Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park

Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is California's State Regional Indian Museum 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.

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 museum offers the visitor a unique experience.

Have you visited the museum recently? Please complete a short visitor survey here.

 

Adventure Pass

Are you ready for an adventure?
The new California State Parks Adventure Pass provides free entry for fourth grade students at 54 select parks throughout the state including the Antelope Valley Indian Museum. Learn how you can explore California's extraordinary cultural and natural resources at California State Parks Adventure Pass.

 

Special Events

Dance, Art, and Storytelling: Native American Festival Returns to Antelope Valley Indian Museum

LANCASTER – California State Park’s Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park (SHP) invites the public to join its annual Native American Celebration on Oct. 19 and 20. The event will feature captivating performances, traditional storytelling, and arts and crafts exhibitions celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Native American tribes.

The event will kick off with a blessing by Chumash/Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians elder Ted Garcia. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy performances and interactive activities.

WHAT:                   Native American Celebration

WHEN:                   Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

COST:                    $8 for those over 12 years old, free for children 12 and under.

WHERE:                 Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP, 15701 East Avenue M, Lancaster, CA 93535

DIRECTIONS:        From State Route 14 in Lancaster, go east on Avenue K to 150^th Street East. Turn right and go south for two miles to Avenue M. Turn left and go east on Avenue M for one mile to reach the museum.

Additionally, the event will feature booths and information from the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, Torres Martinez Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and Marine Corps League Antelope Valley. Below are some of the activities the public can enjoy:

• Music and Dance: Enjoy hoop dancing by Sage Romero (Paiute/Taos Pueblo), traditional songs by Kaelene Ashmore (Diné), Aztec dancing by Danza Azteca Xochipilli, music from Blue Star, a Northern Style drum group, and traditional bird songs sung by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.
• Native Storytelling: Listen to traditional Chumash stories told by Ted and Dennis Garcia (Chumash/Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians).
• Hands-on Activities: Get involved in the traditional skill of clay working and learn how to pound acorns and pine nuts at the touch table in Joshua Cottage.
• Flint Knapping Demonstration: Watch the fascinating process of making arrowheads with expert Mike Thompson.
• Art, Crafts, and More: Explore and purchase handcrafted Native American jewelry, beadwork, gourd art, paintings, and crafts created by 14 Native artists.
• Traditional Native Cuisine: Don't miss the chance to try Indian tacos and fry bread, available for purchase from the Wildhorse Native American Association.

In addition to the performances and activities, this is also a great opportunity for visitors to tour the museum, with knowledgeable docents on hand to provide insights. Mark your calendars for this enriching celebration of Native American culture and community.

Pets are not allowed in the museum. Service animals are welcome per California State Parks' Service Animals Policy.

California State Parks supports equal access. If you are in need of special accommodation or need more information,please call the museum at (661) 946-3055 (711 TTY relay service).

Our Annual American Indian Celebration is the third weekend of October every year, featuring a traditional ground blessing ceremony, American Indian traditional dancing and music, Indian artists demonstrating and selling their work, Navajo tacos, and special activities for children. 

The museum also sponsors periodic visiting artists, exclusive hikes, and evening events. 

The calendar of upcoming events can be found on our Facebook pages at www.Facebook.com/AVIndianMuseum, and www.Facebook.com/IndianMuseumFriends.

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 to 150th Street East, go south on 150th for 2 miles. Turn left on Ave. M, and go east for 1 mile to the museum. Or exit Pearblossom Highway (138) at 165th Street East and travel north. Bear right as 165th turns into 170th Street East. Continue north on 170th to Avenue M. Turn left on Avenue M, and go west for 1 mile to the museum.
Latitude/Longitude: 34.7506 / -118.3583

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing

The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is recommended.

District Superintendent Orders

The following District Superintendent Orders have been implemented:

• Partial Closure of Piute Butte [Download Superintendent Order] (1/2024)