On the Yucca strewn plains of the Southern Californian high desert, the morning wind bellows with cold ferocity deep within its grasp. The outlying San Gabriel Mountains pierce sporadically through storm clouds in a war to show off fresh snow-laden peaks. The low lying sun, shines down, ingratiating the landscape with a pure flattering lustre: our destination – Antelope Valley Indian Museum.
On a day like today, one would sit by a cosy fire. To be led astray through words imprinted on the pages of a well thought out novel, sipping intently on freshly brewed tea, and stealing glances towards the world beyond the window.
Not us though, because we have sites to see.
Indian Museum
The building that sits at the base of a rocky Piute Butte is probably very different than you’d expect. It seems more like a chalet than a museum.
We were glad to step inside out of the cold, where a cheerful smile greeted us. We paid $3.00 each and were given pamphlets with coupons for other parks nearby.
Directly behind us was the entrance to the first main room. This particular doorway seemed a tad low for the average individual; we had to hunch down or become one with the beam.
“Shadows on the Sand” as it’s known, has an intricately painted ceiling with various pictures and relics displayed behind glass.
Through the adjoining doorway, the next room holds more relics from the historical trade route.
The next room housed the original Antelope Valley Indian Research Museum.
This section was home to H. Arden Edwards who built it in 1928. It is so unique and beautiful with the landscape incorporated into the structure.
ANTELOPE VALLEY INDIAN MUSEUM – main building
The main room had a large fireplace and a brightly painted ceiling similar to the first room. Items here are on display in a very “easy on the eyes” way, which I am a big fan.
You can take your time reading the inscriptions or looking at the artefacts, depending on if you are a more fact-oriented person or an artistic visual person. We are one or the other!
For example; our conversation sounded like this.
Andrea. “Did you know Mr Edwards painted this self-portrait and he was self-taught? Another interesting fact is, he painted all of the paintings in here. They’re good, aren’t they?”
Steven. “Yeah you’re right those Kachina dolls are cool, I’ll get a picture of them.”
the upstairs rock room
Next, we climbed the rock staircase, which was between boulders to the next level, with more Native pieces displayed behind glass.
These items have strict “no flash photography” signs on their cases because they are fragile relics, so please adhere to their request.
the Cabin Trail in antelope Valley
The last component of this museum is outside. There is an easy half-mile walk around the premises to numbered posts with corresponding information on the provided pamphlet.
There are a few cabins adjacent to the museum. Once upon a time, these cabins were homes, then they were rented out to vacationers.
Now they look like residences for park hosts, so do keep from walking up and peering through the windows.
We were the only ones to brave the elements, but we were glad we did. It’s picturesque.
This location seems like a step back in time. The views are free of neighbourhoods, roads, power poles and electrical lines.
There were many interesting things to see on the trail, including this old stable and the original outhouse.
This spot is well worth the entry fee. You can easily spend around two hours or more here, and on a warm day, there are even picnic benches for you to enjoy a snack.
ANTELOPE VALLEY INDIAN MUSEUM – In a nutshell
- Address: 15701 E Ave M, Lancaster, CA 93535
- Open Saturday – Sunday. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Monday through Friday – reservations only 661-946-3055
- Admission – $3.00 per person (includes coupons for other parks)
- 2 hours visiting time
- Not suitable for wheelchairs – steps and uneven surfaces
- Main Website – click HERE
- Watch for snakes on the trails (we didn’t see any)
- Even on short hikes take plenty of drinking water
- Wear comfortable shoes
Remember: Take only photos, and leave only footprints. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve this site for others to enjoy.
location map
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