The Best Museums in Death Valley and Vicinity

Have you been wondering about the best museums in Death Valley? We’ve got you covered!

Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes. Known for its stunning landscapes, unique geology, and record-breaking heat, it’s also a place of rich history and fascinating culture. While many visitors come for the mesmerizing views of Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Zabriskie Point, the museums in and around Death Valley offer a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage, from mining history to local art and culture. This guide highlights the best museums in Death Valley and its surrounding areas, each with its own unique charm.

The Places Where We Go contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you when you purchase using one of these Amazon links.  Read our disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

🤩 Enjoy Death Valley Via A Tour
Death Valley Day Tour & Sunset & Stargazing & Red Rock Overlook

1. Furnace Creek Visitor Center

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your Death Valley adventure. This museum and visitor hub offers educational exhibits on the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history. From ancient Native American artifacts to interactive displays about Death Valley’s ecosystems, this center brings the park’s story to life. Visitors can also watch an introductory film about the park and get insider tips from knowledgeable rangers. It’s a must-visit to appreciate the unique environment of this extraordinary place.

We’ve enjoyed ranger-led talks during our prior visits to this Visitor Center. These have been a fun and immersive way to learn more about the local landscape. Inside, you can view the displays and exhibits for a self-guided learning experience about Death Valley.

Address: Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
Entrance: Free (after paying for your Death Valley National Park entrance)
Website: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/visit-the-furnace-creek-visitor-center.htm

2. The Borax Museum

Located at The Ranch at Death Valley, the Borax Museum is the oldest structure in Death Valley and offers a deep dive into the history of borax mining in the region. Known as the “white gold of the desert,” borax significantly shaped the area’s economy. The modest museum features mining equipment, tools, and photographs from the late 1800s. Outdoor exhibits include large machinery used in the mining process. A visit here provides a fascinating insight into the industry that gave Death Valley its nickname: the “20-Mule Team Canyon.”

If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop and look around. However, don’t expect a fully curated museum experience. You can see most of what is available here in about 15 to 30 minutes.

We enjoyed our visit here and spent a bit of time photographing the artifacts on the grounds of this museum.

Address: Furnace Creek Ranch, Highway 190, Death Valley, CA 92328

3. Goldwell Open Air Museum

The Goldwell Open Air Museum is located just outside the park in Beatty, Nevada, an outdoor art exhibit in the Mojave Desert. This unique museum features larger-than-life sculptures, including a ghostly rendition of The Last Supper and a towering pink woman constructed from cinder blocks. Created by Belgian artists in the 1980s, the museum is a thought-provoking fusion of art and desert landscape. Its surreal installations make it a favorite among photographers and art enthusiasts. Admission is free, and it’s open 24/7.

We visited during the winter and were treated to a snow-covered landscape. If you enjoy wandering and exploring, this outdoor museum, plus the adjacent Rhyolite Ghost Town, makes for a fun day trip while in the Death Valley National Park area.

Address: 1 Golden Street, Beatty, NV 89003
Price: Free

4. Beatty Museum and Historical Society

The Beatty Museum and Historical Society preserves the history of this small Nevada town and its role in the Death Valley region. The museum features displays on the area’s mining boom, old photographs, and artifacts from daily life in the early 1900s. It also offers insights into the ghost towns of Rhyolite and other surrounding areas. For history buffs, this museum provides a comprehensive look into the lives of the people who settled and thrived in this harsh environment.

Address: 417 Main Street, Beatty, NV 89003
Price: Admission is free. Donations are appreciated
Website: https://www.beattymuseum.org/

5. Shoshone Museum

The Shoshone Museum celebrates the natural and human history of the southern Death Valley region. Exhibits include fossils, Native American artifacts, and displays about the local flora and fauna. The museum also explores the town of Shoshone’s mining heritage and its role as a gateway to Death Valley. Visitors can enjoy stories of resilience and survival in this small but compelling museum. It’s a great stop for those exploring the southern entrance to the park.

Address: 118 Hwy 127, Shoshone, CA 92384
Price: Free admission
Website: https://shoshonemuseum.org/

6. Pahrump Valley Museum

A short drive from Death Valley, the Pahrump Valley Museum showcases the region’s history and culture, from its Native American roots to its agricultural development. The museum features pioneer-era tools, mining equipment, and even a collection of vintage slot machines. A highlight is the outdoor area, where visitors can explore historic buildings and machinery. It’s an excellent place to learn about the broader context of life in the Mojave Desert.

Address: 401 E Basin Ave, Pahrump, NV 89060
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.pahrumpnv.gov/184/Pahrump-Valley-Museum-Historical-Society