Kern: Cultural History, Nature and Distinctive Places

Kern can be explored through a wide range of themes: historic buildings, landmarks of social movements, distinctive landscapes and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, you can start by choosing what interests you: Would you like to learn more about regional history, discover habitats and wildlife, or spend time enjoying water sports? Each destination and experience offers its own highlights.

Cultural History and Historic Places

At the Kern County Museum, thousands of historical and cultural artifacts in more than 56 historic buildings tell the story of life in Kern County. The regional history presented spans the California Gold Rush, settlement and development, and today’s oil and agricultural industries. The objects and buildings offer different perspectives, illustrating both specific ways of life and the broader transformation of the region.

Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, usually called La Paz, is historically significant for its role in the labor, civil rights, Chicano and environmental movements of the 20th century. La Paz’s visitor center is housed in a replica of the original 1914 stone building that César Chávez used as his headquarters. Activities at the César E. Chávez National Monument include making buttons, guided ranger tours and Junior Ranger badges.

Fort Tejon State Historic Park features restored adobe buildings from the original Fort Tejon; guided tours are also available. The park can be reached via Exit 210 (Fort Tejon) off Interstate 5. Another stop for railroad history is the Tehachapi Loop: this California Historical Landmark was completed in 1876 under the direction of William Hood, a Southern Pacific railroad engineer.

Landscapes, Habitats and Wildlife

Red Rock Canyon State Park features desert cliffs, mesas and strikingly shaped, brightly colored rock formations. Those interested in nature reserves can explore the wetlands and Valley Sink Scrub and Valley Saltbush Scrub habitats across about 3,100 acres at Lokern Ecological Reserve. The Wetland Discovery Trail there offers a self-guided nature tour.

At Canebrake Ecological Reserve, woodland, sagebrush and wetlands meet. Activities there include hiking and wildlife watching. Comparing it with Lokern reveals two different ways to experience nature: Lokern centers on a self-guided tour along the Wetland Discovery Trail, while hiking and wildlife watching are the activities listed for Canebrake.

Tule Elk State Natural Reserve protects a small herd of tule elk that was once endangered. More than 200 non-releasable animals from over 80 native species live at CALM Zoo. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science offers a different perspective on wildlife: visitors can see Miocene-era baleen whale and sperm whale specimens, as well as large sea lion specimens, recovered from Sharktooth Hill.

Outdoor Activities and Planning Your Visit

At Lake Isabella, visitors can go boating, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing and fishing. The U.S. Forest Service manages the recreation facilities there. You can tailor your time at the lake to a range of activities on the water, from sailing to fishing.

For motorized activities, Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area offers many miles of trails and open riding areas. It lies in eastern Kern County next to State Route 14, on the western edge of the Mojave Desert, and can be reached via Jawbone Canyon Road off State Route 14. The landscape and access here are closely tied to the route and the edge of the desert.

Access to Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park is clearly defined: the public may visit only as part of a guided tour. Check tour dates before your trip. This lets you plan a visit to the site while other interests—such as nature reserves, cultural history or activities at Lake Isabella—offer different ways to spend your time in Kern.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Buttonwillow, Tehachapi, Delano, Lamont, Boron, Wofford Heights, Lost Hills, Taft, Rosamond, Kernville, Wasco, Arvin, Lebec, Mckittrick, Shafter, Inyokern, Pine Mountain Club, Mojave, Ridgecrest, Bakersfield, California City.

For the overview of the wider region: California.