Located on highway 86 just five miles east of Baker City, Oregon stands the 23,000 square foot Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the fields below, this is one learning experience that takes the elementary history lesson to a whole new level.

DORIS KING ( TRAIL TENDERS VOLUNTEER) "THERE WAS A GROUP IN THE LATE EIGHTIES, A GROUP OF TOWNSPEOPLE, INTERESTED PEOPLE IN PRESERVING HISTORY GOT TOGETHER THE TRAIL TENDERS EVOLVED FROM THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT WAS TRYING TO GET THE CENTER STARTED HERE.  IT ALL CAME TOGETHER AND WE OPENED HERE IN MAY OF 1992"

Remnants of old wagons invoke thoughts of the early pioneer days and how life was on their 2,000 plus mile journey. Sweeping views of nearby mountain ranges and miles of open prairie provide an ideal setting for the massive hilltop facility and its impressive surroundings.

GARY KOY (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) "THIS IS ACTUALLY A REAL SIGNIFICANT PLACE ON THE OREGON TRAIL. WHEN THE PIONEERS LEFT HOME, LEFT THE EASTERN PART OF THE UNITED STATES, THEY CALLED THEMSELVES IMMIGRANTS. THIS WAS REALLY THE FIRST PLACE THEY SAW THERE REALLY WAS AN OREGON AT THE END OF THE TRAIL AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 1700 MILES ACROSS THE GREAT AMERICAN DESERT."

Filled with three different theaters, numerous life-size displays and countless artifacts, the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center has succeeded in re-creating our vision of what life was like for the early settlers. Volunteers and supporters of the Center bring old pioneer days to life through living history presentations and re-enactments. Educational programs provide kids of all ages with a fun and unique experience while still learning about the history of the Trail.