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Kern Valley Museum

4.7 (30 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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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!

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.

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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16 years ago

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

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11 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(82 reviews)
41.6 mi

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!

Spring time and fall is the best time to visit kern county museum. It's almost all outdoors so it's…read moreimportant to have good weather. It is THE PLACE to learn about kern county and bakersfield history. I love coming here and learning new things every time. Not all the exhibits are open each time so it's a little hit or miss but fun to try exhibits when they are open. The country music scene exhibit is really cool and makes you proud of the bakersfield sound and the vehicles exhibit was awesome for any car/wagon lover. I was impressed with the amount of historical vehicles. Then we also love the Lori Brock museum which is perfect for little kids to enjoy the arts/crafts area and make believe area and a small outdoor play ground. It's one of our favorite local activities!

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Kern County Museum
Kern County Museum
Kern County Museum

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Kern Valley Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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