West Kern Oil Museum
History, Oil, and More
If you're visiting Taft and want to dive into the region’s deep oil heritage, the West Kern Oil Museum is a must-see. Located at 1168 Wood Street near Highway 33, this volunteer-run museum offers an immersive look into the early days of the oil industry and the community that grew around it. Founded in 1973 and open to the public since 1980, the museum spans eight acres and brings to life what an oil company camp might have looked like in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore a variety of historic structures, including a vintage office, cookhouse, firehouse, shotgun house, and tool sheds—all arranged to reflect life in a working oil town. One of the standout features is a 1917-era wooden derrick, one of the few originals still standing over its original well, surrounded by cable-tool drilling equipment used during the World War I era.
Inside the main building, the museum houses an impressive collection of exhibits that trace the area’s history from its Native American roots through the oil boom of the early 1900s. You’ll find vintage tools, photographs, documents, scale models, and even full-size vehicles that once worked the oilfields. Special rooms focus on subjects like transportation, pipeline infrastructure, and the dramatic Lakeview Gusher—the largest U.S. oil spill that occurred just south of Taft. Volunteers are at the heart of the experience, offering informative tours and hands-on demonstrations that bring the equipment and stories to life. Many visitors praise the docents for their knowledge and friendliness, often pointing out that it’s the people who make the experience so memorable.
The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., with free admission making it a budget-friendly attraction. Events are hosted throughout the year, including Boomtown Days in October and Pioneer Day, where the site comes alive with food, machinery demonstrations, blacksmithing, and local history displays. It’s recommended to set aside one to two hours for a visit, depending on your interest level and whether you join a guided tour. The grounds are mostly flat and wheelchair accessible, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
If you're planning a full day in Taft, the museum pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby Oilworker Monument and the historic Lakeview Gusher site. Bring a camera to capture the rustic equipment and historic structures, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. There’s also a small gift shop where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and locally themed items. Whether you’re a history buff, an engineer, or just curious about California’s oil story, the West Kern Oil Museum offers a meaningful and engaging experience. It’s more than a collection of artifacts—it’s a tribute to the people, innovation, and grit that helped shape this unique corner of the Golden State.
For information call (661) 765-6664 or visit the West Kern Oil Museum site.
Where to find the West Kern Oil Museum