California Living Museum in Bakersfield

Your Guide to California Living Museum in California

If you’re a fan of museums, or if you’re just looking for an awesome way to spend the day with your family, then we’ve got something special for you.

The California Living Museum is a museum that’s all about life in California. It’s located in Bakersfield, and it was created to help preserve and provide information about the state’s natural history.

There are lots of different exhibits at the museum that show off different aspects of California life—from plants and animals to the history of farming in the area. The museum also has an exhibit that shows visitors how important farming is to our everyday lives.

So, if you are ready to get a closer look at the natural world around you and learn more about your community, then be sure to head over to the California Living Museum.

Bakersfield California Living Museum History

The California Living Museum, or as it is otherwise known, CALM, was established in 1980 as Kern County’s first zoo. It was conceived by founder Michael Hopkins (and a group of civic leaders and other motivated volunteers) and opened to the public in 1983. In that first year of operation, only 9,000 visitors passed through its gates – by 2021 that number had swelled to 83,000.

The mission of this impressive 14-acre attraction is to further public knowledge of California’s unique flora and fauna. It does so through a variety of educational, conservation, and research endeavors – and is focused on providing 20,000 Kern County students with the opportunity to participate in its many on-site and off-site programs.

The Museum is home to around 400 species of animals (including Bald Eagles, Black Bears, Californian Condors, Mountain Lions, Black Tailed Mule Deer, as well as the personable Burrowing Owls, and many more) that are not suitable for release back into the wild, as well as California native plants.

Experiences at the California Living Museum

The Museum also provides team building and leadership training to students through programs such as the Condor Challenge. It also manages the Central California Children’s Railroad. This is an all-volunteer train that is inspected and certified by the State of California.

The train transports visitors to various attractions on the CALM grounds, as well as through the scenic, rolling foothills above Bakersfield. It is the perfect way to introduce the younger members of the family to the wonders of the visual and natural splendors of Kern County. For the youngest visitors to the Museum, the petting zoo is an unmissable delight, allowing them to experience the world of animals firsthand.

CALM is also the perfect place to hold a birthday party, corporate event, or special occasion such as a wedding. The Museum has four pavilion areas available for events.

Field Trips

Inspiring children about the natural world and the importance of conservation is one of the focus areas at CALM. The museum offers guided field trips that expose students to flora and fauna by using its unique resources. These field trips are suitable for students in a variety of grades and educators who wish to take advantage of this opportunity should contact the Museum at 661-872-2256 to get further information.