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Yosemite Museum: A Window into Yosemite's Past

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Discover Yosemite's cultural and natural history through exhibits, artifacts, and a reconstructed Native American village.

The Yosemite Museum, located in Yosemite Valley, offers a deep dive into the cultural history of the Yosemite's native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present. Founded in 1926, it also explores the park's geological formation and early tourism.

A brief summary to Yosemite Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Yosemite Museum.

  • Explore the Indian Village of Ahwahnee behind the museum to see reconstructed Miwok and Paiute structures.
  • Check the schedule for demonstrations of traditional skills like basket weaving and stone tool making.
  • Combine your museum visit with a stop at the adjacent Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for broader park information.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Indian Village of Ahwahnee

Indian Village of Ahwahnee: A Living History

Yosemite Cemetery

Yosemite Cemetery: A Silent Chronicle of the Valley's Past

The Ansel Adams Gallery

The Ansel Adams Gallery: A Yosemite Landmark

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Getting There

  • Shuttle

    From anywhere in Yosemite Valley, the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle provides convenient access to the Yosemite Museum. The museum is located near shuttle stop #1, at the Yosemite Village. Check the official Yosemite National Park website or visitor center for the most up-to-date shuttle schedules and route information.

  • Walking

    The Yosemite Museum is located in Yosemite Village and is easily accessible by foot from nearby lodging, dining, and other attractions. From Yosemite Village, follow the signs towards the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center; the museum is adjacent to it. The walk is generally flat and well-maintained.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow signs for Yosemite Village. Parking is available in the Yosemite Village parking area, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arrive early (before 9 am) to increase your chances of finding a parking spot. Once parked, use the free shuttle to reach the museum and other destinations in the valley to avoid further congestion. Parking is free within Yosemite National Park.

Discover more about Yosemite Museum

The Yosemite Museum, established in 1926, stands as one of the first museums in the National Park System, offering a rich collection that unveils the human and natural history of Yosemite National Park. The museum's exhibits primarily focus on the cultural heritage of the Ahwahnechee people, the native Miwok and Paiute inhabitants of the Yosemite Valley, from 1850 to the present. The museum's displays include historical photographs, articles, and an extensive collection of baskets dating back to 1870, showcasing both utilitarian and made-for-sale items. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the geological formation of Yosemite Valley, tracing its history through the horse-drawn stages that once brought early tourists to the park. The adjacent Indian Village of Ahwahnee offers a self-guiding trail through a reconstructed village, providing insights into traditional Miwok and Paiute life.The Yosemite Museum building itself is an example of National Park Service Rustic Style architecture, using native rocks, logs, and wood shingles to harmonize with its natural surroundings. The museum also played a role in developing ideas about the role of parks in education, serving as the headquarters for the Yosemite Field School of Natural History.

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