Things to do in Bakersfield
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Allensworth is the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small farming community was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of others dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans. Uncontrollable circumstances, including a drop in the area’s water table, resulted in the town’s demise. With continuing restoration and special events, the town is coming back to life as a state historic park. The park’s visitor center features a film about the site. A yearly rededication ceremony reaffirms the vision of the pioneers. Call 661-849-3433 for more information.
Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Fort Tejon is located in the Grapevine Canyon, the main route between California's great central valley and Southern California. The fort was established to protect and control the Indians who were living on the Sebastian Indian Reservation, and to protect both the Indians and white settlers from raids by the Paiutes, Chemeheui, Mojave, and other Indian groups of the desert regions to the south east. Fort Tejon was first garrisoned by the United States Army on August 10, 1854 and was abandoned ten years later on September 11, 1864 Call 661-248-6692 for more information.
Kern River Preserve
Over 1,100 acres in size and home to more than 300 species of birds. Whether your in the mood for a stroll amungst nature of searching for a serious birding locale, the preserve is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year and the addmission is free
P.O. Box 1662, Bakersfield, CA
Mojave National Preserve
Rose-colored sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and mile-high mountains are found along the scenic roadways in Mojave National Preserve. This is a place to escape the crowded visitor centers and campgrounds found at other parks Call 760-252-6100 for more information.
Tule Elk State Reserve
Tule Elk State Reserve protects a herd of tule elk, once in danger of extinction. In the 1880s, vast herds of tule elk were greatly reduced in number by hunting and loss of habitat. Cattleman Henry Miller began a 50-year effort to save them in 1874. At that time, few elk remained. In 1932, the herd was given permanent protection on the park property, now known as Tule Elk State Reserve. Call 661-764-6881 for more information.