Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, Bakersfield

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, located in the Arts District of downtown Bakersfield, is a captivating institution dedicated to the fields of geology, anthropology, and paleontology. Founded in 1995, the museum has become a cornerstone of educational and cultural enrichment in the region, offering visitors a glimpse into the natural history of Kern County and beyond.

The museum's origins are deeply intertwined with the Bob and Mary Ernst Collection of Miocene fossils from Shark Tooth Hill, one of the largest collections of its kind. Initially, the museum operated out of a small space within the California Living Museum (CALM). As the collection grew, so did the museum's need for more space, prompting several relocations until it settled in its current downtown location. This growth allowed the museum to expand its exhibits and educational outreach, attracting a diverse array of visitors.

Central to the museum's allure is the Mary Ernst Collection of Miocene fossils from Shark Tooth Hill, showcasing a rich array of specimens that transport visitors back millions of years. In addition to this impressive collection, the museum boasts a variety of other exhibits, including a collection of taxidermy animals from Africa, a replica of a triceratops skull, a detailed replica of a Yokuts Indian village, and a meticulously crafted model of Yosemite Valley, complete with roads, buildings, and trails. These exhibits provide a comprehensive look at both local and global natural history.