Rand Desert Museum

The Rand Desert Museum was established in 1942 by the Lions Club, the First Museum of Kern County and the elder town residents. The museum preserves and protects the architectural and cultural history of the mining district and various historic sites in the Upper Mojave Desert Region of California. Visitors can find information about the surrounding communities at the museum including histories of Atolia, Randsburg, Red Mountain, Johannesburg, Garlock, Cantil and Saltdale. Historic collections at the mseum include books, photos and maps from the area. The museum is open on the weekends and over long holiday weekends from 10 am until 5 pm. The town is popular for photographers, fans of antique cars, honeymooners and family vacations. There have been a variety of television commercials and moves filmed in the town. There are several bed and breakfasts in the area. The museum features exhibits about the history of the town, the surrounding mine history and stories about town residents, merchants and industry. Near the museum is the Randsburg General Store where visitors can enjoy treats from an old-fashioned soda fountain, snacks and foods and a variety of other non-food item. Other businesses in town include Feeney's Claim, the Old School House Fasig's Antiques and the Rand Mining Company.