Mono Basin History Museum

Original equipment, artifacts, tools, and memorabilia from the early Native American inhabitants to the miners and settlers who moved here are on display in this museum located in Lee Vining, near Mono Lake. Mono Lake (pronounced moh-no) is a large, shallow saline soda lake that dominates the landscape in this part of Mono County. More about the natural history of this lake can be seen at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center ½ mile north on the shores of the lake. The Mono Basin History Museum, located in the original Mono Lake schoolhouse, chronicles the cultural history of the people and the trials and tribulations of their lives in this remote and challenging landscape.
One fun and fascinating exhibit on the grounds of the museum is the Upside Down House created by Nellie Bly O’Bryan. It was a revolutionary art installation project that was said to be first ever “manmade” (woman made?) tourist attraction in Mono County in 1956.