Bakersfield, California: Merle Haggard's Boxcar Home, Black Gold Oil Exhibit

Outdoor village of restored pioneer buildings, including Merle Haggard's boyhood boxcar home, and a large exhibit on "Black Gold: The Oil Experience." Neon sign courtyard.

Kern Pioneer Village

Address:: 3801 Chester Ave., Bakersfield, CA
Directions:: Kern Pioneer Village. Hwy 99 exit to Hwy 178 east toward downtown Bakersfield. Turn left on Chester Ave. through the Garces Circle. A half-mile north on the left at the clock tower.
Hours:: Tu-Sa 10-4, Su 12-4. M closed (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 661-437-3330
Admission:: Admission
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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Visitor Tips and News About Merle Haggard's Boxcar Home, Black Gold Oil Exhibit

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Haggard House.

Merle Haggard's Boxcar Home, Black Gold Oil Exhibit

The Haggard House was refurbished and just reopened in Spring of 2017. It's in the Kern County Historical Park. The whole thing is well worth visiting.

[James Martin, 05/28/2017]

Merle grew up in the Santa Fe Railroad refrigerator car his parents had bought and converted into a cozy home.

Merle Haggard's Boxcar Home, Black Gold Oil Exhibit

They don't allow you to take photos of any kind unless your camera is a phone camera or similar (unless you pay $150 for a photo membership).

[Justin Winokur, 08/28/2015]

In the submersible.

Kern County Museum - Oil

The Black Gold exhibit is cool; you get to go in a submersible and see all kinds of layers in the Earth that make oil. Fun to walk around and pop into the buildings.

[Kris Hachadourian, 12/27/2012]

"California's Best and Most Interactive Oil Museum" features a village of transplanted historical buildings, and an exhibit named "Black Gold: The Oil Experience."