Discover History In The Kern County Museum

Founded in 1841, the Kern County Museum located at 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, California sees over 85,000 visitors annually. The museum is housed on a 16 acre site and offers something for everyone to keep busy for the day.

The Kern County Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. As of August 1, 2011 the cost of admission is 10 for adults, 9 for seniors (60), 9 for teens 13 – 17, 8 for 6 – 12 year olds, and 7 for children ages 3 – 5. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge.

Pioneer Village has over fifty historic homes and exhibits that are sure to spark the imagination. The Howell House and the Lopez Hill House are open to guided tours daily.

Black Gold: The Oil Experience is an interactive portion of the museum that was added in 2002. This portion of the museum allows visitors hands on look and feel of how oil is formed and extracted from the Earth, including a simulated dive bell under the sea. The exhibit also shows different ways in which the oil is used, and how it has shaped our present and continues to shape and redefine the future.

For the younger visitors, check out the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center. This part of the museum puts learning into kid’s terms, and makes it a fun and invigorating experience for them. The CDC lets kids be kids while enhancing their education.

Finally, the Bakersfield Sound Center is a look at musical history from the area and includes items from Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens among many others. So if you find yourself in Bakersfield with nothing planned, why not take the day to explore the Kern County Museum.