11 Best Sights in The Mojave Desert, California

This museum got its start as a private collection of Native American antiquities gathered in the 1920s by artist and amateur naturalist Howard Arden Edwards. Today, his Swiss chalet–style home is a state museum known for one-of-a-kind artifacts from California, Southwest, and Great Basin native cultures, including tools, artwork, basketry, and rugs. The eclectic works are predominately focused on the people of Antelope Valley. A ¼-mile walking trail loops a portion of the property. To get here, exit north off Highway 138 at 165th Street East and follow the signs, or take the Avenue K exit off Highway 14.

When it comes to the history of road travel in America, it's hard not to think fondly of Historic Route 66, and this 4,500-square-foot museum is chock-full of memorabilia—maps and postcards, photographs, paintings, nostalgic displays—that brings the iconic highway to life. Highlights include a Studebaker horse carriage, a 1917 Model T Ford, and an original concession stand from Santa Monica Beach. Friendly volunteers are more than happy to answer questions and take your picture inside the flower-painted VW Love Bus. There's a large gift shop where you can sift through Mother Road souvenirs. 

This historic train depot was built around 1911 (the first 1885 structure was destroyed by fire) and was one of the original Harvey Houses, providing dining and lodging for rail passengers. Waitresses at the depots were popularized in movies such as The Harvey Girls with Judy Garland. It now houses offices and three museums: the Western American Railroad, Route 66 Mother Road, and the NASA Goldstone Deep Space Visitor Center, but you can still walk along the porticos of the impressive Spanish Renaissance Classical building, or stroll into the restored lobby to see the original staircase, terrazzo floor, and copper chandeliers.

Since the Naval Air Warfare Station is now closed to the public, this museum—opened in 2018—gives an alternative glimpse into the history, technology, and weaponry at China Lake. More than 20 exhibits display missiles, aircraft, rockets, and other full-spectrum weapons. There is no charge to visit the gift shop and exterior fighter jets.

The highlights of this museum dedicated to Inyo County and the Eastern Sierra’s history include photos and artifacts from the Manzanar War Relocation Center, Paiute and Shoshone baskets, and exhibits on the Los Angeles Aqueduct and mountaineer Norman Clyde. Be sure to visit the botanical garden and the outdoor exhibits as well.

Don’t be fooled by the name. The Owl Café off Highway 395 just south of Randsburg contains a mining museum in a building that once served as a speakeasy saloon and brothel. The original 1930s bar remains, and there’s plenty of memorabilia to keep you entertained, including prospecting supplies, old photographs, and newspaper clippings from the Prohibition era. Mining tours and gold-prospecting charters are offered by advance reservation.

The museum contains interesting exhibits that survey the Upper Mojave Desert area's art, history, archaeology, and geology. It also sponsors art exhibits and cultural programs, and it contains an information center for Death Valley.

Considered "Barstow's attic," this museum has a floor-to-ceiling collection that highlights local history, both quirky and conventional. Items on display include Ice Age fossils such as a giant mammoth tusk dug up in 2006, Native American artifacts, 19th-century handmade quilts, and exhibits on early settlers. Entrance is free, and there’s a little gift shop with a nice collection of more than 500 books about the area.  The story about Possum Trot and its population of folk-art dolls is not to be missed.

Hopalong Cassidy, Barbara Stanwyck, Roy Rogers, John Wayne—even Robert Downey Jr.—are among the celebrities who have starred in the hundreds of Western films shot in the Alabama Hills and surrounding dusty terrain. This marquee-embellished, 10,000-square-foot museum relates the Hollywood-in-the-desert tale via exhibits and a rollicking 15-minute documentary.

The colorful history of the Rand Mining District during its heyday of 1896 is celebrated in this small museum, with displays that include historical mining photographs, documents, and artifacts. Since the museum is only open weekends (11 am–2 pm) based on volunteer availability, it's best to email ahead regarding a visit. (The phone line is seldom answered.) 

You can almost hear the murmur of passengers and rhythmic, metal-on-metal clatter as you stroll past the old cabooses, railcars, and engines, such as Sante Fe Number 95, that are on display outside the historic Barstow station housing this museum. Inside, the memorabilia includes a train simulator, rail equipment, a model railroad, items from the depot’s Harvey House days, and period dining-car china from railways around the country.