Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

2026 Scenic 395 45 A treasure hunt at local museums Manzanar National Historic Site Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of 10 camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were confined during World War II. Established as a National Histor- ic Site in 1992, Manzanar also tells the stories of Owens Valley Paiute life and the homesteading era. The Interpretive Center features extensive exhibits and audio-visual programs including “Remembering Manzanar,” an award-winning documentary. Take a 3.2-mile self-guided driving tour that highlights life in the camp. See replicas of the cafeteria, school house and living quarters of the camps. Located between Independence and Lone Pine on U.S. Highway 395. The Interpretive Center is open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. November through March and 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. April through October. Closed Dec. 25. The site is accessible from sunrise to sunset daily. 760-878-2194. www.nps.gov/manz Eastern California Museum, Independence, CA Founded in 1928, this museum features exhibits that reflect the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Inyo County and the Owens Valley. Collections include the largest collection of Owens Valley Paiute and Shoshone basketry in the world. Also take a walking tour of Independence to learn about Inyo Coun- ty’s historic past. Learn about Camp Independence, a U.S. Army Outpost! Hours of Operation: Open Thursday through Tuesday (except major holidays) 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.., closed on Wednesday 155 North Grant St., Independence, CA, 760-878- 0258. www. https://www.inyocounty.us/residents/things-to-do/east- ern-california-museum Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center, Bishop, CA Museum, Gift Shop, Native American crafts, and tours. Dedi- cated to the continuous perpetual life of the indigenous peo- ple of the Owens Valley. Ask for a translation of “Manahuu”! Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. year round. Located at 2300 West Line St., Bishop, CA, 760-873-8844. www.bishoppaiutetribe.com/owens-valley-paiute-shosho- ne-cultural-center/ Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Village, Bishop, CA 11 acres and 30 buildings of indoor and outdoor exhibits of early railroad and western life. Operated by the Bishop Muse- um and Historical Society, the museum is California Historical Landmark No. 953, and is on the National Registry of Historical Places. Don’t forget to see and learn about the 1909 Narrow Gauge Engine and freight cars. Open all year 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Located 4.5 miles northeast of Bishop on Highway 6 (Silver Canyon Rd, Bishop). 760-873-5950. www.lawsmuseum.org Mammoth Museum at The Hayden Cabin, Mammoth Lakes, CA The Mammoth Museum is housed in the original 1920s log cabin built by Emmet Hayden, mapmaker of the Eastern Sierra. It contains many artifacts from that period as well as historic photographs and displays. See maps of the Sierras made by Hayden. Located at 5489 Sherwin Creek Road adjacent to Mammoth Creek, in Mammoth Lakes, CA. 760-934- 6918. www.mammothmuseum. org The Mono Basin History Museum, Lee Vining, CA Located in the old Schoolhouse in Lee Vining, CA. Learn about the history of the Mono Basin and tour the Upside Down House built by Nellie Bly O’Bryan. While touring the Upside Down House, can you find the cat and the mouse? Located at 129 Mattly Avenue, adjacent to Hess Park, in Lee Vining (behind the CalTrans yard) Hours Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. from May 27, 2017, through early October, closed Monday through Wednesday. 760-647-6461 www.monobasinhistory.org Mono Lake Committee The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore, located in the town of Lee Vining, is a great spot to stop and get your bearings regarding Mono Lake. It is the headquarters of the non-profit group working to obtain long-term protection and restoration of the Mono Lake ecosystem. General infor- mation on Mono Lake is available, as well as detailed displays on Mono Lake’s political history and the current efforts of the Mono Lake Committee. Visit the bookstore and art gallery. What kind of birds make their home on Mono Lake? Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 51359 US-395, Vining, CA. 760- 647-6595. www.monolake.org. Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport, CA A historic gold mining town was once known as the most lawless, wildest and toughest mining camp in the West. Now a historic tribute to life from the mid-1800s to the 1940s which is protected as a state park and left in “arrested decay.” Walk the streets, take a tour of the Stamp Mill and imagine life as it was in another time. While you’re exploring the cemetery, be sure to look for the gravesite of historic figure Rosa May. The Museum/ Visitor Center is open from mid-May to mid-October; hours can vary because of weather conditions, but are sched- uled daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park closure hours are strictly enforced to protect the structures and artifacts. To plan your trip call 760-616-5040 and be sure to visit the Bodie Founda- tion’s website to find out about upcoming events in the park. Located at Highway 270, Bridgeport, CA https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509 Carson City For more information about all of Carson City’s museums go to https://visitcarsoncity.com/things-to-do/museums The Nevada State Museum, Carson City, NV Changing exhibits of the history of Nevada. Take a walking tour of the Carson City Mint building and discover how money was made from 1870 to 1893. Located at 600 North Carson St., Carson City, NV. Museum hours: 8:30 - 4:30 Thursday – Monday, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Located at 600 North Carson St, Carson City. 775-687-4810. https://www. carsonnvmuseum.org The Nevada State Railroad Museum Preserving the railroad heritage of Nevada including cars and locomotives of the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Take a train ride or a handcar ride. Learn how track was laid in the 19th century. Open Thursday - Monday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Located at 2180 South Carson St., Carson City, NV, 775-687- 6953. https://www.carsonrailroadmuseum.org The Historic Foreman-Roberts House Museum, Carson City, NV Listed on the Historic American Building Survey and the Na- tional Historic Register, the Foreman-Roberts House is located in downtown Carson City and is a fine example of Gothic Re- vival architecture. Available for weddings and special events as well. Not originally built in this location — how did this house get to Carson City? And where did it come from? Located at 1207 North Carson St., Carson City, NV. Open on Sunday only 1 - 3 p.m. http://cchistorical.org/historicrobertshouse.htm Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, Carson City, NV This museum was originally an off-reservation boarding school that provided education for American Indian youth of Neva- da, California, Arizona and New Mexico, representing more than 200 tribes. Find out who Dat-So-La-Lee was. Located at 1 Jacobsen Way, Carson City, NV. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m to 5 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. 775-883-1976 https://stewartindianschool.com