Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Picturesque rock formations and Joshua trees surround idyllic Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park located along the southern side of Piute Butte in the Mojave Desert only 22 miles east of Lancaster, California.
The Antelope Valley Indian Museum features an extensive collection of exhibits with a focus on American Indian groups of the Southwest, Great Basin, and California regions and the prehistoric trade corridor that extended through the Antelope Valley. Guests enjoy touring the museum, hiking the ½ mile nature trail, birdwatching, and picnicking on the park’s scenic grounds.
This 147 acre historic California state park and museum is open Saturdays and Sundays year round.
Activities
This unique state park has featured a public museum since the early 1930s. It’s also been the site of a homestead, theater, dude ranch, and even a Hollywood set. Today the park simply features a museum, scenic picnic area, and a nature trail. The historic grounds also contain historic cottages and an outdoor ceremonial space.
Special events are held in the park throughout the year including visiting artists, guided hikes, Holidays on the Homestead (in December), and an Annual American Indian Celebration (in October).
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park:
Tour the Museum at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
A visit to Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park isn’t complete without a tour of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum. This striking chalet-style building, built on top of an entire rock formation of Piute Butte, was constructed during the late 1920s by artist and homesteader H. Arden Edwards.
This historic building holds over 3,000 objects, consisting of clothing, blankets, baskets, pottery, arrows, work tools, jewelry, paintings, Katsina dolls, and much more. Many items are rare or one-of-a-kind. These exhibits also serve to highlight the important trade route that flowed through the Antelope Valley some 4,000 years ago and connected the American Indian groups of the Southwest, Great Basin, and California regions.
Hiking at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park’s ½ mile self-guided nature trail serves to highlight the American Indians of Antelope Valley as well as native plants, animals and other natural features. This easy trail begins near the west side of the museum and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Birding at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Be sure to pack your binoculars and a bird list before heading out to explore the nature trail inside Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park. You may get a chance to see a Mountain Quail, Common Raven, House Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch, European Starling, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-tailed Hawk, Anna’s Hummingbird, Mourning Dove, Cooper’s Hawk, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Hermit Thrush, California Gull, Mountain Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Mountain Bluebird, Yellow Warbler, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Western Tanager, or even a Peregrine Falcon.
Nature and Wildlife at Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP
Imagine what life was like in the Antelope Valley hundreds of years ago (and even further back) with a visit to Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park. During your visit here you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the lives and practices of the early American Indians.
While you’re here you’ll also have a chance to observe some of the native wildlife that lives within the park.
Wildlife such as the tiny Antelope Ground Squirrel, California Ground Squirrel, Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Desert Cottontail, coyote, Desert Spiny Lizard, Leopard Frog, and rattlesnake. Many find refuge in underground burrows, like the desert tortoise, whose home is highlighted by a half-moon, crescent shaped opening in the ground.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the nature trail or in any park buildings, including the museum. Service animals are not considered pets.
Camping
Enjoy your day at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park and then head over to Saddleback Butte State Park for a peaceful night under the stars. This nearby state park and campground is located at 43230 172nd Street in East Lancaster.
Saddleback Butte State Park features 50 first-come, first-served campsites for tents or RVs in their main campground area. Each site has a picnic table, shade ramada, barbeque grill, and a fire ring; all sites are located near restrooms with drinking water and flush toilets. There are no showers located inside the park.
The Joshua Group Camp area is available for groups of up to 30 people. Reservations are required for the group camp. For more information contact the Mojave Sector Office: (661) 946-6092.
Park Location
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park 15701 E Ave M Lancaster, CA 93535 Phone: 661.946.3055
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to visit California state parks?
Many popular California state parks, especially coastal and desert parks like Anza-Borrego and Crystal Cove, now require day-use reservations on weekends and holidays. Check the park website or ReserveCalifornia.com before your visit.
How much does it cost to enter a California state park?
Most California state parks charge a day-use parking fee of $10 per vehicle. An annual parks pass costs $125 and covers unlimited vehicle entry to all state parks.
Are dogs allowed in California state parks?
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads in most California state parks, but they are generally not permitted on trails or beaches. Service animals are always welcome. Check specific park rules before bringing your pet.
What is the best time of year to visit California state parks?
Coastal parks are best from spring through fall, desert parks from October through April, and mountain parks from June through October. Spring brings wildflower super blooms, and fall offers fewer crowds with pleasant weather.
Explore More California State Parks
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
