Lancaster is a genteel city in the California that is steeped in history and culture. The historical landmarks like the Western Hotel Museum, Blackbird Airpark and Antelope Valley Indian Museum highlights Lancaster’s past and the historic beauty and charm for which the city is known. For cultural and artistic experience, the city is home to a variety of museums and cultural centers– the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, Aerospace Walk of Honor and Lancaster Performing Arts Center. Visitors looking for a nature realm, a variety of natural landmarks beckons- from Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to Saddleback Butte State Park. So if you’re planning a holiday trip, consider this gorgeous city that has a little something for all age groups. Believe us, you won’t regret adding this city to your holiday list. So pack your bags and fly to this astonishing city.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Image by BorisFromStockdale at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
Visitors to Lancaster should explore the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, which is a state-protected reserve situated in the western Mojave Desert. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is filled with vibrant and colorful wildflowers. This spot is thronged from February until May for its beautiful palette of the California state flower- Poppies. It is the Lancaster’s most popular tourist spot and offers a surreal and splendid view of nature. It also features about 8 miles of trails winding through the rolling hills and paved areas. Walk through the trails and experience first-hand the beauty and magnificence of poppy flowers like nowhere else in California. It also has a picnic area and a visitor center that features exhibits about the flowers and wildlife of the area. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, relax in the tranquil environment and take in the nature and splendour of poppies, listen to birds singing and spot wildlife. The city also hosts a Poppy festival in the month of April that attracts large crowd.
Address: 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-724-1180
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Browse the local art at Lancaster Museum of Art and History!
Map data: Google, DigitalGlobe
The Lancaster Museum of Art and History opened its doors in 1986 for folks to enjoy the work of art by local artists and also get acquainted with the Antelope Valley history through the engaging permanent collection of art and artifacts, including sculpture, film, drawings, prints and photography. Visitors can get a glimpse of the Antelope Valley past through exhibits that focuses on post-war California art, Native American artifacts and contemporary art. It also showcases rotating exhibits by well-known national and international artists. One of the striking works is the “Eglash Collection”, which is a contemporary work of art gifted to the Lancaster Museum of Art by Steven Eglash and his artist wife Gisela Colon. Works by artists, namely Eric Johnson, Ann Marie Rousseau, Lisa Barleson, Brad Howe, Eric Zammitt, Clayton Brothers, Guy Dill, Nike Schroeder and many more is on display. Beautiful works by street artists from Southern California is also on display, including Aaron Martin, Cryptik, Teddy Kelly, David Flores and Hueman. Its stunning collection highlights the art, culture and history of the Antelope Valley beautifully and caters to all age groups.
Address: 665 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-6250
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:00am-6:00pm; Thursday: 11:00am-8:00pm; Friday to Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
A glance at Native American Culture at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park!
Catch a glimpse of the Great Basin Indian culture at the Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park, a one-of-a-kind folk art structure situated in Lancaster. The museum features artifacts and exhibits of the native and contemporary American Indian groups from three cultural areas- California, the Southwest and the Great Basin. The main attraction is the collections of H. Arden Edwards (founder) and Grace Oliver (owner). The museum has three rooms with rare objects and several cultural materials on display highlighting the history of the Indians in the region. The museum also features a “touch room” where visitors can touch the real artifacts. Also, visitors can see the tools and equipments the Indians used for their every day chores, like bow drills, fires using sticks and more. Outside the museum is a picnic area, an outdoor ceremonial place and nature trail. Several events, traditional dance and special activities and programs are held here year-round.
Address: 15701 E Avenue M, Lancaster, CA 93535, United States
Phone: 1 661-946-3055
Opening hours: Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Catch a show at Lancaster Performing Arts Center!
Started in 1991, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center has been enticing the Antelope Valley with a wide spectrum of programs, including the gymnasts show, comic performances, music performances, ballet performances, the Gold Gala Club, Shakespeare-theme improv, and a number of other performances by regional and national artists. It runs everything from dance to theatre to musical productions to workshops and programs for children. Whether your preference is dramatic or melodic, this spot shows it all. A perfect place for a pleasant evening!
Address: 750 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-5950
Honor the test pilots at Aerospace Walk of Honor!
Aviation and space lovers will enjoy visiting the Aerospace Walk of Honor, which recognizes and honors the contribution of the test pilots who have played a significant role in the nation’s space and aviation research and development. Aerospace Walk of Honor was formed in 1990 and is the first of its kind in the US recognizing the contribution of aviators. Visitors can see the granite monuments along the Lancaster BLVD that pay tribute to the history of the test pilots like William “Pete” Knight, Neil Armstrong, Glen Edwards and Charles Yeager, to name a few. A great spot to get insights on aerospace industry! The Aerospace Walk of Honor program was ended in 2009 August.
Catch a baseball game at The Hangar!
Image By Alan Radecki (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
Baseball fans will love visiting The Hangar. It is a stadium that is home to a minor league baseball team- The JetHawks. The Hanger can accommodate more than 7,000 fans. It has a video message board, a manual scoreboard and skyboxes. Catching a game here is a must-do experience when in Lancaster! So, grab your tickets as they sold out quickly and enjoy the game.
Address: 45116 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-726-5400
A unique experience at Musical Road!
Image by snolygoster [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Located on Avenue G, the Civic Musical Road plays a piece of the “William Tell Overture” finale when you drive over. The Civic Musical Road was originally made for a Honda Commercial in the year 2008 and was built on Avenue K- named Honda Civic Musical Road. Later, it was re-constructed on Avenue G and remains there until today. It has grooves that are placed in a way that when driven over, a rumbling in the form of musical tune of Rossini's "William Tell Overture" is played. So, as you drive down the road, over the grooved lines, an audible musical note passes through the wheels into the body of the car. Though, the sound quality varies at different speed limit and lanes. The speed limit must not exceed more than 55 mph. A one-of-a-kind experience!
Address: 3315 W Avenue G, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Honor the local heroes at American Heroes Park!
This 12-acre recreation park offers little something for everyone. The American Heroes Park commemorates the brave local heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of America. Also, it is a hub of recreational activities, people-watching, sun-bathing and sports activities. It features two gazebos, soccer and baseball fields, playground, handball and basketball court, an adobe structure, trellis structures and ample parking space. Parents can relax in the park, take a tranquil walk amidst the lush greenery and soak up some sun, while kids can indulge in outdoor activities. It is a photographed tourist spot in Lancaster.
Address: 642 W Jackman Street, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00am-8:00pm
Culinary adventure at BLVD Farmer’s Market!
For a culinary adventure in Lancaster, make your way over to BLVD Farmer’s Market that is packed with food products and farm-fresh produces. It is a weekly farmer’s market that is held on Thursday from 4:00pm-9:00pm on Lancaster BLVD from May to October, and from November to April on Thursday from 2:00pm-6:00pm on Ehrlich and Elm Avenue. It has a cornucopia of organic produces, fresh vegetables and fruits, readymade food, fresh bread, honey, baked treats, and much more. In addition to food products, it also has handmade crafts, specialty items, gifts and souvenirs. Local musicians entertain the crowd. It is a family-friendly market where you can shop, enjoy people-watching, grab brunch and listen to local singers, as well.
Glimpse of Antelope Valley’s past at Western Hotel Museum!
Map data: Google, DigitalGlobe
Step back in the late 1800s at the Western Hotel Museum. The museum features a fascinating collection of historical artifacts and objects that highlight the history of the area. It includes old mining equipments, Native American stone tools, photos and other memorabilia. It was established in 1888 and is one of the oldest standing buildings in the city. Do check the backyard that features the footprints of Lancaster’s most popular residents- Judy Garland. As you step into the museum wood-paneled rooms and broad hallways, you’ll feel the vibe of the 1890s. It boasts a rich heritage of the Valley.
Address: 557 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-6250
Opening hours: Saturday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Air Force Flight Test Museum
Located on the Edwards Air Force Base, the Air Force Flight Test Museum features more than 40 aircrafts, including helicopters, supersonic jets and rocket engines. Highlights include exhibits on WWII flight testing and sounding barrier. Take a guided tour of the Edwards Air Force Base and Museum. You are required to get the access to the base in order to take a tour of the museum and base.
Address: 405 S Rosamond Blvd., Edwards AFB, CA 93524, United States
Phone: 661-277-8050
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am-4:30pm
Enjoy panoramic views of the desert at Saddleback Butte State Park!
Image By Gwillhickers (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1960, the Saddleback Butte State Park that has a Saddleback Butte mountaintop above the park. It is nestled east of Lancaster, California. The elevation of the mountaintop is 3,651 foot. It also features a 2.5miles hiking trail to the summit of the mountain. Climb up the summit of the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking view of the natural surroundings of the Valley. As you wander the park, you’ll see native wildflowers, Joshua tree woodlands, desert tortoise, native desert plant life and a variety of animals, including lizards, rabbits, snakes and coyotes. When you need a break while hiking, sit on the boulders and enjoy the beautiful and photographic views of the surroundings. Start your tour with a visit to the visitor center that features exhibits on the Valley’s history, heritage and geology. The hiker lovers will love this spot! The park is also perfect for horseback riding, camping and other outdoor activities. \
Address: Lancaster, CA 93535, United States
Phone: 1 661-946-6092
Spot local flora and fauna at Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park!
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This 560-acre park is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is a serene park with Juniper woodlands, desert Joshua trees, and local flora and fauna. It also has 1/2 mile nature trail and a variety of wildlife, including roadrunners, lizards, rattlesnakes, coyotes, squirrels, quails, rabbits, and much more. The best time to visit is early spring when the native Joshua trees blossoms, thus showcasing an utter mesmerizing beauty. Dogs are allowed in the park. You can walk your dog on the pedestrian walk-through areas all around the park.
Address: Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-946-6092
A serene walk amidst nature at Prime Desert Woodland Preserve!
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve features native, desert flora and fauna in the natural environment. Take a relaxing walk amidst the nature, relax and learn about the local wildlife and desert vegetation, including California Junipers and Joshua Trees. It also features more than 3 miles of trails and scenic landscapes. It is another photographed tourist spot in Lancaster, so do not forget to carry your camera. Young and young-at-heart folks, both will enjoy this place.
Address: 43201 35th Street W, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States
Phone: 1 661-723-6230
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00am-10:00pm
Best Tourist Spots in Lancaster Map Guide
