Museum of Western Film History - Lone Pine, California

Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou

Step Back in Time to the Golden Age of Westerns

"Respect can be as contagious as measles if it's properly spread around." - Paladin in "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957)

Located almost half the way between Reno and Los Angeles, Lone Pine is one of those unassuming little towns that one may stop for a coffee or a quick bite on the way north or south on Highway 395, but there is actually a lot of history there. The part of the history that brought me here had to do with Alabama Hills.

Named after Confederate ship CSS Alabama by California minors sympathetic to the Confederate cause, Alabama Hills area became a popular filming location for television and movie productions. Starting in 1920s many movies, including westerns, were and still are being filmed on this location. The Museum of Western Film History is a living museum that gives the visitors a very unique and fascinating insight to what was and is.

I am a Western movie geek and had been thinking about visiting this place for years. On this trip the opportunity presented itself and boy it was fun! I can go on and on about many of my favorite westerns that were filmed here, but I will not bother you now. Instead, I suggest you stop there next time you are travelling on Hwy 395 and enjoy the museum's precious collection of American movie history. It'll cost you $8.00 to get in there, but you can easily spend a couple of hours in there! When was the last time you paid $8.00 for a 2 hour long movie ticket?!

Chad Mestel

What a pleasant stop if you happened to be driving around the Death Valley area. Unfortunately, our schedule was messed up and we arrived with only about 15 minutes before closing, but we would have loved to have spent an hour or more there to really explore all of their exhibits, posters and filmmaking paraphernalia. Lots of material on the golden era of Westerns and those filmed in Death Valley, particularly. But, it includes some more recent films that have ties to the area as well. We went out of our way to visit Lone Pine just for lunch and to visit this Museum. It was absolutely worth it.

Kathy Strain

It was a fun stop. Had some great memorabilia. Most films were before I was born, but have seen some of the movies. There was a short film that as very good.
Interesting facts of how town people helped with supplying horses, mules, wagons, etc. they were extras (actors) when needed.
Interesting information how movies were made in the Alabama Hills.

Oana Gusatu

We almost skipped this local attraction but had 1 he to kill so decided to go in, especially since they are dog friendly and allow dogs in which is quite rare. And im glad we did it because this museum is a very informative and entertaining place, particularly if you’re into western movies. It has a variety of cool memorabilia and movie props on display, many of which featured in classic westerns filmed in the area. It also has a cinema room showing a documentary on the history of western movie making and filming in the nearby Alabama Hills. Tickets are now not $8 per person and there’s no wait. The museum has AC so this alone should be a good enough reason to visit and enjoy a break from the sweltering heat outside.

Thomas Rosenberger

Lots of memorabilia from past from an area where more than 400 movies were made. Lot's of parking and helpful staff. Theater was great telling all about prior Stars that made movies in area. Don't forget to take drive uphill to where movies were filmed.

David Noble

Fun and iconic history journey for big kids (adults). Pay the $8 "donation" and start with the 15-minute chronological film in the small air-conditioned theater. Afterward, enjoy a historic and nostalgic tour through the various film eras and props. It is great to connect the films and actors to the Alabama Hills and Lone Pine setting.

Denny Radford

This is definitely a blast from the past. If you have extra time I would definitely stop take a break from the road and take a look at all the history in this building. Lots of awesome memorabilia from the last 100 years of westerns films in the Alabama hills. Definitely highly recommend. It was worth every penny. Their hours posted were from 9:00 to 4:30 daily. Cost $5 per person to enter.

Matt James

Great assortment of movie memorabilia from the 30's to modern day. Covering all film genres shot in the vicinity.
Great stuff.