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    Antelope Valley Indian Museum

    4.5 (45 reviews)
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    Gary I.

    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

    Hours
    Amy K.

    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.

    Sabrina M.

    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.

    Antelope Valley Indian Museum as seen from parking lot
    Isobel L.

    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.

    Michaela C.

    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.

    Paolo H.

    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.

    Interesting architecture from the man who built this Summer home for himself.
    Brian B.

    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.

    The kachina room
    Christine A.

    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.

    Jerline H.

    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.

    Jay C.

    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!

    Detail of a couch made out of Joshua trees

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    1 month ago

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

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    8 years ago

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

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

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    Antelope Valley Indian Museum Reviews in Other Languages

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    How much does it cost per adult and child?

    So nominal. Think it was $3??

    Is this museum kid friendly? I have a 4yo and 7yo and would love to bring them during summer vacation.❤️

    Antelope Valley Indian Museum consists primarily of exhibits to look at. If your young family members like looking at interesting and colorful objects, they will enjoy their visit. If your young family members prefer to explore the world through… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Antelope Valley Indian Museum

    There's also a walking trail outside with markers - a guide pamphlet is available in the gift shop (and the paper is free).

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    Museum of Art & History - The Vault gift shop

    Museum of Art & History

    4.5(30 reviews)
    16.9 mi
    $

    A local small art museum filled with diverse, amazing, & unique artwork by talented local artists!…read moreWorth a quick 15-30 minute visit if you are in the area. Free admission! Parking is unique and is along the middle of the street as well as the sidewalks. It's great to come here every few times a year and see new and fresh exhibits. We always come back because of that! The place is well-taken care of with friendly staff and a lot of side events go on as well! Make sure to research if they are open and ensure they are not in the middle of constructing/preparing new exhibits. Always feels good to appreciate the local arts!

    Museum of Art & History or MOAH is in a modern, ferro-concrete buildIng with wide expanse of plate…read moreglass & aluminum framing. It has a generic institutional look so typical since the last fourth of the 20th century.  So much clear glass must trap huge amounts of heat from rays of the intense summer sun which must mean much pollution creatIng energy has to be expended to cool its interior. Not exactly a building meeting zero emission standards in the new age of global warming.  January - April 2022: Exhibition of Works by Marc Steven Greenfield is a must-see. It addresses in a very deft way racism as witnessed and experienced by a Black Man in America in a new, sophisticated, novel light. He raises questions about race, equality, inequality, retribution, and possible reconciliation. His mastery in many different styles proves that he is a meister artist capable of manipulating the media into thought provoking questions often done by confronting and "owning" negative, insulting stereotypes of Blacks on canvas.   In another method, he places Blacks in the style of Catholic icons of the Virgin & Baby Jesus and the Pietà where Virgin Mary cradles the dead Jesus. In the background there are scenes of racist Nazi's receiving just retribution for their horrendous acts against humanity.  There is even an iconic portrait of Yasukè (yah soo keh), who was a Sub-Saharan Black African, who served as a high ranking Samurai in 16th century Japan during the Warring States period, in high Japanese military regalia.    Marc Steven Greenfield is well informed about history, culture, religion, politics, race and synthesizes a powerful brew that if we drink it, it gives us food for thought....Why are we so hung up on the color of our skin?  It's another indictment that we humans are the strangest of all animals.  Be sure to see Mr. Greenfield's interview in the small side projection room. The second floor is dedicated to "What would you say?",  Activist Graphics from LACMA: It's a melange of graphics by various artists depicting Disco Singer Sylvester as Gay or even alluding at a Trans Woman. Black Man in white Ku Klux Klan dress is tongue in cheek, sarcastic humour ridiculing white supremacy.  Series of repeating prints of a woman with the title of "I will not be Assimilated." as though she is threatened by the Borg which, in fact, is our own conformist society.  Esoteric reference to Royal Crown Hair Dressing and showing a woman wearing a dress decorated with a woman showing a big butt seems humourous in line with rap songs idolizing ample derrière.  Another great thing about MOAH is that it's free. You only need to give out your resident zip code. Great way to spend an afternoon creating new, cerebral, synaptic connections.  There are two other associated museums nearby:  Western Hotel Museum and Cedar Center for the Arts Museum. Times and dates vary so be sure to call.

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    Museum of Art & History - Wood sculptures

    Wood sculptures

    Museum of Art & History
    Museum of Art & History

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    Western Hotel Museum - Kitchen opening to the dining room

    Western Hotel Museum

    4.6(7 reviews)
    16.8 mi

    Adorable museum with an enthusiastic and well informed tour guide. I even received a personal…read moreindividual tour! Judy Garland grew up in this neighborhood and her father ran a movie theater just down the street. The museum has the theaters old seats! Myrtie, the proprietress was quite the force to be reckoned with. She lived past 100 and was a stalwart of the community!

    Western Hotel Museum in Lancaster is open only on Friday and Saturday 11 AM - 4 PM. I chose to…read morevisit on Friday since Lee Esther's Cajun Créole Cooking in nearby Palmdale has its Friday only delectable Ya Ya Gumbo special in order to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Western Hotel may be the oldest, historical building on main drag Lancaster Blvd. It has a Victorian, rural feel housing so many in the past who have passed away. It is a self guided tour, but you can book a tour at least 2 weeks in advance to see both the MOAH Museum and the Western Hotel for $3/person. I was lucky to get an impromptu tour being the only person in the hotel near closing by Richard who was manning the front reception. Because of Richard's kind invitation, I was enlightened to the importance of the hotel taking part in Lancaster history run by the Webbers. Richard is quite the raconteur telling tales of Lancaster to make Western Hotel part in its history alive again. He also has a witty, humorous side showing me a violin case in one of the guestrooms which hid inside itself a bottle of whiskey and 4 ceramic shot glasses. Richard's very informative, friendly, amiable manner was able to transform a standard self guided tour reading labels into a vibrant, time machine sending me back to the olden times of Lancaster. Thanks for going out of your way and gifting me a very entertaining 60 minutes!!! This was a 5 star experience.

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    Western Hotel Museum
    Western Hotel Museum - Historic Western Hotel

    Historic Western Hotel

    Western Hotel Museum - Owner Mrs. Webber's room

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    Owner Mrs. Webber's room

    Joe Davies Heritage Airpark

    Joe Davies Heritage Airpark

    4.7(23 reviews)
    13.9 mi

    Are you driving to Las Vegas on the way to California or vice versa? Don't fly by this hidden gem…read moreif you or someone with you is into aircraft! Joe Davies Heritage Airpark is a family-friendly and unique airplane museum located in Palmdale, California. There are fascinating displays of aircraft that show the historical significance of the United States Air Force like never seen before. It is so cool to see these beauties up-close! There is a collection of aircraft flown, tested, designed, produced or modified planes from the United States Air Force. There are 21 retired military aircraft on display that also includes a 1/8 scale model of the B-2 Spirit, an AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile, a B-52, a C-46, and various aircraft components. I read that once complete, they will have over 40 retired military and civilian aircraft in the future. To top it all off, admission to the park is free! If you are interested in a fun afternoon spent with family, friends, or even solo, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark checks all the boxes!

    Interesting and educational outdoor aircraft museum. It is well maintained with various walkways…read morewith informational plaques regarding the planes and jets on exhibit. Be sure to check out the gift shop and adjoining Blackbird Airpark next door. Clean restrooms are available. There is also a limited selection of snacks, bottled water, and sodas in the gift shop. Great place to take family for a morning or afternoon outing. Plenty of parking.

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    Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
    Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
    Joe Davies Heritage Airpark

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    Antelope Valley Indian Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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