Bakersfield is a vibrant city in Kern County, California with a rich history and culture. Though it is known for agriculture and oil production, there is much more to this city. Let’s explore Bakersfield through some fun riddles!
Riddles about Bakersfield’s History
Bakersfield was founded in 1869 and has gone through many changes over the decades. Here are some riddles about its history:
Riddle 1
I’m a lawyer who made Bakersfield the county seat in 1874. Thomas Baker named the city after me. Who am I?
Answer: Colonel Thomas Baker named Bakersfield after Colonel Thomas Baker.
Riddle 2
We were a group of early settlers who came to the area in 1851 and established a town near present-day Rosedale. What is our name?
Answer: The Kern Island Irrigation Colony
Riddle 3
I’m an early settler who opened the first store and post office in Bakersfield in 1860. My name became the original name of the city. Who am I?
Answer: Christian Bohna. Bakersfield was originally called Kern Island Township and then Rhoda just before becoming Bakersfield.
Riddles about Bakersfield’s Geography
Bakersfield has very diverse geography, from mountains to valleys. Test your knowledge with these riddles:
Riddle 4
I’m an iconic natural landmark outside Bakersfield, featuring rock formations formed by the Kern River. What am I?
Answer: Kern River Canyon
Riddle 5
I’m a city northwest of Bakersfield that serves as the gateway to Sequoia National Park. Who am I?
Answer: Delano
Riddle 6
I’m the tallest peak in the Breckenridge Mountain Range northeast of Bakersfield. I stand at 8,755 feet. What’s my name?
Answer: Breckenridge Mountain
Riddles about Bakersfield’s Economy and Industries
Agriculture, oil, and aerospace are major industries in Bakersfield. Can you solve these business-related riddles?
Riddle 7
We’re the tasty orange crops that have been growing around Bakersfield since the late 1800s. What are we?
Answer: Orange groves/Orange orchards
Riddle 8
I’m a large oilfield discovered in 1899 that still produces oil today southwest of Bakersfield. What’s my name?
Answer: Midway-Sunset Oil Field
Riddle 9
I’m an aerospace company headquartered in Bakersfield that specializes in high-tech surveillance aircraft. Who am I?
Answer: AEROVIRONMENT, Inc.
Riddles about Bakersfield Culture and Entertainment
Beyond business, Bakersfield has a lively arts and culture scene. See if you can get these riddles about entertainment venues and events:
Riddle 10
Built in 1931, I’m a historic theater in downtown Bakersfield that hosts live performances. Who am I?
Answer: Fox Theater
Riddle 11
I’m a country music festival held in June at the Kern County Fairgrounds that attracts big name stars. What’s my name?
Answer: Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
Riddle 12
I’m a museum in Bakersfield that preserves and celebrates the history, art, and culture of Kern County. What museum am I?
Answer: Kern County Museum
Riddles about Bakersfield’s Sports Teams
Home to several minor league sports teams, Bakersfield residents are passionate about their local athletes. Try these riddles related to sports:
Riddle 13
I’m a minor league hockey team and the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. I play at Mechanics Bank Arena. Who am I?
Answer: The Bakersfield Condors
Riddle 14
I’m a minor league baseball team and the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Fans cheer for me at Bakersfield’s Sam Lynn Ballpark. What is my name?
Answer: The Bakersfield Train Robbers
Riddle 15
I’m a Bakersfield roller derby league competing since 2006. Our name combines an intense fire with heavenly bodies. What league are we?
Answer: Central Coast Roller Derby
Riddles about Bakersfield’s Climate and Geography
Bakersfield has a unique climate and landscape. How well do you know the details? Try these brain teasers:
Riddle 16
I’m a hot, dry wind that blows into Bakersfield from the east during the fall. The winds enhance wildfire risks. What am I called?
Answer: The Santa Ana winds
Riddle 17
Bakersfield has very hot summers and mild winters. What term describes its climate?
Answer: A Mediterranean climate
Riddle 18
What major California mountain range borders Bakersfield to the southwest?
Answer: The Tehachapi Mountains
Riddles about Bakersfield’s Infrastructure
As a major city, Bakersfield has important infrastructure elements that keep the city running. Test your knowledge of what makes the city function:
Riddle 19
I’m an east-west state highway that runs through Bakersfield. At over 400 miles long, I’m one of California’s major highways. What number am I?
Answer: Highway 58
Riddle 20
I’m the main commercial airport serving Kern County and the surrounding communities. Over 2 million passengers pass through me annually. What’s my name?
Answer: Meadows Field Airport
Riddle 21
Opened in 1977, I’m a water project that brings vital water supplies to Bakersfield from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. What am I called?
Answer: The California Aqueduct
Riddles about Bakersfield’s Neighborhoods and Suburbs
Greater Bakersfield consists of many distinct neighborhoods and suburbs. How well do you know the metro area?
Riddle 22
I’m an upscale suburban neighborhood in southwest Bakersfield known for quality schools and tree-lined streets. What’s my name?
Answer: Stockdale Estates
Riddle 23
Located east of downtown, I’m the oldest surviving neighborhood in Bakersfield. Early mansions and bungalows line my streets. What am I called?
Answer: Old Town Kern
Riddle 24
I’m a suburb of Bakersfield located in a major oil producing region. Petroleum Club Drive hints at my history. What suburb am I?
Answer: Oildale
Riddles about Bakersfield’s Education
From K-12 schools to colleges, education is important to the community. Test your knowledge of local learning institutions:
Riddle 25
I’m a public university located in Bakersfield with notable programs in agriculture, nursing, and engineering. What’s my name?
Answer: California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)
Riddle 26
I’m a private Baptist university in Northeast Bakersfield offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Who am I?
Answer: California Baptist University
Riddle 27
Founded in 1913, I’m the oldest high school in Bakersfield. Notable alumni include baseball player Joe Kmak and musician Merle Haggard. What’s my name?
Answer: Kern County High School
Riddles about Local Celebrities and Historic Figures
Bakersfield has produced many noteworthy celebrities and historic figures over the years. Can you identify these local icons?
Riddle 28
I’m a Bakersfield-born country singer who hosted a local TV show called “Buck Owens’ Ranch” and founded the Crystal Palace club. Who am I?
Answer: Buck Owens
Riddle 29
I’m a Pulitzer Prize-winning artist and author who grew up in Oildale and immortalized Bakersfield’s culture. My works include “The Grapes of Wrath”. Who am I?
Answer: John Steinbeck
Riddle 30
I’m a Bakersfield physician who pioneered cardiology and helped establish the technique of cardiac catheterization. My name is Dr. ?
Answer: Dr. Charles Dotter
Riddles about Local Cuisine and Dining
From fresh produce to Basque food, Bakersfield has some specialties foodies will appreciate. Test your palate with these food riddles:
Riddle 31
Grown in Arvin near Bakersfield, I’m a sweet onion variety best enjoyed fresh and raw. Farmers harvest me April through June. What type of onion am I?
Answer: Vidalia onion
Riddle 32
Brought by Basque immigrants, I’m a Bakersfield restaurant serving family-style meals like steak, beans, salad, and salsa. What’s my name?
Answer: Wool Growers Restaurant
Riddle 33
Locals flock to me on Saturdays for my legendary biscuits and gravy. I’m a beloved Bakersfield eatery named after a clinking sound. What am I?
Answer: Trout’s
Riddles about Local Attractions and Landmarks
From museums to music venues, Bakersfield has many iconic sites. Can you name these landmarks?
Riddle 34
Built in 1922, I’m a historic Bakersfield theater once owned by entertainer Lawrence Welk. Catch a show under my twinkling ceiling. Who am I?
Answer: The Bakersfield Fox Theater
Riddle 35
Located downtown, I’m a museum where visitors can walk through historic buildings and experience local history hands-on. What’s my name?
Answer: Kern County Museum
Riddle 36
I’m a large park with athletic fields, play structures, and walking trails along the Kern River. Families picnic under my shady trees. What am I?
Answer: Yokuts Park
Riddles about Local Wildlife and Nature
Even in the city, wildlife wanders through Bakersfield’s parks and natural areas. How well do you know the local critters?
Riddle 37
I’m the largest North American rodent found along the Kern River through Bakersfield. Cougars and coyotes hunt me. What am I?
Answer: American beaver
Conclusion
How many of these Bakersfield riddles could you solve? This quiz covers the city’s diverse history, culture, cuisine, attractions and wildlife. Bakersfield has an eclectic blend of oil rigs and orange groves, music venues and Basque restaurants. These riddles provide a fun way to test your knowledge of Kern County’s biggest city!
