Borax Visitor Center


Explore our history—and learn how boron enables modern living

Discover This Hidden Gem

Buried deep in the Mojave Desert is one of the biggest and richest deposits of borax on the planet. There, on the rim of our active Borax mine, you will find the Borax Visitor Center: One of the best-kept secrets of the Southern California desert. Built in 1997, the Center tells the story of borax and the local community.

The Center offers an opportunity to explore U.S. Borax’s 150-year history as an American icon and learn about mining today and innovations for tomorrow:

  • Historical and geological exhibits
  • ADA compliant operations overlook
  • Photo ops
  • Video theater
  • 20 mule team replica
  • Gift shop
  • Borax souvenirs

Download a fact sheet about one of the specimens you can see

U.S. Borax Mine
 

Kernite Sample - Borax Mine California

Free admission all year

Weather permitting, the Visitor Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry is at 4:45 p.m.), excluding major holidays.

Admission is free, but the Center accepts donations to support local community organizations through our nonprofit Borax Visitor Center Foundation. Parking is also free and accessible to recreational vehicles. 

Location and map

14486 Borax Road
Boron, CA 93516

U.S. Borax Visitor Center Map
While you’re in Boron, be sure to visit the (unaffiliated) Twenty Mule Team Museum at 26962 Twenty Mule Team Road.

Ramp to the scenic overlook
The U.S. Borax Visitor Center has an ADA-compliant ramp so everyone can view our Boron operations from the overlook.
 

Contact us

Phone: +1 760 762 7588
Email: visitor.center@riotinto.com

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U.S. Borax, part of Rio Tinto, is a global leader in the supply and science of borates—naturally-occurring minerals containing boron and other elements. We are 1,000 people serving 650 customers with more than 1,800 delivery locations globally. We supply around 30% of the world’s need for refined borates from our world-class mine in Boron, California, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.  Learn more about Rio Tinto.

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