One of the coolest museums my brothers and I visited from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes was the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine, CA. The museum has multiple exhibits showcasing memorabilia, costume displays, old-school cameras, and props, but the key highlight for us was the Tremors exhibit. Watch my virtual tour and get some fun facts about the museum as well as travel tips.
The Tremors (1990) movie exhibit had the sand monster Graboid on display and it was taller than us. There was a set model of the market with the floorboards broken from the monster.
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| Tremors exhibit was awesome |
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| My brothers and I with the Graboid sand monster |
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| The Tremors set model |
We also saw some vintage cars on display from various films.
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About the Museum
Film Location:
Pine has served as the filming location for hundreds of Western films since the early 1900s. The museum shows the town's rich movie history. Lone Pine has been the setting for famous movies like Tremors starring Kevin Bacon, or the 1939 film "Goonga Deen," or even "How the West Was Won," and a bunch of other cowboy classics. Movies featured stars including John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.
Museum Location:
Museum Location:
The museum itself is located against the Sierra Nevada mountains, where visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at Western film history. The town of Lone Pine has graced the silver screen for decades.
Interactive Exhibits:
Interactive Exhibits:
Visitors can explore Westerns through several exhibits that show the magic of filmmaking. From replica sets to costume displays, old-school cameras, director’s chairs, vintage cars, and old wagons, the museum brings the Old West to life in an immersive and educational way.
Celebrity Memorabilia:
Celebrity Memorabilia:
The museum has an impressive collection of memorabilia from Western film stars, including costumes, props, and personal belongings. Visitors can see iconic items worn by their favorite actors and actresses, adding a touch of Hollywood glamor to the experience.
Community Involvement:
Community Involvement:
Local volunteers play a role in the museum’s operation, helping to preserve and promote the town's cultural heritage.
Educational Programs:
Educational Programs:
In addition to its exhibits and events, the museum offers educational programs for visitors of all ages. From guided tours to filmmaking workshops, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about Western film history in a fun and engaging way.
Annual Lone Pine Film Festival:
Annual Lone Pine Film Festival:
Every year, the museum hosts the Lone Pine Film Festival, which draws filmmakers, actors, and enthusiasts from around the world. The festival features film screenings, panel discussions, and special events that pay homage to the genre's rich heritage.
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| My Brother Steven inside the Stuntmen Exhibit |
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| Lone Pine General Store Exhibit |
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| Cool vintage car |
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| Old-school cameras |
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| Another vintage car |
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| My brother Sean posing with the cardboard cutout |
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| Inside the front lobby area of the museum was old camera equipment |
Museum Travel Tips
Plan Your Visit: Check the museum's operating hours and any special exhibitions or events happening during your visit. Planning ahead ensures you get the most out of your time there.
Address: 701 S Main St, Lone Pine, CA 93545
Transportation: If you're driving, Lone Pine is accessible via US Route 395. The museum is located at 701 S. Main Street in Lone Pine. Consider carpooling or using public transportation if available.
Tickets: Purchase your movie tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak tourist seasons. This can save you time waiting in line and ensure you secure entry. We paid $8 for entry to explore the exhibits.
Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours, which can provide valuable insights into the exhibits and the history of Western films. Check the tour schedule and consider joining one for a more enriching experience. We opted for the self-tour where we explored the museum at our own pace. We saw a few folks getting the guided tour, which was more informative.
Photography: Capture memories of your visit, but be mindful of any photography restrictions in certain areas of the museum. Flash photography was prohibited during our visit.
Interactive Exhibits: Take advantage of any interactive exhibits or hands-on activities available. They can enhance your understanding and appreciation of Western film history.
Museum Etiquette: Respect the museum's rules and regulations, including not touching artifacts unless allowed. This helps preserve the exhibits for future visitors.
Gift Shop: Don't forget to browse the museum's gift shop for souvenirs and memorabilia related to Western films. It's a great way to support the museum and take home a piece of the experience. My brother bought a cool bandana that had a map of Highway 395.
Nearby Attractions: Lone Pine is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Alabama Hills, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Manzanar. Hungry? Check out Copper Top BBQ on the way to Bishop, CA. We couldn't visit due to the weather. Consider exploring these attractions before or after your museum visit for a well-rounded trip.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for any special events or film screenings happening in Lone Pine during your visit. The museum often hosts film festivals and other entertainment events that are worth attending.
Accessibility: If you have any accessibility concerns, contact the museum in advance to inquire about accommodations. They may offer wheelchair access and other services to ensure all visitors can enjoy the exhibits.
Overall, this museum was a great pit stop during our vacation. Make sure to visit and take your time exploring the exhibits.
Transportation: If you're driving, Lone Pine is accessible via US Route 395. The museum is located at 701 S. Main Street in Lone Pine. Consider carpooling or using public transportation if available.
Tickets: Purchase your movie tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak tourist seasons. This can save you time waiting in line and ensure you secure entry. We paid $8 for entry to explore the exhibits.
Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours, which can provide valuable insights into the exhibits and the history of Western films. Check the tour schedule and consider joining one for a more enriching experience. We opted for the self-tour where we explored the museum at our own pace. We saw a few folks getting the guided tour, which was more informative.
Photography: Capture memories of your visit, but be mindful of any photography restrictions in certain areas of the museum. Flash photography was prohibited during our visit.
Interactive Exhibits: Take advantage of any interactive exhibits or hands-on activities available. They can enhance your understanding and appreciation of Western film history.
Museum Etiquette: Respect the museum's rules and regulations, including not touching artifacts unless allowed. This helps preserve the exhibits for future visitors.
Gift Shop: Don't forget to browse the museum's gift shop for souvenirs and memorabilia related to Western films. It's a great way to support the museum and take home a piece of the experience. My brother bought a cool bandana that had a map of Highway 395.
Nearby Attractions: Lone Pine is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Alabama Hills, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Manzanar. Hungry? Check out Copper Top BBQ on the way to Bishop, CA. We couldn't visit due to the weather. Consider exploring these attractions before or after your museum visit for a well-rounded trip.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for any special events or film screenings happening in Lone Pine during your visit. The museum often hosts film festivals and other entertainment events that are worth attending.
Accessibility: If you have any accessibility concerns, contact the museum in advance to inquire about accommodations. They may offer wheelchair access and other services to ensure all visitors can enjoy the exhibits.
Overall, this museum was a great pit stop during our vacation. Make sure to visit and take your time exploring the exhibits.
Travel Resources
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!
Booking.com - We use this site to find deals whenever we need a rental car. We didn’t want to put miles on our cars for this trip so we opted for a rental SUV with four-wheel drive since we were headed to the snow.
VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, a backyard, and other amenities.
TripAdvisor.com - I leverage this site whenever I want reputable reviews, tips, and advice about a vacation area.
Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has several options.
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Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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