China Lake Museum, Ridgecrest

About China Lake Museum

The China Lake Museum in Ridgecrest preserves the history of the Naval Ordnance Test Station, established in 1943 near Inyokern. Visitors explore how scientists, engineers, and craftspeople developed rockets, missiles, and aircraft weapons in the Mojave Desert. The museum displays the largest collection of tactical air-launched weapons, including early Caltech rockets from World War II such as Holy Moses and Tiny Tim, plus the Sidewinder missile and propulsion exhibits. An aircraft yard features outdoor displays of planes and related equipment connected to the station's testing work. The STEAM Discovery Center offers hands-on programs and classes for children throughout the year, with families able to register in advance. The facility includes a gift shop stocked with books and museum-exclusive items. The museum welcomes families, aviation enthusiasts, military history fans, school groups, and engineering professionals. Visitors should allow roughly ninety minutes to two hours. Free parking and wheelchair accessibility are available.