This is such a peaceful and welcoming National Monument located in Keene, CA, just east of Bakersfield. This National Monument has a visitors center, museum, gift shop, a beautiful walking trail with flowering plants and trees as well as a path with various cacti. In the warmer months it's easy to spot lizards and rabbits, as well as having year-round birds and squirrels. You can learn about civil rights, agricultural labor history, and how Cesar formed a Union that is still in existence today. The Park is located in Kern County (the southernmost county of the California agricultural belt) just 30 minutes east of Bakersfield, in the mountains below Tehachapi. It was the first location of the Union headquarters he formed, the United Farm Workers (UFW). His office has been preserved within the museum exactly how it was the day he passed away. Cesar, and his wife Helen, lived and are buried within the Monument (his dog is buried with them too!) in a beautiful and serene garden. Their house is on the property and was left the way Helen had it the day she passed away. There isn't access inside their home, but they do allow special events in their courtyard area that you'd need to inquire about. Entrance and parking are both free to the public, but you can make donations if you'd like. I love visiting this Monument a few times a year, as it's so peaceful and calming. We usually bring lunch and sit at one of the many picnic tables provided. read more

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Nice grounds, but kind of awkward to visit after recent events. Also, you couldn't really walk around the national monument with the private residence housing. The museum was nice though! read more

Cesar E Chavez National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keene, California

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Visiting the Cesar E Chavez National Monument in Keene, CA was the highlight of my vacation. It preserves not only the history of Chavez' life-long work to build the farmworkers' union but also the lives of many others who stood with him and in some cases lost their lives because of their activism. Many visitors left notes describing their personal experiences working in the fields as children. I have friends who labored in the fields with their parents and the stories they told are embodied in this museum. If not for the changes that finally improved the lives of migrant workers, many generations of children would still be picking crops their entire lives with no hopes for an education or better opportunities. Outside is a peaceful garden where Chavez and his wife Helen are buried. I am thankful of the woman at the Bakersfield visitors' center who handed me a brochure and encouraged me to visit the monument. read more

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What a wonderful day we were blessed to be able to come to the monument pay respect to Cesar and his wife. So much history in one day we first stopped at 40 acres. The little shop had lots of great merchandise. read more

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It was a long dream of mine to visit the National Cesar Chavez Monument and Museum located in Central California. My wish was fulfilled on a recent trip to Northern California, we made a side trip to tour the grounds. Cesar Chavez accomplished so much for workers in California, where they used to endure 12 hour work days with minimal breaks for lunch or to use the bathroom. I did not realize that Cesar and his wife are buried here, I wish I had taken flowers to lay at their graveside. I was so moved to view the beautiful setting and water fountain. Inside the museum are photos from the Union activities and volunteers who literally slaved to bring about changes that we all enjoy today. A replica of the farm worker simple living quarters gave a glimpse of what their life was like living and working in the fields. I enjoyed seeing Cesar's office through the glass window. It remains intact as he left it and under lock and key to ensure it remains undisturbed. I purchased a book, totes bag, and TShirt to remind me of this special place. It is more than 2 hours away from my home, I wish I could return more often. A special section devoted to 5 Union members who lost their life while doing their work for the cause. So on this THANKSGIVING day, I give THANKS and Tribute to the United Farm Workers Union, Cesar and Helen Chavez. They are my heroes. read more

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Very nice, clean, educational, informative place. We watched a 12 minute documentary and walked through the museum/visitor center as them went outside to the gardens. Super clean restrooms and water bottle re-filling station. You can bring some snacks and have a little picnic outside in the garden, plenty of benches. Workers were welcoming, helpful, and informative! read more

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Great history lesson. Short stop over with graves of Chavez and wife in beautiful garden. Picnic area and Jr Ranger program.

A very nicely built monument to remember one of the most prominent people in the National Farmer' Association's history. The garden they have outside is a nice sanctuary and very peaceful. read more

Cesar E Chavez National Monument - Visitor Center Entrance - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keene, California

A beautiful and serene place. Great for hiking and just spending some quiet time. This place is a gorgeous tribute to Cesar E. Chávezs' legacy. You can feel the history. I would certainly visit again. If you decide to visit pack a lunch and take the kids. They have a nice little playground. It was cool to watch the trains circle the property from so close by. I was able to stand safely about 6ft away watching them travel. That was awesome! read more

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I am a National Park fanatic. This is a nice little monument, well maintained and ran. Learned some interesting facts about the farm workers and I love how the Filipino farm workers are highlighted and give a more accurate depiction of history. Something you do not get in the history books. read more

This is a nice place to stop and look around if you are visiting or passing through the Tehachapi area. The place was dedicated as a National Monument in 2012 and is now run by the National Park Service. There is no charge for admission. The visitor center houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of Cesar Chavez. There are also gardens and a burial site where both Cesar Chavez and his wife are buried. I found the receptionist in the visitor center to be quite helpful, as she was very friendly and answered all my questions about the place. The place is not very large, so it probably won't take more than about an hour to see everything there is to see here. read more

Cesar E Chavez National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keene, California

The National Chavez Center has evolved into the César E. Chávez National Monument which is the easiest way to find the location when traveling in the area. Signage from the Keene Exit off Highway 58 between Bakersfield and Tehachapi points you in the general direction which does require the use of a one-lane road and bridge which may flood during storms. The Center and Monument is set in a historic ranch with a large outdoor garden and burial site for César and his wife. The interior of the center has lots of pictures taken during the farm strikes and does a good depiction of the conditions faced by the workers. I felt the museum did not really dive into the history of the strike and the overall conditions leading to César's rise and importance and does not address the continuing legacy of farm workers in California and beyond. Nevertheless, this is a nice and short stop to get a history lesson and enjoy the surroundings while in the area. Admission is free and is easily combined with visiting the Tehachapi Loop. read more

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Phenomenal views! You have to stop by and check this place out. It's right off the freeway it's free!

This site is definitely worth a stop to honor and learn about Cesar Chavez and his fight to improve working and living conditions for farmworkers. Right now there is a photo exhibit but a new more comprehensive exhibit is in the works. Formerly a hospital for tuberculosis the buildings became the headquarters for the United Farm Workers (UFW) in 1971. Cesar Chavez and many of the workers lived on site and some family members still do. The farm workers movement, the campaigns, strikes, boycotts, all started here. Their work lead to the 1975 Agriculture Labor Relations act which established the right of farm workers to organize. In the exhibit you can see Cesar's office. The grounds are tucked in the beautiful hill sides and the 120 acres are full of trees. He is buried on site along with his dogs who followed him everywhere. Come take a look at this moving part of our nations history. read more

Cesar E Chavez National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keene, California

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Honestly I didn't even realize this was a thing before I visited but I'm so glad we went. It was a great experience to see where Ceaser's actual office as well as his final place of rest. There was a little garden with gorgeous fountains to walk around. Considering it was free to get in you really have no reason not to visit. I for sure want to go back when they open up his house to the public as well. read more

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Amazing historical site!! So much to learn and see. Don't miss the musuem. Que viva Cesar Chávez!

I stumbled into this place while driving. The place is really well capped and it has a lot of history. Cesar E Chavez was a pioneer and fought for the rights of farmworkers. -knowledge is Power- read more

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Si se puede!!! An incredible and beautiful place with the memory of an outstanding and respected public figure, the late Cesar Chavez. We attended a beautiful wedding here for our lovely friends, Scot and Teresa. The best wedding ever. The buildings and grounds are meticulously maintained. Perfect for weddings and other family events located in a secluded location where the party music can go on for hours. The site states: Established in 2004 by the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, the National Chavez Center at Nuestra Senora Reina de La Paz is the official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Cesar Chavez. The 187-acre site is currently comprised of a visitor center and memorial garden.Subsequent phases will include a museum and conference center for educating the public about Cesar's legacy and the courageous struggle to improve the working and living conditions of farm workers. Once fully completed, this national landmark and California historical and educational resource will serve as the nation's primary facility for educating the public about Cesar's life, legacy, and values. It will also serve as the hub of the Foundation's programming, allowing visitors to see, first-hand, Cesar's home of 20 years, the office in which he worked, as well as his personal papers and effects. The National Chavez Center is located at: 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road Keene, California read more

There is barely stuff to see which made it boring and the museum itself is tiny...they should fix the grounds by the garden cause I fractured my elbow due to the deep rocky uneven broken crack pavement.... I am never going back here ever... read more

This monument is such a valuable addition to California and America. The history of achievements and the class with the execution of those achievements make this man a true icon of history for all. To study and learn from the actions of this man is an inspiration. To emulate the actions is divine. His work affected the quality of life for millions. Be sure to investigate the details of this man's life. They are amazing. read more

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Surprisingly, this has been open 11 years!! But I had never heard about it until after the National Park Service took over almost two years ago. Not a lot of info about what caused the strike, Chavez's role in it, the outcome, etc... It's just pictures of the strike. I felt like I didn't know anymore when I left than when I got there, which makes me sad because I really wanted to learn about this chapter in CA and Valley history. Even though it's part of the NPS, there is no entry fee, just donations are asked for. read more

In these tumultuous times, Chávez's message of perseverance and possibilities in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds resonates as strongly as ever. As hundreds of thousands of people around the world take to the streets to protest the inequality and injustice that plague our planet, we should take time to remember the pioneering protests led by the incomparable César Chávez. He taught us all that "¡sí se puede!" "Yes, we can!" If you're in the area (which is surreally beautiful, I must add), make sure to stop in and check out the small museum and Chávez's gravesite and memorial. read more

While I was glad to pay respects by visiting the grave site of Cesar Chavez I felt the visitor center was subpar. Seeing Cesar's office was great but the rest of the center was lacking. Predominantly there are photos all over the place. While they identify who is in the photos there is no explanation about the strike or great works of Mr Chavez. I left disappointed. read more

A wonderful place that pays tribute and remembrance to the historically important and inspirational César Chávez. The visitor center is very pretty, and the locale outside is even more spectacular. An absolutely beautiful place and spot that should be a must-stop for anyone traveling through. A great place for a picnic or rest stop, learn some history, and enjoy the beautiful scenery (seriously, it's so pretty here). read more

What a remarkable place to tour!! The locations is exceptional with its exquisite gardens, museum from la causa, etc! You have to go here if you love history, the outdoors and the american worker struggle! read more

This museum is very touching. Cesar Chavez was a triumphant man that risked it all for basic human and civil rights to the local farmworkers. He and his supporters organized and fought farmland owners with failure not being an option. There are many photos of the boycott, strike, organizing meetings and finally agreements of better wages, rest breaks, sanitary conditions, medical plans and union building. For all those that didn't feel it was too informative, there is a short documentary narrated by George Lopez that can be played in the theatre room to the left as you enter. Robert Kennedy is featured and even his assassination, my guess for supporting the NFWA. We saw this first before walking the halls but agree that we would be lost without seeing it first. Got a little teary eyed seeing him so weak during his 27 day fast and being carried to court hearings. Also, we had no idea that it was an actual burial site of him and his two dogs! I recommend an informative plaque of his achievements and indicating his final resting period for all visitors to be aware before entering the garden. Also, a sign on the 58 Fwy would be helpful to draw in more visitors. Drove past it to Yosemite and had no idea it was even here! There is also a hall that can be rented for events, conventions, weddings, etc. I bought a few strike pins and his autobiography to pay tribute to this building and Chavez. read more

Cesar E Chavez National Monument - Cesar Chavez being held by two men to court hearings. All his supporters were on there knees! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keene, California

I loved visiting this center and learning more about Cesar Chavez and his many contributions to the state of CA. The dvd was very helpful and informative. I enjoyed hearing about and seeing Cesar's office where I heard descriptions of his belongings and their significance. It was nice to be reminded of his belief in non-violence, in God, and in helping people. The memorial gardens were lovely and serene with lots of rose bushes and other plants. Cesar and his wife Helen were laid to rest here. read more