it's a one of a kind Swiss chalet in the Antelope Valley as its edges were decorated with American Indian motifs by the creator and his art students. Examples of their artistic recreations include Kachina paintings by Edwards' art students in Los Angeles that were piled on top of his 1927 Chevrolet and hauled up to the Antelope Valley and mounted on the ceiling. There are many stories about his research located in a room atop of the natural rock formation as well. If you are curious about this one of a kind American Indian Museum, come out to Lake Los Angeles on the weekends and check it out! read more

The museum/state historic park has recently re-opened to the public after four years of renovations. The main building (with the gift shop) has plenty of exhibits. There is a narrow stone stairway to the second story, built atop of a boulder. The park staff and volunteers were very helpful. This is worth checking out if you happen to be in Lancaster. read more

This place is amazing!! Heard about it through a historical reference on Facebook and checked it out. We spent 2.5 hours here and were enthralled. Well worth the drive out to the middle of nowhere! So much history involved in this little location. And the collection is fabulous. A docent was on sight yesterday and answered a lot of our questions. Only open to the public on Sat. & Sun from 11 - 4. I would encourage anyone to check it out. Note - the upstairs museum is actually built into the rocks and is a little difficult to walk on but there are hand rails and the experience is well worth the uneven walking surface. There's also a walking trail outside with markers - a guide pamphlet is available in the gift shop (and the paper is free). Only $3.00 per person admission - what a deal!! There are picnic tables outside if you'd want to bring lunch or a snack. read more

I came out to antelope Valley in 2000, and I finally got to come out to the Indian museum! I think I am taking off one star because it was so long to get out to it, and the gravel driveway scared me so bad that we would pop a tire and be stuck out in the middle of nowhere. I was on a Match.com blind date, and we had a blast holding hands room to room and talking about all the interesting things in each. Like everybody else I was impressed with the artifacts and artwork and the main room with the fabulous handmade table. I used to have an antique store in Ventura named Nicholby Antiques, and could've got a pretty penny for that table! I got a kick out of the empty turtle shells hanging upside down from the ceiling by leather strings, and thought maybe they used to have candles or oil lamps inside them but when I talked to the guide there in the room he said he didn't think so because it would have burned the leather strings. So I don't know what they were used for, but maybe as small containers for nuts or seeds? Who knows! The day we were there was boiling hot and it was cooler inside but the only room that actually had a small air conditioner sticking out of the wall was the room with the big beautiful rustic handmade table. The rest of the place was cooler than the outside but still pretty warm for me being from Ventura and used to ocean breezes. My date Guy and I decided to come back in another season when it's cooler, if they're open and it's possible. We didn't go on the outside trail because it was just too hot after we exited from the back door, but the rocks were fabulous and huge and I love rocks so much so I really want to go back there and check them out up close. The girl at the front gift counter was very sweet and informative and even looks like she might possibly have been descended from those very Indians that lived there. I liked to imagine in my mind that she was because she was beautiful and very interesting, both to look at and to hear her tell about the place. It was amazing to me how much information she gave as we stood there listening to her and looking around at the various objects and jewelry for sale, although I think it might have been better to have the gift shop at the end of the tour so that you could buy things that made you remember what was inside. But maybe that's only me. Besides the rock formations inside the building, I was trying to figure out in the upper level how somebody actually lived in there and where the furniture would have gone. It did look pretty uncomfortable with all the rock everywhere, but it was very fun to look at and walk through, but you really have to watch your step so you don't snap an ankle, because the floor is rough and uneven rock with cement poured between. Oddly, I think my favorite thing of the whole place were some very tiny corncobs that were probably petrified and had been found in a cave. They were ancient, Several different pieces of them and different colors too. They were adorable and looked like baby corn cobs. I would've liked to have touched them, just to see if they felt like stone like what happens to ancient trees when they turn to petrified wood. Oh by the way, I really liked my date and we're having a blast getting to know each other. It's a pretty memorable first date going out to see a bunch of ancient things since we are beginning to get kind of ancient too!!! Planning to come back with him another time during a cooler season, and hoping they'll be open! read more

Our family had to go out here for my sons school report, and we were pleasantly surprised. We went during spring break 2014 and the weather was perfect. Not too windy either. They have tons of information. A lot of wonderful displays. My son had an abundance of information to put in his report from going. There is a nice trail with some beautiful flowers and Joshua trees to look at. I would recommend this place to visit. It is in the middle of nowhere but we enjoyed ourselves. read more

A nice little place to explore when you're in the Antelope valley area. There is a sizable display of artifacts and the park rangers were very helpful if you have any questions. Hopefully more people get to know about this place and pay a visit even though it's a little bit of a drive. read more

Really enjoyed my trip here, the staff was very courteous and friendly. The Joshua trees are very beautiful. Make sure to take a picture of the roof! read more

Fun and interesting place to go. Took the whole family and walked the trail. The kids loved it.

Just visited and it was still as great as when I went in the 5th grade! It's a hidden gem in the middle of the desert. Took my kids and they loved it. It also has about a half mile Hike right outside with great scenery. The entry price is the lowest Around. You won't be disappointed. read more