Restored 1924 Union Pacific Spanish-Revival depot that anchors Mojave National Preserve’s main visitor center in the ghost railroad town of Kelso. Exhibits cover desert railroads, mining, and preserve natural history; the building itself is the signature historic landmark of the central Mojave. Public NPS facilities sit on the old LA & Salt Lake main line between the Kelso Dunes and Providence Mountains.
Field facts
| Region | San Bernardino County, CA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 35.0125, -115.6536 |
| Access | Kelbaker Rd ~22 mi S of I-15 Baker exit or ~35 mi N of I-40; paved; free preserve entry |
| Elevation | ~2,120 ft |
| Era | Depot built 1924; visitor center opened 2005 after restoration |
| Facilities | Visitor center, restrooms, bookstore, picnic area when open; limited seasonal hours |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- Visitor centerKelso Depot Visitor Center0 km away
- Point of interestProvidence Mountains State Recreation Area15.1 km away
- Rec areaMojave National Preserve17.6 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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