You’ll Feel Like You’ve Stepped Back To The Early 1800s At This One-Of-A-Kind Oregon Attraction
During the 1800s, more than 400,000 people traveled along the Oregon Trail, many of them making the journey all the way to Oregon. Learn more about these pioneers and their journey at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City:
In 1843, as many as 1,000 emigrants traveled in wagon trains to Oregon. Along the way, they had to cut timber to create a trail over the Blue Mountains. Once they reached The Dalles, there was no way for them to created a trail around Mount Hood, and they had to disassemble all the wagons and float them down the Columbia River to reach the end of the trail in Oregon City.
If you're interested in the history of the Oregon Trail, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is an incredible place to visit. You'll learn all about the creation of the trail, and the people who emigrated to Oregon along it.
The 23,000-square foot center sits high atop Flagstaff Hill, and its floor-to-ceiling windows provide excellent views of the valley below. You'll want to set aside a few hours to visit this remarkable place.
Inside, you'll find tons of exhibits that show you what it was like to travel the Oregon Trail. The self-guided tour takes you from start to finish on the Oregon Trail. You'll start with exhibits that show you how emigrants prepared for the trail, then go through exhibits that show you about trail life, and what it was like to create a homestead here in Oregon.
Hear and read personal stories from families who risked everything to travel West for a better life. The trail was often treacherous, and the pioneers faced many hardships.
Throughout the year, the interpretive center offers reenactments, lectures, and live music, so you'll want to keep tabs on the events offered. In this photo, Ranger Zack is holding a blacksmith demonstration.
Outside the center, get a close-up look at replicas of the covered wagons that were used on the trail, and see how the pioneers cooked, hunted, and set up camp along the arduous journey.
Once you're seen all the exhibits, take one of the hiking trails to see even more. The Panorama Point Trail an easy, paved trail that most visitors will be able to enjoy.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from late November through May, and has extended hours til 6 p.m. during the summer.
Visit the interpretive center’s page on the National Parks Service website for more information, and make sure to follow the center’s Facebook page to see the latest events happening there.
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
