Come learn the stories of one of the most important chapters in America's history. The museums and historic sites in this guide focus on preserving the culture of life on the Oregon Trail. See artifacts from everyday pioneer life, visit forts that once guarded pioneers from feared Native American attacks, examine actual ruts left by the wagons constantly moving westward. You’ll uncover every aspect of the Oregon Trail and want to delve further and further into its complex history. Sure, it's nothing like playing The Oregon Trail on your old PC, but at least you won't have to worry about feeding your oxen or dying of dysentery. So, take on your own manifest destiny and discover the history and intrigue of traveling along America's final frontier.
But now that you've reached the end of your journey, you can relax. The adorable Villa Columbia Bed and Breakfast is perfect, offering three course, locally-sourced breakfasts, and an awesome location within walking distance of tons to see and do, and stunning views make this the perfect treat for completing the trip.
You made it! Hooray! But as you probably know, reaching Oregon meant that things for pioneers didn't get easy...and the super interactive and hands-on End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center does a great job of recapping the journey and what was in store for those who actually made it to the end.
C & D Drive In and Bakery is an old-school drive-in that features shakes, fries, corn dogs and more...but might I suggest the buffalo burger?
Prodigal Son Brewery and Pub is named after the Biblical story of a man who set out to make his way in the world, which seems appropriate for the pioneers who also took life-changing journeys. Plus, the beer here is killer and they make some really tasty pub grub, too.
You can camp where pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail are known to have camped at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Park in Meacham. At the very least, you can hike the old-growth forest and check out their interpretive center, and if you didn't bring camping supplies, rent out a cabin.
Dioramas, videos, artifacts, and a lovely walking trail immerse you in the hardships and motivations of those traveling the Oregon Trail at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City.
The Oregon Trail Agriculture Museum in Nyssa, OR is a former feed, seed and mill business that's now a museum dedicated to farming and the history of the region. The hardships of being a pioneer didn't end once they reached Oregon...then they had to establish farms and keep things growing!
Stop by Goody's Soda Fountain and Candy Stores in Boise in the summer for the ice cream and shakes, in the winter for the hot chocolate, and all-year-round for the candy and retro soda fountain vibes!
The Idaho Heritage Inn Bed and Breakfast was once the Idaho governor's mansion. Today, this estate has been transformed into a cozy B&B. Geothermal water, an excellent breakfast, and lovely antiques add to the experience here.
Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry, ID marks an important crossroads for pioneers: should they attempt the dangerous route across the Snake River, or take a longer route through the dry Oregon desert? For those who did try and cross the river, this was a popular way to go, hopping from island to island. Even then, many lives were lost during disastrous attempts.
Massacre Rocks State Park in American Falls, ID got its gruesome name from a skirmish that occurred between settlers on the Trail and Native Americans. The rocky terrain made it easy for the Shoshoni to attack the intruding wagon party. Plus, Register Rock is located right nearby. There, you can see the signatures of tons of Oregon Trail pioneers.
The Black Swan Inn in Pocatello, ID is one of America's last remaining themed hotels, with rooms that range from "Arabian Nights" to "Under the Sea". Personally, I'd suggest the Wild West suite...the faux storefront walls and the watering can shower make it feel fun, but you don't have to sacrifice basic amenities here, either: free wifi, a massive jetted tub, a 50-inch TV and more make this place pretty swanky, and it's reasonably priced!
The National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, ID may seem like another Oregon Trail museum, but this one is super cool, too. Here you'll have the chance to experience riding in a covered wagon and hearing re-enactors tell their stories at this unique and interactive museum.
The grub at Little America Restaurant is simple, but fresh and homemade, and the prices are good. Plus, kids and adults alike will love their 50 cent ice cream cones!
White Mountain Petroglyphs in Rock Springs, WY is an important puzzle piece to the story of settling the West, which involves the Native Americans who were living here well before settlers came in. The ancient markings on these cliffs are fascinating and pretty well preserved, especially for possibly being 1,000 years old. It's a quick hike to see the petroglyphs, and the impact that seeing them will leave is pretty significant.
The Oregon Trail predates Fort Fred Steele Historic Site by a few years, since it was built to help protect the Union Pacific Rail Line, but this fort didn't last more than 30 years. It's another interesting piece of the fascinating history of the American West that's worth learning about.
The Oregon Trail Ruts in Guernsey, WY is another spot along the trail where you can literally walk in the footsteps of pioneers. It's hard to believe that ruts from the wagon wheels are still visible today, some 150 years later.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site is a former fur trading post-turned-military fort, which was a popular stop for immigrants on the Oregon Trail. There are tons of restored buildings to explore, so leave plenty of time to check out everything you want to see!
You've been traveling a long way, so why not treat yourself to a nice glass of wine while soaking up the gorgeous views from Table Mountain Vineyards in Torrington, WY. It's a farm turned vineyard. From reds to whites to blushes, they make some great wines and have a beautiful tasting room, to boot!
You'll find the cozy Barn Anew B&B in the shadow of Scotts Bluff. The highlight here is the ability to spend the night in a tricked-out sheep's wagon, similar to the kind that pioneers used to travel across the country. They also have the world's most elegant outhouse, well worth seeing!
The best time of year to travel the Oregon Trail is late spring, summer and early fall. During this time of year the weather will be temperate and you won't have to worry about any of the harsh winter conditions that plagued the pioneers during days of old.