Field Trip to Devil’s Punchbowl
Maturango Museum Field Trip to Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area
Saturday, October 18, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, this stunning
geological wonder offers a unique opportunity to explore
dramatic rock formations, vibrant desert landscapes, and the
dynamic forces that shaped this region.
Our adventure begins at 10:30 am at the Devil's Punchbowl
Nature Center near…
Hidden Ridgecrest 5
The video will share some fun facts....
Did you know that the widening of China Lake Boulevard to 4 lanes in 1955 was one of Ridgecrest's largest community celebrations ever?
Did you know that on the north range of China Lake there exists a mysterious rock shelter that may or may not be a cavalry fort from the 1800s?
Did you know that most names in Ridgecrest come from several sources and that…
Kern Plateau Meadows Field Trip
Another! Kern Plateau Meadows Field Trip with Anne Dumas
Let's head to the high country! Join the Maturango Museum on a tour of several meadows on the Kern Plateau.
The Kern Plateau is a relatively flat area between 7,500 and 8,500 feet in elevation. There are about 30 meadows with streams and rich soil abundant with plants and flowers. Some years, there are lots of frogs!
It will be fun…
July 2025 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
By Debbie Benson, Director
July is a time to enjoy the local area! After celebrating Midsummer, the desert is drying and heat is a reality. We hear constant reminders to use care with anything involving fire and sun exposure. This includes you and your pet! That quick run across the street or sand with no protection can burn!
We have so many things to…
Kern Plateau Meadows Field Trip
Kern Plateau Meadows Field Trip with Anne Dumas
Saturday July 19
Let's head to the high country! Join the Maturango Museum on a tour of several meadows on the Kern Plateau.
The Kern Plateau is a relatively flat area between 7,500 and 8,500 feet in elevation. There are about 30 meadows with streams and rich soil abundant with plants and flowers. Some years, there are lots of…
Historical video screening “Hidden Ridgecrest 3”
Historical video screening “Hidden Ridgecrest 3”
Sunday June 22, 2pm
Mark Pahuta’s latest video presents little-known facts, anecdotes and rumors about Ridgecrest,
China Lake and the surrounding area. For instance:
- Do you know why there is a metal Joshua Tree on the west side of Highway 395 just South of the
road to Grapevine Canyon?
- Did you know that starting on August 6, 1945, 29…
Wildflower Exhibit
Maturango Museum’s Annual Wildflower Exhibit 2025
Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30.
Open 10 am – 5 pm, Friday & Saturday, and noon to 4 pm on Sunday.
The Wildflower Exhibit features wildflowers that grow in and around Ridgecrest, including eastern Sierra canyons. We concentrate on the watershed areas that feed into the Indian Wells Valley. Even though this year is dry,…
Searles Valley Historical Society Museums Field Trip
Searles Valley Historical Society Museums Field Trip Saturday, February 15
Have you ever driven through Trona on your way to someplace else, passing all the wonderful museums and wished you could stop and take a look? I know I have thought about it, but it can sometimes be hard to do spur of the moment since several of the museum buildings are open by appointment only. Guess what? We’ve made…
August 2024 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
By Debbie Benson, Director
“Leaving any bookstore is hard, especially on a day in August, when the street outside burns and glares, and the books inside are cool and crisp to the touch.” – Jane Smiley
Once again, this has been a summer of extreme heat that has made itself felt in the dry leaves and grasses and the survival of…
Private Tour of Bodie State Historical Park
The Maturango Museum has arranged for a very special private tour of Bodie State Historical Park ghost town on Saturday July 20th by Chris Spiller, a longtime Bodie volunteer and tour guide for the Bodie Foundation. We will meet in the Bodie parking lot at 10:00 am and will begin a two-hour tour learning a bit of the history and some revealing stories of what life was like in a booming gold…