Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP
California State Historic Park
15701 East Ave. M Lancaster, CA 93535; 661-946-3055;
Museum Website; Park Website;
Open: Sat-Sun 11AM-4PM; Kids 12&under FREE;

Built in the 1920s among towering rock formations in the Mojave desert, the museum is a unit of the California State Department of Parks and Recreation system.

The exhibits and interpretive emphasis are on American Indian groups of the Southwest, Great Basin, and California culture regions, since Antelope Valley was a major prehistoric trade corridor linking all three of these culture regions.

The museum was originally constructed by homesteader/artist H. Arden Edwards in 1928. The chalet-style structure was built over an entire rock formation of Piute Butte in the Mojave Desert. The unusual folk-art structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers the visitor a unique experience.

Next to the museum is a self-guided nature trail, a picnic area, and an outdoor ceremonial arena. Occasionally guest Indian groups perform traditional dances and other programs. There is an annual opening event each fall featuring a traditional ground blessing ceremony. There are also Indian artists demonstrating and selling their work, Indian food, and special activities for children. The museum also sponsors periodic educational seminars.

The Antelop Valley area consists of high desert covering Northern Los Angeles County, Southwestern Kern County and the western edge of the Mojave Desert.

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