National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

 The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a 23,000-square-foot museum that brings the Oregon Trail to life through dramatic exhibits, life-size displays, multimedia presentations, and living-history programs. Its engaging exhibits highlight the hopes, struggles, and triumphs of the pioneers who made the journey west. Visitors can explore authentic artifacts, immersive dioramas, interactive activities for children, and compelling videos that together provide a vivid and memorable experience of life on the trail.

Not all made it to Oregon

Pioneers on the Oregon Trail faced hard decisions about what to take because space in a covered wagon was limited and every extra pound put a strain on the oxen. Families often had to choose between necessities and sentimental items.

An interesting hands on activity involving loading your wagon.

With the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869,

 travel along the Oregon Trail declined sharply, as settlers and goods

 could now move westward more quickly, safely, and cheaply by train.

The pioneers would trade with the Indians for goods and food

Emigrants struggled to choose the right time to depart. Wagon trains had to wait until the prairie had dried and firmed after winter snows and spring rains, yet they needed to set out before the summer sun scorched the grasses. Late April to early May proved to be the ideal window to begin the journey.