West Kern Oil Museum Taft California
Discover the rich history of California oil at this volunteer-run museum, featuring a replica of the last wooden derrick.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
West Kern Oil Museum Taft California
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the rich history of California oil at this volunteer-run museum, featuring a replica of the last wooden derrick.
"Surprisingly massive, lots to see, explore and learn about the history of the town and oil industry."
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
This museum is volunteer-run, so hours can vary. Always call to confirm they're open before you visit!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
It's surprisingly massive with lots to see! Plan to spend several hours exploring the exhibits and gardens.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 121 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
westkernoilmuseum.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Replica Jameson #17 Derrick
Outdoor Exhibit
See an exact replica of the last standing wooden derrick in California, a testament to early oil drilling.
Early Oilfield Life Exhibits
Indoor Museum
Step back in time and discover the daily lives of those who worked and lived in the historic oil camps.
California Oil History
Indoor Museum
Uncover the fascinating story of oil in California, from its discovery to its impact on the state.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Volunteer-Run Gem
Plan for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
This museum is volunteer-run, so hours can vary. Always call to confirm they're open before you visit!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
It's surprisingly massive with lots to see! Plan to spend several hours exploring the exhibits and gardens.
📚 Engage with Docents
The high school docents are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Ask them questions to enhance your visit!
🚶 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the lovely plants and gardens surrounding the museum – a peaceful contrast to the industrial history.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
This museum is volunteer-run, so hours can vary. Always call to confirm they're open before you visit!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
It's surprisingly massive with lots to see! Plan to spend several hours exploring the exhibits and gardens.
📚 Engage with Docents
The high school docents are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Ask them questions to enhance your visit!
🚶 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the lovely plants and gardens surrounding the museum – a peaceful contrast to the industrial history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the West Kern Oil Museum for its surprisingly vast collection and the fascinating history of California oil it preserves. The volunteer staff and knowledgeable docents are frequently highlighted for their helpfulness and passion. While the museum is a gem, it's essential to call ahead for operating hours due to its volunteer-run nature.
"Historical plaque inscription:
The Jameson # 17 oil derrick, which was drilled in 1917 and produced until the 1980’s, was scheduled to be torn down. In 1974 the local American Association of University Women and several dedicated people convinced Jameson Oil Company to donate the wooden derrick along with three acres of land to give the West Kern Oil Museum, Inc. a promising start.
The Jameson # 17 was the last standing wooden derrick in California, outlasting more than 7000 wooden derricks that covered the Midway-Sunset Field. Due to safety issues the derrick finally had to be torn down in 2003. However, the museum had the original plans, and in 2005 raised an exact replica of the derrick. Today, the replica stands over the original well, and is a part of the museum, which has grown to 8 acres.
The story of the oil companies, of everyday life in early oilfields and camps, as well as the story of oil itself are exhibited and interpreted within the museum.
The museum, run entirely by volunteers, is dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting artifacts, books, and equipment that tell the story of oil in California, particularly in West Kern County."
Craig Baker
"This is the side of do United States largest oil spill. Oil spilled out of the gusher for several months. The museum has a Lotta great oil artifacts. I could walk around for hours and still not see everything. I recommend calling before you go just to make sure it’s open. The people who operate the museum are very nice and accommodating"
bartellj
"Great place! learned some unknown history about California oil. Loved it."
Steve Runyon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The West Kern Oil Museum is located in Taft, California. Visitors typically drive to the museum. Taft is accessible via State Route 119. Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options directly to the museum are limited. It's best to plan your visit with a personal vehicle or rideshare service if available in the area.
If coming from Bakersfield, take CA-119 West. If coming from the west, you'll likely connect to CA-119. Always check current traffic conditions before you depart.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As the museum is volunteer-run, hours can vary. It's strongly recommended to call ahead to confirm operating hours before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Admission details are best confirmed by calling the museum directly. Many volunteer-run historical sites operate on donations or have modest entry fees.
Advance booking is generally not required for this type of museum. However, for group visits or special events, it's always a good idea to contact them in advance.
While specific accessibility information should be confirmed directly with the museum, many historical sites strive to accommodate visitors. Outdoor exhibits and grounds may have varying accessibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the history of oil in California, early oilfield life, the Jameson #17 oil derrick replica, and local town history. There are also lovely gardens to wander through.
Visitors often find the museum surprisingly massive and recommend allocating several hours to fully appreciate all the exhibits and grounds.
The museum is staffed by knowledgeable docents, including helpful high school students, who can provide insights and answer questions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. It's always polite to ask if you're unsure, especially in areas with delicate artifacts.
The Jameson #17 was the last standing wooden derrick in California. The museum features an exact replica built over the original well site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself typically does not have a cafe or restaurant. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to dine in Taft before or after your visit.
Taft offers several local diners and restaurants. You can find options for casual meals and local cuisine within a short drive from the museum.
You can usually bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in designated outdoor areas or picnic spots, but check with the museum for their specific policy.
📸 📸 Photography
The replica Jameson #17 derrick is a striking subject. The outdoor exhibits and the gardens also offer great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and museums due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check local regulations and museum policies before flying a drone.
Personal photography for non-commercial use is usually permitted. Avoid flash photography in areas with sensitive exhibits and always be respectful of other visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit