Hells Canyon Scenic Byway > Events > BLM Oregon Trail Center to feature pioneer wagon encampment

BAKER CITY, OR__In support of its goal to serve the American family, the Bureau of Land Management’s National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will host a re-enactment of an Oregon Trail pioneer wagon encampment over Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Located outdoors in a circle of replica covered wagons, an encampment of historical re-enactors will cook meals over open fires and offer samples of the food pioneers ate on the trail – including bison stew, beans and bacon, biscuits and cobbler. The cooks will utilize many local ingredients, including heirloom vegetables grown by volunteers. Costumed interpreters using tools and materials typical of the 1850s frontier era will show skills and technology of the Oregon Trail pioneers. Mountain men will share stories while demonstrating flint knapping, black powder shooting, and frontier survival skills. Musician Hank Cramer will perform frontier era music on Saturday, and The Carters will perform on Sunday.

The special exhibit “Finding Fremont” about explorer John C. Fremont’s time in Oregon will be open during regular business hours in the Center’s Flagstaff Gallery.

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is currently open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8 and $4.50 for seniors; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are also accepted. Call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events or visit oregontrail.blm.gov.

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