Exploring the Borax Visitor Center in Boron, California

The Borax Visitor Center, nestled in the Mojave Desert in Boron, California, offers a unique experience. Perched atop a vast heap of material extracted from the borax mine pit, it provides awe-inspiring views of the Rio Tinto Borax processing plant and the largest open-pit mine in California. The center, with its clean restrooms, cool air conditioning, and free admission, is a fascinating stop along California State Route 14 or Highway 395.

• 20 Mule Team Replica
• Visitor Center Exhibits
• Twenty Mule Museum Boron
• Boron Aerospace Museum
• Twenty Mule Cafe Boron

Life Size 20 Mule Team Replica

Near the visitor center entrance is a life-size replica of a 20-mule team pulling a wagon. This replica shows how Borax was transported from Death Valley deposits to processing plants. After the borax mines in Death Valley closed, 20-mule teams were utilized to carry borax ore from the Calico Hills near Barstow to a processing plant in Daggett, California. The mule teams became obsolete after constructing a railroad to transport the borax ore.

Borax Visitor Center Exhibits

The visitor center displays showcase Borax’s versatility, from its role in cleaning to preserving flowers and even as a flame retardant. An engaging movie about the Borax industry, from the past to the present, is also available for viewing. Visitors can also glimpse the massive 800-foot bottomless pit and the two-two-mile-long open pit mine where Borax is extracted. Adjacent to the center is a retired 400-ton Caterpillar Haul Truck and a huge tire that makes an excellent spot for a photo.

A stop at the Borax Visitor Center will take about 45 minutes. Below are a few other attractions in Boron, California, that you can explore after visiting the Borax mine.

Twenty Mule Museum Boron, California

While in town, check out the Boron Twenty Mule Team Museum. It is in an original Pacific Coast Borax staff house and features artifacts and photos showcasing the mule-pulled 100-foot-long wagons used to transport borax ore from Death Valley. The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is at 26962 Twenty Mule Team Road, Boron, California. http://www.20muleteammuseum.com/

Boron Aerospace Museum

Next to the Twenty Mule Museum is the Colonel Vernon P. Saxon Aerospace Museum, a hidden gem in Boron, California. The museum’s collection features an F-4 fighter jet, an XLR-8 rocket engine, and various flight suits and helmets. It is open at random times and is staffed by volunteers. Visitors can take pictures at a few designated displays. The museum is located at 20 Mule Team Rd, Boron, California.

Twenty Mule Cafe Boron, California

Directly across the street from the Twenty Mule Museum, you will find the 20 Mule Cafe. This small eatery is one of the few restaurants in Boron. The food is good, and the staff is friendly. The cafe is known for its homemade offerings, including Mexican dishes, burgers, and sandwiches. If you’ve worked up an appetite while discovering everything about Borax, the 20 Mule Cafe might be the perfect place for you—address: 20 Mule Team Rd, Boron, California.

• Borax Visitor Center Location: Situated at 14486 Borax Road, Boron, CA, the center is easily accessible for those traveling through the Mojave Desert, particularly on Highway 58.
• Operational Hours: The visitor center operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with final entry at 4:45 p.m. It is closed on major holidays.
• Admission: Entry is free, but donations are welcomed, supporting local community initiatives through the Borax Visitor Center Foundation. https://www.borax.com/about/community/borax-visitor-center

The Borax Visitor Center is a hidden gem in the Mojave Desert. It offers a unique glimpse into the world of borax mining, adjacent to one of the largest borax processing facilities in the world. Take advantage of this unique detour on your California travels.

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Death Valley Points of Interest

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