Fort Irwin: History and Recreation

Fort Irwin brings together several historical perspectives with guided tours and recreation. Topics range from the Lake Mojave period and the development of the National Training Center to the travel routes at Bitter Springs. If you’re planning a stay, you can choose among history, tour formats, and activities such as bowling, games, or events for children.

History and Heritage

The National Training Center (NTC) grew from a concept in 1976 through its initial implementation in 1980 to its early years of operation, which continued through 1984. The NTC was officially activated on October 16, 1980; Fort Irwin returned to active status on July 1, 1981. These dates mark different milestones: the concept and initial implementation describe the center’s development, while the return to active status applies to Fort Irwin.

The National Training Center and 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Museum explores the history of the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Range, from which Camp Irwin and Fort Irwin emerged. The General Robert W. Cone National Training Center Fort Irwin Heritage Center showcases historical training technology that soldiers have used over the years, including the “God Gun.” While the museum provides context for the origins of Camp and Fort Irwin, the Heritage Center shows examples from the training environment.

The historical perspective also reaches far back: people of the Lake Mojave period are believed to have lived in the area around Fort Irwin nearly 15,000 years ago. Comparing this with the NTC’s 1976 concept year highlights the span between this ancient past and the later history of military training.

A camp near Bitter Springs first served travelers on the Old Spanish Trail and later those on the Mormon Trail. Both trails connected Salt Lake City with California. Bitter Springs, on the eastern edge of Fort Irwin, was a favored stopping place. These routes tell a different kind of story from the NTC’s development milestones: the focus is on travel routes and a camp, not the history of a military installation.

Tours and Recreation

Fort Irwin Outdoor Recreation offers personalized guided Desert Discovery Tours, available as day or night tours. If you want to include a tour in your plans, check the booking options for your preferred format in advance. One tour route crosses the far side of Black Mountain, passes the Harper dry lake bed, and continues to Rainbow Basin State Park.

Kyle Coyote Spray Park operates seasonally and is free for all visitors. Shockwave offers on-site dining as well as arcade games, pool tables, air hockey, and an outdoor patio; these offerings are subject to change.

Samuel Adams Brewhouse at Epicenter serves draft and bottled beer, along with burgers, wraps, sandwiches, wings, appetizers, and other pub fare. The menu is subject to change.

Desert Winds Bowling Center has several bowling lanes with automatic scoring; these features are subject to change. Fort Irwin MWR Library hosts book clubs, game nights, and activities for children. Event dates are also subject to change.

Recreation options vary in format: Desert Discovery Tours are guided day or night experiences, bowling and games offer other activities, and the MWR Library program includes activities for children. This makes it easy to compare the options by format.

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