Mishmar HaNegev

Mishmar HaNegev brings together the history of the kibbutz, traces of its earlier uses, and a trail that takes in several sites. This gives you a tangible historical connection to the place as you plan your trip: the themes range from the early settlement on a small hill to buildings that served different purposes over time.

A Trail Through Kibbutz History

The Mishmar HaNegev Trail covers 18 buildings and sites throughout the kibbutz. They are considered to have historical and emotional value. The trail invites you to walk among the buildings and read the information to get a sense of the early history of Mishmar HaNegev. The stations spread across the kibbutz offer a distinctive way to explore this history: they look at it across several sites rather than focusing on a single building. If you are interested in how a place developed, the trail provides a thematic framework for your stay.

One specific historical point of reference is October 6, 1946. On that day, the founders settled on a small hill overlooking the surrounding area. Here, the date and landscape go hand in hand: the kibbutz’s early history is tied to a settlement site on the hill.

The Heritage Shed tells a story of later use: it served as an art space. Chana Ben Zur taught there for many years, followed by Orna Freiberg. This sequence shows how the shed’s role changed: after its use as an art space, it became a place of long-term teaching by two successive teachers.

The Heritage House, too, has been put to different uses. At first, it served as accommodation for the children of the first kibbutz group, “Ayala’s class.” When these children moved to the youth accommodations, the third kibbutz group, “Arava,” took their place. The historical emphasis here is on the succession: one group used the house first, and another later took its place. This story differs from the trail’s distribution across several sites in the kibbutz.

More Topics in the Wider Destination of the Southern District

Alongside kibbutz history, the wider destination of the Southern District offers distinct topics in archaeology and nature. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Negev Highlands, along the route of the ancient Incense Route. Masada, in turn, stands as a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the last stand of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE. Remains of Herod’s palaces and intact Roman siege works are preserved there; they are among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. Registering in advance through the visitor coordination system secures a place for your chosen visit date; check the current information before planning your visit.

Ein Gedi offers a different focus. The nature reserve includes Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, flowing streams, ibex, and rock hyraxes. A hiking trail follows the year-round Nahal Arugot stream to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Route conditions may change after floods; check them before setting out.

At the Ramon Crater, the visitor center combines the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its unique natural phenomena. Before your visit, it is recommended that you check the center’s latest information.

The Southern District offers further landscape and archaeological contrasts elsewhere: Besor Park (Eshkol) lies on the river’s eastern bank, at the Ein Besor spring, and is an oasis with extensive lawns, picnic facilities, and playgrounds for children. At Ashkelon National Park, the Canaanite Gate dates to 1850 BCE; built from mud bricks and kurkar bricks, it is considered the oldest vaulted gate in the world. The southern part of the national park is a nature reserve protecting the distinctive flora and fauna of the sand dunes. Finally, Tel Be’er Sheva offers a view of modern Beersheba.

Discover more destinations: Mitzpe Ramon, Merhav Am, Dimona, Midreshet Ben Gurion, Arad, Kokhav Michael, Ashdod, Beersheba

For the wider travel overview: Southern District.