Mojave River Valley Museum, Barstow

About Mojave River Valley Museum

The Mojave River Valley Museum preserves and presents the scientific, historical, and cultural heritage of the Mojave Desert in Barstow, California. Visitors explore displays and exhibits covering the region's history from Father Garces's arrival in 1776 through the eras of pathfinders, pioneers, miners, and railroads to the present space program. The museum occupies more than 4,000 square feet and houses an archive of local newspapers dating back to 1911 and a photo collection containing over 20,000 images. The facility includes a gift shop and a bookstore carrying nearly 500 titles. The museum offers educational lectures, demonstrations, and field trips for visitors interested in deeper engagement with the Mojave's past. Exhibits feature paleontological displays including Pleistocene horse tracks and other artifacts. Run entirely by volunteers, the museum welcomes families, students, and history enthusiasts seeking to understand the desert's heritage.