The Museum of the award-winning Idyllwild Area Historical Society is located in a charming cabin at 54470 North Circle Drive, and the quaintness of the surroundings encourages you to step right in.

In 1922, C. L. Emerson, the primary developer of Idyllwild as a village, sold the property to Della Ferguson. The cabin and garage were built in 1930, and are typical of the Craftsman architectural style of many early bungalows in Southern California. For most of its life the cabin housed one family. In a period lasting almost 60 years, three generations of the Butts family spent their summers exploring the many hiking trails, horseback riding in the forest, and wading in the cool waters of Strawberry Creek.

The Historical Society acquired the property in 2002 and spent a year restoring the cabin and remodeling the garage. Today, the museum exhibits many historical artifacts that reflect the richness and diversity of this region. Currently featured is the history of climbing on world-famous Tahquitz (Lily) Rock. Early Idyllwild kitchenware, implements from pioneer lumber barons, samples of furniture from a local factory, and numerous photos and documents are displayed to tell the story of the Idyllwild area and the interesting characters who made it possible.

You are invited to visit the museum and learn the fascinating history of the surrounding mountain communities. Docents and volunteers are on hand to answer your questions. Admission is free and donations are always welcome.

Write to the Museum at [email protected] or P.O. Box 3320, Idyllwild, CA, 92549. Phone 951-659-2717. Or visit idyllwildhistory.org.