Museums & Historic Sites

The San Bernardino area is rich in history, much of which is preserved in local museums and historic sites. Whether you prefer natural history or the decorative arts, you'll find a place to explore in the San Bernardino area.

Museums and historic sites are listed by city.

San Bernardino

San Bernardino County Museum
A regional museum with exhibits and collections in cultural and natural history. Special exhibits, the Exploration Station live animal discovery center, extensive research collections, and public programs for adults, families, students, and children are all part of the museum experience.
2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands
Web site: www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/museum
Hours: Tues – Sun 9 AM – 5 PM
(909) 307-2669
Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art
The Museum's permanent collection represents various periods and regions but focuses on contemporary art, ceramics, and ancient art, including what is considered one of the largest collections of Ancient Egyptian Antiquities west of the Mississippi River. Approximately 8,500 square feet of gallery space permits a continuous display of the museum's permanent holdings as well as a dynamic and diverse schedule of visiting exhibitions.
5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino
Web site: www.museum.csusb.edu
Hours: M-T-W-SA – 10 AM – 5 PM, TH – 11 PM – 7 PM
(909) 537-7373
Heritage House
One of the best historical (and architectural) attractions in the city of San Bernardino is the local historical society itself. The Heritage House, a Victorian home built in 1891, is the current home of the historical society, meaning you can probably kill two birds with one stone through a visit to this site. San Bernardino's very first jail, an archaic-looking self-contained box built sometime around 1857, is also located on the grounds. A small museum and research library are located in an adjacent building.
796 North "D" Street, San Bernardino
Hours: Saturdays 10 AM – 2 PM
(909) 883-0750
San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
The museum specializes in San Bernardino history and local railroad history. It contains many unique railroad memorabilia and one-of-a-kind artifacts surrounded by hundreds of historic photographs. Antique horse-drawn buggies and the first automobile operated in San Bernardino are on display. Railroad DVD’s and history slide shows are continuously playing. Model Train Displays. The museum is located in the historic Santa Fe Railroad Depot.
1170 W. 3rd Street, San Bernardino
Web site: www.sbdepotmuseum.com
Hours: Sat – 10 AM – 3 PM
(909) 888-3634

Colton

Agua Mansa Museum
Oldest settlement in San Bernardino Valley. Archaeological exhibits surrounding cemetery and village church.
2001 East Agua Mansa Road, Colton
(909) 370-2091

Redlands

Asistencia Mission de San Gabriel
The Asistencia is operated by the San Bernardino County Museum and is well worth a visit. It was built between 1830 and 1834 by the Franciscan Fathers of Mission San Gabriel. The restored structures house a wedding chapel and a museum.
26930 Barton Road, Redlands
Hours: Tues – Sat – 10 AM – 3 PM
(909) 793-5402
Kimberly Crest
A picturesque French chateau style home built in 1897, Kimberly Crest is a well preserved example of the Victorian Era in California. The 7,000 square foot, three-story chateau sits on a six and one quarter acre estate.
1325 Prospect Drive, Redlands
Web site: www.kimberlycrest.org
Hours: Thurs – Sun -- 1 PM – 3:30 PM
(909) 792-2111
Lincoln Memorial Shrine
The Lincoln Memorial Shrine houses the largest collection of Lincoln artifacts and Civil War material west of the Mississippi. Robert Watchorn, former president of Union Oil, had the monument built in 1932 and donated his substantial Lincoln collection along with an endowment to fund the shrine.
125 West Vine Street, Redlands
(909) 798-7636
Hours: Tues – Sun – 1 PM – 5 PM
Admission is Free
Redlands Historical Glass Museum
The Glass Museum was founded in 1976, to preserve specimens of American glass from artists and factories that were becoming extinct. On display are over 6,000 examples of American glass from the mid-1800s to contemporary art glass.
1157 Orange Street, Redlands
Web site: www.historicalglassmuseum.com
Hours: Sat-Sun – 12 Noon – 4:00 PM Private tours available.
(909) 798-0868

Victorville

California Route 66 Museum
The California Route 66 Museum maintains and displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to the history of Route 66 and its communities. The displays include automotive history, cultural and economic impact as well as the development of the highway itself. Exhibitions incorporate corresponding topics such as early pioneer trails and the railroad.
16849 "D" Street, Victorville
Website: www.califrt66museum.org
Hours: Thurs – Mon – 10 AM – 4 PM; Sun – 10 AM – 3 PM
(760) 951-0436