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.
Ann Taguchi/Google
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.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center/Google Address: 22267 OR-86, Baker City, OR, 97814
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.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
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.
Eugene Weber/Google
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.
Ken Heininge/Google
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.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center/Facebook
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.
Rick Obst/flickr
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.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center/Facebook
There are more than four miles of interpretive trails here, and you can even see some of the original wagon ruts along the way.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
In all, there’s more than 500 acres to explore.
Frances Hart/Google
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.
Luz Sanchez/Google
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.
Ann Taguchi/Google
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center/Google
Address: 22267 OR-86, Baker City, OR, 97814
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Eugene Weber/Google
Ken Heininge/Google
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center/Facebook
Rick Obst/flickr
Frances Hart/Google
Luz Sanchez/Google
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