Kern County: The Energy and Agriculture Powerhouse of California

Main Attractions in Kern County

Kern County is packed with unique attractions, offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and entertainment. Here are some of the top attractions:

1. Sequoia National Forest:

Stretching into the eastern part of Kern County, the Sequoia National Forest is home to towering giant sequoias, rivers, and mountain peaks. The Trail of 100 Giants offers visitors a chance to walk among these ancient trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old. Hiking, camping, and fishing are popular activities, with stunning vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains and lush forests to explore.

2. Kern River:

The Kern River is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Flowing from the Sierra Nevada into the San Joaquin Valley, it offers excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and camping. The river’s rugged beauty and swift rapids draw adventure-seekers, particularly in the Kern River Canyon, a scenic area popular for hiking and picnicking.

3. Lake Isabella:

Nestled in the southern Sierra Nevada, Lake Isabella is one of Kern County’s most popular recreational areas. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and windsurfing on the lake’s expansive waters. The surrounding area offers camping, hiking, and off-roading opportunities, making it a favorite destination for outdoor activities year-round.

4. Tehachapi Loop:

The Tehachapi Loop is an engineering marvel and one of the most famous railroad loops in the world. Located in the Tehachapi Mountains, this looped track allows trains to climb a steep grade by circling over themselves. It’s a must-see for train enthusiasts and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

5. California Living Museum (CALM):

Located in Bakersfield, the California Living Museum (CALM) is a zoo and botanical garden focused on native California wildlife. CALM provides a home for animals that cannot survive in the wild and offers educational programs for visitors. It’s a family-friendly destination where you can see species such as mountain lions, black bears, and bald eagles up close.

6. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science:

Also located in Bakersfield, the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science features fascinating exhibits on paleontology, geology, anthropology, and local history. One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of fossils from the Sharktooth Hill area, which provides insight into the ancient marine life that once inhabited the region.

7. The Fox Theater:

Bakersfield’s historic Fox Theater is a beautifully restored 1930s movie palace that now serves as a premier entertainment venue. With its stunning art-deco design, the Fox hosts concerts, plays, film screenings, and community events. It’s a cultural landmark in downtown Bakersfield and a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

8. Tehachapi Wind Farm:

Kern County is a leader in renewable energy, and the Tehachapi Wind Farm is one of the largest wind energy projects in the world. Located in the Tehachapi Pass, the farm’s vast array of wind turbines is not only a symbol of the county’s commitment to sustainable energy but also a striking visual feature of the landscape. Visitors can tour the area and learn more about wind energy and its importance to California’s power grid.

9. Hart Memorial Park:

This beautiful park, located along the Kern River near Bakersfield, is a peaceful retreat with picnic areas, fishing ponds, and hiking trails. Hart Memorial Park is a favorite spot for family outings and outdoor activities, providing visitors with a scenic location for birdwatching, photography, and relaxation.

10. Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park:

Situated in the eastern part of Kern County, this museum showcases the history and culture of Native American groups who lived in the Antelope Valley. The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the Native peoples of the western Mojave Desert, making it a fascinating destination for history and anthropology enthusiasts.

Famous Cities in Kern County

Kern County is home to a number of well-known cities and towns, each with its own character and charm. Here are the most famous cities in the county:

1. Bakersfield:

As the county seat and largest city in Kern County, Bakersfield is a major economic and cultural center for the region. Known for its country music scene, Bakersfield is the birthplace of the “Bakersfield Sound,” a subgenre of country music made famous by artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. The city is home to the Bakersfield Museum of Art, the Kern County Museum, and a number of entertainment venues like the Rabobank Arena. Bakersfield is also known for its vibrant agricultural industry, particularly its production of grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits.

2. Tehachapi:

Known for its cool mountain climate and proximity to outdoor activities, Tehachapi is a small city in the Tehachapi Mountains that has become a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. The city is famous for its Tehachapi Loop and the surrounding wind farms. Tehachapi also has a charming downtown area with shops, galleries, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore local culture.

3. Delano:

Located in the northern part of Kern County, Delano is an agricultural hub known for its production of table grapes. The city has a rich history in the labor movement, particularly for its role in the United Farm Workers movement, led by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Delano celebrates its agricultural roots with annual events like the Harvest Holidays Festival and continues to be a center for farm labor activism.

4. Ridgecrest:

Situated in the Indian Wells Valley, Ridgecrest is a city surrounded by desert landscapes and military installations, including the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Ridgecrest is a gateway to the Mojave Desert and Death Valley National Park, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking desert adventures. The city also hosts the Petroglyph Festival, which celebrates the Native American rock art found in the nearby Coso Range.

5. Wasco:

Known as the “Rose Capital of the World,” Wasco is a small city that plays a major role in the production of roses. Each year, Wasco celebrates its floral heritage with the Wasco Rose Festival, a colorful event that features parades, rodeos, and flower exhibits. The city is surrounded by vast fields of roses, making it a visually stunning destination during the growing season.

6. Shafter:

Shafter is a rapidly growing city located northwest of Bakersfield. It has strong agricultural roots but has also become a hub for logistics and distribution, thanks to its proximity to major highways and railroads. The city has a charming downtown area with historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants. Shafter is also home to the Minter Field Air Museum, which preserves the history of the World War II-era Minter Army Airfield.

7. Taft:

Located in the western part of Kern County, Taft is a city with deep ties to California’s oil industry. The city is situated near the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, one of the largest oil fields in the United States. Visitors can learn about the history of oil production in the region at the West Kern Oil Museum, which showcases equipment, artifacts, and exhibits related to the industry. Taft also celebrates its oil heritage with events like the annual Oildorado Festival.