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Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP

State Historic Park

Indian Museum Closed for Repairs
The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is closed indefinitely for stabilization.  For comprehensive interpretive and research information and a complete catalogue of the AVIM artifacts, visit www.avim.parks.ca.gov.

Special guided outdoor tours of the historic property and nature trail are now being offered for the public and school groups.  For more information, click on "Museum School and Group Tours" link.

During the interim, a small collection and information can be found nearby at the Saddleback Butte State Park visitor center, located 4 miles north at 170th Street East and East Avenue J.  For more information, visit the Saddleback Butte State Park website.

Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is California's State Regional Indian Musuem representing Great Basin Indian Cultures.The exhibits and interpretive emphasis are on American Indian groups (both aboriginal and contemporary) 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 contains the combined collections of founder Howard Arden Edwards and subsequent owner Grace Oliver. A number of the cultural materials on display are rare or one-of-a-kind objects. To view the entire museum collection, and access detailed interpretive information on American Indian cultures represented, please go to www.avim.parks.ca.gov.

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.

Demonstrations and Special Events (to resume on museum re-opening)
Joshua Cottage features a "touch table" room where everyone, regardless of age, can experience food grinding and processing techniques.  Or you can learn how earlier Indian groups started fires using sticks or bow drills.

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.

Location - Directions
The museum is located in northeastern Los Angeles County. It is 19 miles east of the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Highway 14), at 15701 East Avenue M in Lancaster. Go East on Avenue K or Palmdale Boulevard and follow the signs to the museum. Or exit Pearblossom Highway (138) at 165th Street East and travel North.
Latitude/Longitude: 34.7506 / -118.3583

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

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