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Swales or Ruts
Park
House
Landing, Crossing, or Pass
Courthouse
Center or Kiosk
Museum
Campground
Other Landmark

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Oregon Trail Site	City	State	Type	Site description

Oregon Trail Site	City	State	Type	Site description
Wieduwilt Swales (85th and Manchester)	Kansas City	Missouri	Swales or Ruts	Wieduwilt Swales are the grassed-over evidence of three historic trails that passed through the area, the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon. Thousands of wagons, carts, livestock, and people traveled on these trails, which created ruts and left deep depressions in the earth. After the traffic stopped, vegetation slowly reclaimed the muddy and barren ground of the trails, creating the swales that are still visible today.
Minor Park	Kansas City	Missouri	Park	Emigrants heading west from Independence encountered their first river crossing at Minor Park, a preview of the many water crossings to be negotiated on their long journey west. Here, wagon trains crossed the Blue River by fording, since the first bridge across the river wasn't constructed until 1859. Numerous emigrants wrote about or mentioned the crossing in their diaries.
Rice-Tremonti Home	Raytown	Missouri	House	The Rice-Tremonti Home, along with Aunt Sophie's Cabin, has borne witness to more than 170 years of American history. This site was first settled in 1836 by Archibald Rice and family. They built the still standing, Gothic-Revival farmhouse in 1844, a Santa Fe Trail homestead. It served as a jumping off point for emigrants on the Oregon and California trails and is mentioned in many emigrant diaries as a popular campsite.
Wayne City (Upper Independence) Landing	Independence	Missouri	Landing, Crossing, or Pass	As the closest Missouri River landing to the town of Independence, Wayne City, or Upper Independence, Landing served as a supply port for early pioneers. It was also the starting point for many travelers who were heading west along the Oregon and California Trails. But this steamboat landing was never as successful or used as long as the Westport.
Independence Courthouse Square- Truman Courthouse	Independence	Missouri	Courthouse	Historic Truman Courthouse is the official start of the Oregon Trail, where wagons were outfitted through much of the emigration era. The original building on the site went up in 1836 in the Colonial Revival style.
Alexander Majors House	Kansas City	Missouri	House	Just down the road from the original Santa Fe Trail route, the Alexander Majors home was the western outpost for many military freight caravans on the trail. Visit the home to learn about westward expansion and the largest overland freighting company in the 1850’s.
Independence Courthouse Square	Independence	Missouri	Courthouse	The location of frenzied outfitting activity throughout the mid-1800s, Independence was the jumping-off point for the Santa Fe and Oregon trails and one of the starting points of the California Trail. Independence Square was the last significant point of supply for these emigrants until the mid-1840s, when Westport also became an outfitting town.
Trailside Center, Kansas City		Missouri	Center or Kiosk	Located just off of 3-Trails Crossing Memorial Highway in the heart of the historic 3-Trails Corridor, Trailside Center provides resources for trail and civil war aficionados, historians, and the Kansas City community. Few visitors realize that the communities that established in this area in the early 1830s were situated at the western edge of the United States until Kansas Territory was established in 1854.
National Frontier Trails Museum	Independence	Missouri	Museum	The historic trails passed through this area in the field that is directly across from the National Frontier Trails Museum. Evidence of the trails can still be seen in the field in the form of swales, which marks the exact route used by emigrants as they traveled westward.
Schumacher Park	Kansas City	Missouri	Park	Travelers on the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails passed through what is now Schumacher Park as they journeyed through the prairie of the great plains. They passed through the south end of the park in an east to west direction during the mid-1800s. Today, no traces of these trails (no ruts or swales) remain in the park, but the park does provide a good example of how this part of Kansas appeared in the 19th century.
Santa Fe Park	Independence	Missouri	Park	Santa Fe Park preserves approximately one-quarter mile of Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trail ruts in the heart of the city of Independence, Missouri. These ruts align with trail ruts found a half mile north on the Bingham-Waggoner estate, a 19.5 acre museum and park, that is open to the public.
Raytown Historical Society Museum		Missouri	Museum	Leading from Independence to Raytown to the southwest on the Independence route of the trails(today's Blue Ridge Boulevard), modern-day travelers reach Raytown, Missouri. Raytown was born in 1849 from blacksmith William Ray’s hammer and anvil. The story of early day trail travel is told in this modern-day bedroom community’s museum, situated directly on the historic Santa Fe Trail.
Hart Grove Creek Campground and Crossing at Marion Park		Missouri	Campground	This picturesque valley was the campsite of the infamous 1846 Donner Party…and thousands of other emigrants during the heyday of the overland trail system. A greenway across the property has been developed as part of a larger, two-mile-long trail project.
Blue Mills	Independence	Missouri	Other Landmark	Though not standing today, the mill once located at this intersection may have served traders involved in international commerce and travelers heading to or returning from the west. The filling station of the 19th century was the grist mill where needed commodities of flour and cornmeal could be procured and would sustain travelers over an 800-2,000 mile journey as they walked along the westward Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails.
Town of Kansas Bridge (Westport Landing)	Kansas City	Missouri	Landing, Crossing, or Pass	Westport Landing is where many eastern emigrants ended the first leg of their journey via riverboat and began preparations for their long overland journey. This steamboat landing was established in 1834 and a village quickly grew up around it with the name of "Kansas." This village later evolved into the City of Kansas, which is now known as Kansas City.
Town of Kansas Bridge- Riverfront Heritage Trail	Kansas City	Missouri	Heritage Area or Trail	The Riverfront Heritage Trail is a fully accessible 15 mile bicycle and pedestrian pathway that begins at the riverfront and winds through the oldest and most historic parts of bi-state Kansas City. It links communities, parks, and places and ties into the surrounding midtown and suburban trail system. Interpretive waysides and historical markers along the trail create a journey through the early history.
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area	Lawrence	Kansas	Heritage Area or Trail	Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area shares the stories of 19th century Americans living in Kansas and Missouri who struggled to define the meaning of freedom during the Bleeding Kansas and Civil War years and how these historic struggles have shaped our nation’s concept of American democracy today as freedom for all continues to evolve.
Oregon Trail Park at Scott Springs		Kansas	Park	Oregon Trail Park at Scott Springs was a favorite campsite for emigrants. The natural springs provided good water for westward travelers and an opportunity to rest. The springs still flow today and are commemorated at the park, along with the thousands of early travelers who camped here. Since the springs are on private property, the park is located just south of the site and offers plenty of things to do.
Hollenberg Pony Express Station		Kansas	Station	The Hollenberg ranch house was built on Cottonwood Creek about 1857 by Gerat H. Hollenberg to capitalize on the Oregon-California emigrant trade that passed his door. In addition to living quarters for the Hollenberg family, the building served as a neighborhood grocery store, a tavern, and an unofficial post-office. Emigrants were able to obtain provisions at the ranch. Three years later, it became a Pony Express home station and later a stage station.
Alcove Spring		Kansas	Rock or Spring	Alcove Spring was a favorite trail campsite near the Independence Crossing of the Big Blue River. Often, emigrants would spend several days here, waiting for the swollen waters of the river to drop to levels that were safe for fording. They found the area picturesque, with the spring originating in an unusual rock formation and falling over a rock ledge into a pool below. Emigrants carved their names in the rocks.
Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site, Fairway	Fairway	Kansas	Historic Site	The Shawnee Mission was one of many missions established as a manual training school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862.
Lone Elm Campground		Kansas	Campground	Lone Elm Campground is where many Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trail travelers spent their first night west of the Missouri River. For several decades, starting in 1821, this site served as a campground and rendezvous point for people traveling along these trails. The wagon swales created by the travelers can still be seen in the park, where the overland trails crossed a creek.
Prairie Village Santa Fe Trail Park		Kansas	Park	Prairie Village Ruts marks the location of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails in the form of rounded depressions in the ground called swales. These swales were once part of a well-defined path, most equivalent to a modern day dirt road, that was created as thousands of oxen, cattle, and wagons traveled across the land. They eroded and compacted the ground, which created ruts. Over time, the ruts were weathered into the more gently sloping swales visible today.
Strang Park, Overland Park		Kansas	Park	The Santa Fe Trail forked into two routes as it headed south from Westport. Along the routes were campgrounds for trail travelers — to the northeast of the junction was Sapling Grove and to the southwest was a campground called Flat Rock or Indian Creek. Until the 1860s, these two routes out of Westport saw traffic from Santa Fe traders, Oregon- and California-bound emigrants, mountain men, missionaries, gold seekers, and the frontier military.
Gardner Junction Park		Kansas	Park	At Gardner Junction Park, the Oregon and California Trails split from the Santa Fe Trail. Each spring, west-bound travelers in Kansas would rush towards this junction and then take their "exit." Those heading to Santa Fe would continue southwest, while those heading to Oregon or California would turn and head northwest.
Alcove Spring Swales		Kansas	Swales or Ruts	The hilly area around Alcove Springs made travel difficult for emigrants. Heavy wagons being pulled forward by livestock dug into the ground, creating ruts. These ruts were deepened and lengthen by wagons wet from river crossings, which made the ground muddy. The ruts were maintained, and grew, by the thousands of wagons that traveled through this area. They can still be seen today.
Historic Trails Park (Marshall's Ferry)		Kansas	Other Landmark	Marshall's Ferry was a major crossing of the Big Blue River near Marysville, Kansas. The Oregon and California trails, along with several others, converged here to cross the river. Seeing a great business opportunity, in 1852 Francis Marshall moved to Marysville from Missouri with the purpose of establishing a ferry on the Big Blue.
Oregon Trail Park Grave Site		Kansas	Monument or Grave	From the Oregon Trail Park at Scott Springs parking lot, follow the one mile long, handicap accessible walking trail called "Little Dog Lost." It leads from the park, under the bridge, to the other side of the highway, and onto a grave site.
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area		Kansas	Heritage Area or Trail	Wayne City (Upper Independence) Landing
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer	Grand Island	Nebraska	Museum	Walk along original wagon swales, visit a Pawnee Indian earth lodge, and explore a “pioneer settlement” that interprets the 1850s-1860s road ranches—the truck stops of yore—that served emigration and freight traffic along the trail.
Scotts Bluff National Monument		Nebraska	Monument or Grave	The bluffs of Scotts Bluff National Monument rise directly from the North Platte River, blocking wagon travel along the river's south bank. At first, emigrants had to take a detour south and use Robidoux Pass, a natural gateway, to get through the bluffs. This mostly stopped in 1850 when a new route was opened at Mitchell Pass.
Legacy of the Plains Museum		Nebraska	Museum	Located on the Oregon Trail, legacy of the Plains Museum is a destination for people interested in stories of human and agricultural history in the North Platte Valley and High Plains. Fine new state-of-the-art and interactive exhibits.
Homestead National Historical Park	Beatrice	Nebraska	Park	Homestead National Monument of America, managed by the National Park Service, remembers the Homestead Act of 1862 and the lives of those affected by it. The Act brought about significant changes to the United States, including opening up federal land to a diverse group of people.
Fort Kearny State Historical Park		Nebraska	Park	Fort Kearny was the first Western military post built to protect emigrants on the trails west, and it later served as the headquarters for a number of small outposts along the emigrant trails. The fort was also a place where emigrants could resupply and a Pony Express station.
Ash Hollow State Historical Park		Nebraska	Park	Sweet spring water made Ash Hollow State Historical Park an important spot for American Indians. Centuries ago, a ferocious battle between the Pawnee and Lakota Sioux took place here for control of the valley. Years later, this valley, and its spring water, also became an important stop for emigrants making their way west.
The Archway- Pioneer Sod House		Nebraska	House	The Archway also contains a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The Great Plains Cultural Learning Trail travels through native prairie vegetation to a replica sod house.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site		Nebraska	Historic Site	Chimney Rock was more than a wonder of nature. It was also a significant landmark in measuring the emigrants' progress west. This natural feature was a "grand and splendid object" to emigrants who had never seen the geology of the American West.
Oak Grove Station/Comstock Ranch		Nebraska	Station	Oak Grove Station was a busy road ranch operated by the Comstock family. On August 7, 1864, a suspiciously friendly party of 20 Cheyenne dropped in for a visit. While chatting casually with nervous ranch workers who had gathered for dinner, the Cheyenne suddenly struck, killing two men and wounding two more. The Oak Grove Pony Express Station is also commemorated here.
1864 Indian Raids		Nebraska	Museum	The 1864 Uprising was a series of American Indian raids made by the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes in an attempt to drive emigrants from their lands. A Nebraska State Historical Society interpretive marker provides more information about these raids.
The Archway		Nebraska	Monument or Grave	The Archway is a unique trail-themed building that spans the emigrant trails, now part of Interstate 80. The facility tells this story of 170 years of westward movement with detailed displays, family activities, education programs, and more.
O'Fallon's Bluff at Sutherland Rest Area	Sutherland	Nebraska	Rest or Recreation Area	O'Fallon's Bluff is a section of bluffs about 20 miles long that sits next to the south side of the Platte River. The bluffs close proximity to the river forced the emigrant trails onto a narrow path that went up and over the bluffs. Over time, as thousands of wagons, emigrants, and livestock went up the rise, ruts were carved into the dry bluffs. These ruts are still visible today at Sutherland Rest Area.
California Hill		Nebraska	Butte or Hill	California Hill reveals the difficult decisions emigrants had to make when choosing their route to Oregon. Near North Platte, Nebraska, the Platte River splits into two major forks. Several crossing sites were used, but the Upper Crossing was the most important because it led to the best approach to the North Platte. However, this meant traveling over California Hill, which necessitated a steep climb of 240 feet in 1½ miles.
Ash Hollow State Park- Windlass Hill Area		Nebraska	Park	Windlass Hill is scarred by deeply eroded ruts cut by thousands of wagons sliding downhill with their wheels locked on the Oregon Trail. Due to the steepness of the grade, the wagons could easily travel at speeds that were not good for them or the livestock pulling the wagons. They were slowed by locking the wheels, which prevented the wheels from turning and increased friction.
Rachel E. Pattison Grave		Nebraska	Monument or Grave	Rachel taken sick in the morning, died in the night. Thus did twenty-three-year-old Nathan Pattison record the death of his wife of two months, Rachel Warren Pattison, on the Oregon Trail. Her trailside grave was the beginning of this pioneer cemetery, now known as Ash Hollow Cemetery.
Courthouse and Jail Rocks		Nebraska	Rock or Spring	Courthouse and Jail Rocks are massive monoliths made of Brule clay and Gering sandstone. Over time, wind and water erosion slowly sculpted the rocks into their current courthouse or castle appearance. The rocks were first noted by Robert Stuart in 1812 and quickly became guiding landmarks for fur traders and emigrants.
Burnt Ranch	South Pass City	Wyoming		Located along the Sweetwater River, almost at the edge of the Continental Divide, Burnt Ranch was a key spot along the route to the west coast. Geography and human events made it one of the places contributing significantly to the growth and ultimate power of young nation.
Fremont County Pioneer Museum	Lander	Wyoming	Museum	Located near the base of the Wind River Mountains in central Wyoming, the Fremont County Pioneer Museum contains collections on the many people who lived in the area, from indigenous communities to travelers on the overland trails.
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center		Wyoming	Museum	The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is a public-private partnership between the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation, and the City of Casper, Wyoming. It tells the stories of American Indians, early explorers, and the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails.
Bessemer Bend National Historic Site		Wyoming	Historic Site	Bessemer Bend National Historic Site, also known as Red Buttes Crossing, is one of the places where travelers forded the North Platte River, then 300 yards wide, for the last time and started the push toward the Sweetwater River. This crossing was used mostly in the early years of the emigration.
Fort Bridger State Historic Site		Wyoming	Historic Site	Jim Bridger established Fort Bridger in 1843 as a fur trading post. It was composed of two double-log houses about 40 feet long that were joined by a pen for horses. The fort soon became a vital resupply point for wagon trains on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails and expanded in size. I
Lt. Colonel's Quarters (Burt House, 1884)		Wyoming	House
Post Surgeon's Quarters (1875)		Wyoming	House
Old Bedlam		Wyoming	Other Landmark
South Pass Overlook		Wyoming	Overlook or Viewpoint	South Pass Overlook is a Bureau of Land Management interpretive site with views of several trail landmarks including Pacific Springs, South Pass and the Oregon Buttes. A short, paved pathway contains several interpretive waysides that tell the story of South Pass's importance to American Indians, mountain men, the fur trade, and to the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails.
North Platte River Crossing		Wyoming	Landing, Crossing, or Pass	North Platte River Crossing was one of numerous crossings used by trappers, traders, American Indians, and emigrants to reach Fort Laramie. In order to enter the fort, two rivers had to be crossed- the Laramie River and the North Platte River. Over the years, at least nine different sites were used to cross the Laramie and at least four different sites were used to cross the North Platte.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site	Fort Laramie	Wyoming	Historic Site	Fort Laramie once stood sentinel over the Oregon, California, and Mormon emigration trails; was a stop on the Pony Express route; and served as a staging ground for both peaceful and hostile dealings with Plains Indians. Its association with important figures, including Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, and historic events makes Fort Laramie an icon of the American West.
Bedlam Ruts		Wyoming	Swales or Ruts	The Bedlam Ruts are a fine stretch of Oregon Trail ruts and swales that visitors can walk. This Trail segment is on 40 acres of undeveloped public lands jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service (Ft. Laramie National Historic Site).
Register Cliff Historic Site		Wyoming	Historic Site	Following a day's journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff , which rises one hundred feet above the North Platte River valley. The soft, chalky limestone rock made it easy for emigrants to inscribe their names into the cliff before continuing on their journey. The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area.
Independence Rock State Historic Site		Wyoming	Historic Site	Independence Rock was the most-noted landmark of the wagon trails west of Fort Laramie. The rock derived its name from a party of fur trappers who camped and celebrated Independence Day near the rock on July 4, 1830. Eventually, thousands of emigrants camped at the foot of this 1,900 feet long by 850 feet wide granite outcrop. They carved their names and messages into the granite, using Independence Rock as a bulletin board for Oregon Trail.
Devil's Gate Interpretive Site		Wyoming	Museum	Devil's Gate is a 370 feet deep, 1,500 feet long, and only 50 feet wide canyon that was created by the Sweetwater River when it cut through a ridge of solid rock. Many an emigrant wrote diary comments about this geological oddity. They walked and waded in the Sweetwater River through the gorge, while their wagons followed the trail through the pass to the east.
Rattlesnake Pass		Wyoming	Landing, Crossing, or Pass	Rattlesnake Pass is where the Oregon Trail passed around Devil's Gate. Among the over 350,000 emigrants that went through Rattlesnake pass between 1840 and 1870, was Frederick Richard Fulkerson. Frederick passed away several weeks later while the Fulkersons where camped at Rattlesnake Pass. A wooden cross and a boulder mark his grave and an interpretive sign tells the story.
Devil's Gate- Mormon Handcart Visitor Center		Wyoming	Center or Kiosk	The Mormon Handcart Historic Site & Visitor Center, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is open to the public. Handcarts were not used by the initial 1847 Mormon expedition led by Brigham Young, but, rather, came later in the Trail's history. Thousands of emigrants on the Oregon and California trails shared the path with these handcarts.
Split Rock		Wyoming	Rock or Spring	Split Rock is a "gun sight" notched landform that rises 1000 feet above the sagebrush plains. It was visible to emigrants for two days or more as they approached, and then, left it behind. Some of the emigrants found the landform to be a useful navigational tool, since it guided them directly to South Pass. The Bureau of Land Management has developed an interpretive site on the south side of Split Rock.
South Pass		Wyoming	Landing, Crossing, or Pass	South Pass , a 20 mile wide, gently sloping gap in the Rocky Mountains, was perhaps the most important landform along the emigrant trails. It opened the West to settlement by providing a route over the Continental Divide that wagons could negotiate. Everyone who followed the Oregon Trail through Wyoming used this sagebrush and grass covered saddle. A wide and deep path was created as thousands of wagon wheels and livestock hooves steadily eroded the ground.
Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site		Wyoming	Swales or Ruts	Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site, also called the Guernsey Ruts, is located where the geography of the area forced the Oregon Trail to change course. At this point, the Trail was blocked from continuing along the North Platte River by a steep ridge of sandstone rock. It had to go up and over the ridge in order to continue heading west.
South Pass- Oregon Buttes		Wyoming	Butte or Hill	The Oregon Buttes consist of two flat-top hills and a smaller conical shaped hill. This landform, which is visible from South Pass, roughly marked the emigrants' entry into the Oregon Territory.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site		Washington	Historic Site	Fort Vancouver was a supply depot and the headquarters for the Columbia District of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a British corporation that monopolized the fur trade. Although HBC hoped to secure the Oregon Country for Britain, the post's humane and generous chief factor, Dr. John McLoughlin, often came to the rescue of American emigrants who arrived on his doorstep half-starved and penniless.
Historic Downtown Pocatello	Pocatello	Idaho	Other Landmark
Herrett Center for Arts & Science		Idaho	Center or Kiosk	The Herrett Center for Arts and Science is a non-profit museum on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA. Its purpose is primarily educational, offering programs to elementary and secondary school students, CSI students, and the adult community of south-central Idaho. The Center collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits anthropological artifacts and natural history specimens with an emphasis on the prehistoric American continents.
Three Island Crossing State Park		Idaho	Park	Three Island Crossing was the most important and difficult river crossing in Idaho. Crossing the Snake River was always dangerous, but when the water was low enough to negotiate, everyone who could, forded the river here. This allowed emigrants to take the more favorable northern route to Fort Boise. If they were unable to cross, emigrants were forced to travel along the alternate south route into Oregon.
Bonneville Point	Boise	Idaho	Overlook or Viewpoint	Bonneville Point is named for U.S. Army Captain Benjamin Bonneville, an early Idaho explorer whose party reached this viewpoint along an old Indian trail in 1833. Later, it became a fondly remembered location for emigrants on the Oregon Trail as they took in their first view of the Boise River Valley from the here.
Hooper Springs Park		Idaho	Park	Hooper Springs , the most famous of the area's soda springs, is one of several natural fountains in the area that emigrants considered to be one of the marvels of the Oregon Trail. Hooper Springs was noted for its picturesque scenery and its cold, naturally carbonated water spring. Emigrants added flavorings to this water to create natural soda-fountain drinks.
Oregon Trail Park and Marina		Idaho	Park	Oregon Trail Park and Marina contains a short segment of original Oregon Trail wagon swales. The Trail, marked by white carsonite markers, heads up from the park's lake, Alexander Reservoir, and crosses the park's entrance road. Look for the swales in the grass on either side of the entrance road near its junction with U.S. 30.
Massacre Rocks State Park	American Falls	Idaho	Park	Massacre Rocks State Park received its name from a grouping of boulders that created a narrow break through which the Oregon Trail passed. Emigrants, fearing that American Indians might be waiting in ambush, named the boulders "Massacre Rocks." Skirmishes between emigrants and Shoshone Indians did occur in August 1862, but these took place east of the park. The state park still contains visible trail ruts.
Massacre Rocks Rest Area- Historical Site		Idaho	Historic Site	Remnants of the Oregon and California Trails can be found by continuing on the trail at Massacre Rocks Rest Area to the historical site . To reach this site, walk past the Snake River overlook and through the tunnel that goes underneath both lanes of the interstate highway. When you exit the tunnel, follow the trail to right. It will take you first to a series of interpretive wayside exhibits on Oregon Trail history.
Geyser Park		Idaho	Park	Geyser Park includes a gray-orange mound- one of the original soda springs described by passing emigrants- and a captive geyser that erupts every hour on the hour. This "luke-cool" geyser was released when drillers seeking hot water for mineral baths unintentionally tapped into an artesian well. Now, it is a developed site with interpretive exhibits that tell the area's story.
Massacre Rocks Rest Area (Westbound)		Idaho	Rest or Recreation Area	Massacre Rocks Rest Area (Westbound) is located next to the Oregon and California Trails. Hundreds of thousands of emigrants passed through this area on their way to Oregon in the mid-1800s. In 1862, American Indians, possibly in collaboration with white men, attacked two wagon trains in this area. Today, this location is a rest area for travelers on westbound I-86.
Milner Historic Recreation Area Swales		Idaho	Rest or Recreation Area	The Oregon Trail ruts at Milner Historic Recreation Area cut across the loop road here in a couple of places. The shallow trough-like swale can be seen extending on both sides of the road through the grassy landscape dotted with sagebrush. Small white posts labeled "Oregon Trail" mark the position of the swale.
Milner Historic Recreation Area		Idaho	Rest or Recreation Area	Over 100 years ago, emigrants on the Oregon Trail passed through what is now Milner Historic Recreation Area , creating ruts as they traveled through the soft soil of the area. Some of the emigrants chose to camp here, resting before continuing on the long journey ahead. The recreation area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, preserves these still visible Oregon Trail ruts.
Three Island Crossing Overlook		Idaho	Overlook or Viewpoint	Three Island Crossing Overlook is located on top of the bluff across the river from Three Island State Park (directions available at the park's education center). 30 miles eastward from this spot, the Oregon Trail left the Snake River and traveled across dry plains until near the overlook, where once again the trail descended to the Snake River. Emigrants would then attempt to ford the river, a risky undertaking that not all of them survived.
Oregon Trail Historic Reserve	Boise	Idaho	Swales or Ruts	Oregon Trail Historic Reserve is a 77 acre site in Southeast Boise that contains original trail ruts. The Oregon Trail descended to the river about a half-mile to the east of this site, at a very steep, rocky location. The reserve contains a gravel pedestrian trail that follows the trail ruts as they head along the rim of scenic Boise Valley to the start of the descent.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center	Baker City	Oregon	Museum	The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a 500 acre site managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The large interpretive center building contains exhibits that tell the compelling story of the Oregon Trail and the emigrant experience.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum	The Dalles	Oregon	Museum	Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is located on a 54-acre point of land adjacent to the Columbia River and is the interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This area includes one of the oldest continuously occupied places in North America (over 11,000 years) and parts of the Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trails.
Tamástslikt Cultural Institute		Oregon	Museum	Tamástslikt (pronounced "tuh-MUST-slickt") is from the Walla Walla Indian language, meaning "interpreting our own story." This museum and research facility is the only American Indian owned and operated interpretive center on the Oregon Trail. Its permanent exhibits explore the past, present, and future of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people (the Confederated Tribes.)
McLoughlin House	Oregon City	Oregon	House	The McLoughlin House is named after John McLoughlin, the Chief Factor of Fort Vancouver. Pressured into retirement by Hudson's Bay Company because of his generosity toward American emigrants, John McLoughlin moved his family from the fort to this home in 1846. During his retirement, he became a U.S. citizen (in 1851), founded Oregon City, established several businesses there, and donated land for schools and churches.
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center	Oregon City	Oregon	Museum	The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center contains a wealth of displays about the history of the Oregon Trail and the town of Oregon City. Before heading into the center, explore the outside grounds and gardens. Here, interpretive signs tell the stories of the Trail, the Tumwater Chinook and Clackamas Indian people, and the settlement of the Willamette Valley.
Farewell Bend State Recreation Area	Huntington	Oregon	Rest or Recreation Area	Farewell Bend State Recreation Area is named after Farewell Bend, the last location where emigrants camped and watered along the banks of the Snake River after following the river for over 300 miles. The next morning they would turn northwest and head into the desolate Burnt River country. Restored cover wagons and exhibits at an Oregon Trail kiosk tell the story.
Deschutes River State Park Oregon Trail Kiosk		Oregon	Center or Kiosk	Crossing the Deschutes River, near Deschutes River State Park, was difficult for emigrants. They frequently camped at the mouth of this large tributary of the Columbia River before crossing. In order to cross, some emigrant parties used the rocky islands near the river's mouth as stepping stones, while wagons were floated across and stock animals swam.
Keeney Pass Interpretive Site		Oregon	Museum	Keeney Pass was named for the early western pioneer, Jonathan Keeney. In 1831, at the age of 19, Keeney left Missouri to explore the Rocky Mountains. He joined Jim Bridger of the American Fur Company and spent his life trapping and trading throughout the west. Thousands of emigrants on the Oregon Trail used this pass to reach the fertile farmlands that laid further west.
Birch Creek Trail Site		Oregon	Other Landmark	Birch Creek Trail Site is a Bureau of Land Management site where the actual path made by emigrants, livestock, and wagons traveling the Oregon Trail is still a hiking path. Visitors are welcome to hike this quarter mile long section of the Oregon Trail across the sagebrush plains as it heads toward the Snake River.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area Overlook		Oregon	Overlook or Viewpoint	For emigrants on the Oregon Trail, Ladd Marsh was another obstacle they had to overcome in order to reach the fertile lands of the Willamette Valley. After traveling through Ladd Canyon and descending Ladd Hill, the flat lands of Grande Ronde Valley at first were a welcome reprieve from hard travel. But that changed upon entering the marsh.
Birnie Park	La Grande	Oregon	Park	For emigrants, today's Birnie Park was more than just a place along the Oregon Trail. It was also an important camping and staging area. In order to leave Grande Ronde Valley and continue on the Trail, emigrants faced a nearly 1000 ft. climb up steep valley walls. Teams of oxen had to be combined in order to pull the wagons up this rise. The area now known as Birnie Park provided a perfect location to do this.
Whitman Mission National Historic Site	Walla Walla	Washington	Historic Site	Whitman Mission National Historic Site was established to preserve and share the story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman's religious mission to the Cayuse Nation in the early nineteenth century, along with its lasting impacts and continuing relevancy. The Whitman's established their religious mission at Waiilatpu on the Columbia Plateau. During the 1840s, the mission also served as a way-stop on the Oregon Trail.
Echo Meadows		Oregon	Other Landmark	The primary route of the Oregon Trail passed through Echo Meadows from 1847-1860. Just four miles from the Umatilla River crossing, emigrants did not stop or camp here, but they left signs of their passing nonetheless. Deep wagon swales were created as the emigrants passed through the meadows, which remain to this day.
Celilo Park		Oregon	Park	Location: I-84 exit 97, west of Biggs Junction, Oregon Celilo Park is located along a stretch of the Columbia River where American Indians have been fishing for at least 10,000 years. In the past, they netted salmon migrating up the rapids and over Celilo Falls for food and trade. This important fishery became the hub of a vast Indian trade network that one writer called "the Wall Street of the West." The opening of The Dalles Dam in 1957 submerged Celilo Falls, but sonar r
Rowena Crest Viewpoint	Mosier	Oregon	Overlook or Viewpoint	Obtained as a gift from Mark Mayer in 1924, the Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a paved overlook located near the top of the high bluffs on the south side of the Columbia River. It offers magnificent views of the Columbia River Gorge, interpretive exhibits, and hiking trails through a nature preserve. When the spring wildflowers are in bloom, this is one of the most stunning vistas in the Gorge.
Grande Ronde Valley Oregon Trail Kiosk		Oregon	Center or Kiosk	The kiosk's interpretive exhibits tell of the emigrant experience in the Grande Ronde Valley and their peaceful encounters with the valley's American Indians. Look back to the southeast (left side of the freeway when facing the westbound lanes of I-84) to see white posts marking the "powerful rockey" 1,300-foot descent of Ladd Hill.
Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing		Oregon	Museum	Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing is where the Oregon Trail passed through the rugged Blue Mountains. Knowing that this was the last mountain range they would cross must have helped emigrants find the strength to climb the Blue Mountains.
National Historic Oregon Trail Center- Trail Ruts	Baker City	Oregon	Swales or Ruts	The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at the top of Flagstaff Hill. The Oregon Trail reached this hill by going through the small valley, known as Virtue Flat, that lies just south of the center. Traveling through this valley was no easy task. Emigrants had to fight their way through shoulder-tall sagebrush just after spending four or five difficult days ascending Burnt River.

Wieduwilt Swales (85th and Manchester)
Kansas City, Missouri

Type: Swales or Ruts

Site description: Wieduwilt Swales are the grassed-over evidence of three historic trails that passed through the area, the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon. Thousands of wagons, carts, livestock, and people traveled on these trails, which created ruts and left deep depressions in the earth. After the traffic stopped, vegetation slowly reclaimed the muddy and barren ground of the trails, creating the swales that are still visible today.

Minor Park
Kansas City, Missouri

Type: Park

Site description: Emigrants heading west from Independence encountered their first river crossing at Minor Park, a preview of the many water crossings to be negotiated on their long journey west. Here, wagon trains crossed the Blue River by fording, since the first bridge across the river wasn't constructed until 1859. Numerous emigrants wrote about or mentioned the crossing in their diaries.

Rice-Tremonti Home
Raytown, Missouri

Type: House

Site description: The Rice-Tremonti Home, along with Aunt Sophie's Cabin, has borne witness to more than 170 years of American history. This site was first settled in 1836 by Archibald Rice and family. They built the still standing, Gothic-Revival farmhouse in 1844, a Santa Fe Trail homestead. It served as a jumping off point for emigrants on the Oregon and California trails and is mentioned in many emigrant diaries as a popular campsite.

Wayne City (Upper Independence) Landing
Independence, Missouri

Type: Landing, Crossing, or Pass

Site description: As the closest Missouri River landing to the town of Independence, Wayne City, or Upper Independence, Landing served as a supply port for early pioneers. It was also the starting point for many travelers who were heading west along the Oregon and California Trails. But this steamboat landing was never as successful or used as long as the Westport.

Independence Courthouse Square- Truman Courthouse
Independence, Missouri

Type: Courthouse

Site description: Historic Truman Courthouse is the official start of the Oregon Trail, where wagons were outfitted through much of the emigration era. The original building on the site went up in 1836 in the Colonial Revival style.

Alexander Majors House
Kansas City, Missouri

Type: House

Site description: Just down the road from the original Santa Fe Trail route, the Alexander Majors home was the western outpost for many military freight caravans on the trail. Visit the home to learn about westward expansion and the largest overland freighting company in the 1850’s.

Independence Courthouse Square
Independence, Missouri

Type: Courthouse

Site description: The location of frenzied outfitting activity throughout the mid-1800s, Independence was the jumping-off point for the Santa Fe and Oregon trails and one of the starting points of the California Trail. Independence Square was the last significant point of supply for these emigrants until the mid-1840s, when Westport also became an outfitting town.

Trailside Center, Kansas City
Missouri

Type: Center or Kiosk

Site description: Located just off of 3-Trails Crossing Memorial Highway in the heart of the historic 3-Trails Corridor, Trailside Center provides resources for trail and civil war aficionados, historians, and the Kansas City community. Few visitors realize that the communities that established in this area in the early 1830s were situated at the western edge of the United States until Kansas Territory was established in 1854.

National Frontier Trails Museum
Independence, Missouri

Type: Museum

Site description: The historic trails passed through this area in the field that is directly across from the National Frontier Trails Museum. Evidence of the trails can still be seen in the field in the form of swales, which marks the exact route used by emigrants as they traveled westward.

Schumacher Park
Kansas City, Missouri

Type: Park

Site description: Travelers on the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails passed through what is now Schumacher Park as they journeyed through the prairie of the great plains. They passed through the south end of the park in an east to west direction during the mid-1800s. Today, no traces of these trails (no ruts or swales) remain in the park, but the park does provide a good example of how this part of Kansas appeared in the 19th century.

Santa Fe Park
Independence, Missouri

Type: Park

Site description: Santa Fe Park preserves approximately one-quarter mile of Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trail ruts in the heart of the city of Independence, Missouri. These ruts align with trail ruts found a half mile north on the Bingham-Waggoner estate, a 19.5 acre museum and park, that is open to the public.

Raytown Historical Society Museum
Missouri

Type: Museum

Site description: Leading from Independence to Raytown to the southwest on the Independence route of the trails(today's Blue Ridge Boulevard), modern-day travelers reach Raytown, Missouri. Raytown was born in 1849 from blacksmith William Ray’s hammer and anvil. The story of early day trail travel is told in this modern-day bedroom community’s museum, situated directly on the historic Santa Fe Trail.

Hart Grove Creek Campground and Crossing at Marion Park
Missouri

Type: Campground

Site description: This picturesque valley was the campsite of the infamous 1846 Donner Party…and thousands of other emigrants during the heyday of the overland trail system. A greenway across the property has been developed as part of a larger, two-mile-long trail project.

Blue Mills
Independence, Missouri

Type: Other Landmark

Site description: Though not standing today, the mill once located at this intersection may have served traders involved in international commerce and travelers heading to or returning from the west. The filling station of the 19th century was the grist mill where needed commodities of flour and cornmeal could be procured and would sustain travelers over an 800-2,000 mile journey as they walked along the westward Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails.

Town of Kansas Bridge (Westport Landing)
Kansas City, Missouri

Type: Landing, Crossing, or Pass

Site description: Westport Landing is where many eastern emigrants ended the first leg of their journey via riverboat and began preparations for their long overland journey. This steamboat landing was established in 1834 and a village quickly grew up around it with the name of "Kansas." This village later evolved into the City of Kansas, which is now known as Kansas City.

Town of Kansas Bridge- Riverfront Heritage Trail
Kansas City, Missouri

Type: Heritage Area or Trail

Site description: The Riverfront Heritage Trail is a fully accessible 15 mile bicycle and pedestrian pathway that begins at the riverfront and winds through the oldest and most historic parts of bi-state Kansas City. It links communities, parks, and places and ties into the surrounding midtown and suburban trail system. Interpretive waysides and historical markers along the trail create a journey through the early history.

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area
Lawrence, Kansas

Type: Heritage Area or Trail

Site description: Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area shares the stories of 19th century Americans living in Kansas and Missouri who struggled to define the meaning of freedom during the Bleeding Kansas and Civil War years and how these historic struggles have shaped our nation’s concept of American democracy today as freedom for all continues to evolve.

Oregon Trail Park at Scott Springs
Kansas

Type: Park

Site description: Oregon Trail Park at Scott Springs was a favorite campsite for emigrants. The natural springs provided good water for westward travelers and an opportunity to rest. The springs still flow today and are commemorated at the park, along with the thousands of early travelers who camped here. Since the springs are on private property, the park is located just south of the site and offers plenty of things to do.

Hollenberg Pony Express Station
Kansas

Type: Station

Site description: The Hollenberg ranch house was built on Cottonwood Creek about 1857 by Gerat H. Hollenberg to capitalize on the Oregon-California emigrant trade that passed his door. In addition to living quarters for the Hollenberg family, the building served as a neighborhood grocery store, a tavern, and an unofficial post-office. Emigrants were able to obtain provisions at the ranch. Three years later, it became a Pony Express home station and later a stage station.

Alcove Spring
Kansas

Type: Rock or Spring

Site description: Alcove Spring was a favorite trail campsite near the Independence Crossing of the Big Blue River. Often, emigrants would spend several days here, waiting for the swollen waters of the river to drop to levels that were safe for fording. They found the area picturesque, with the spring originating in an unusual rock formation and falling over a rock ledge into a pool below. Emigrants carved their names in the rocks.

Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site, Fairway
Fairway, Kansas

Type: Historic Site

Site description: The Shawnee Mission was one of many missions established as a manual training school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862.

Lone Elm Campground
Kansas

Type: Campground

Site description: Lone Elm Campground is where many Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trail travelers spent their first night west of the Missouri River. For several decades, starting in 1821, this site served as a campground and rendezvous point for people traveling along these trails. The wagon swales created by the travelers can still be seen in the park, where the overland trails crossed a creek.

Prairie Village Santa Fe Trail Park
Kansas

Type: Park

Site description: Prairie Village Ruts marks the location of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails in the form of rounded depressions in the ground called swales. These swales were once part of a well-defined path, most equivalent to a modern day dirt road, that was created as thousands of oxen, cattle, and wagons traveled across the land. They eroded and compacted the ground, which created ruts. Over time, the ruts were weathered into the more gently sloping swales visible today.

Strang Park, Overland Park
Kansas

Type: Park

Site description: The Santa Fe Trail forked into two routes as it headed south from Westport. Along the routes were campgrounds for trail travelers — to the northeast of the junction was Sapling Grove and to the southwest was a campground called Flat Rock or Indian Creek. Until the 1860s, these two routes out of Westport saw traffic from Santa Fe traders, Oregon- and California-bound emigrants, mountain men, missionaries, gold seekers, and the frontier military.

Gardner Junction Park
Kansas

Type: Park

Site description: At Gardner Junction Park, the Oregon and California Trails split from the Santa Fe Trail. Each spring, west-bound travelers in Kansas would rush towards this junction and then take their "exit." Those heading to Santa Fe would continue southwest, while those heading to Oregon or California would turn and head northwest.

Alcove Spring Swales
Kansas

Type: Swales or Ruts

Site description: The hilly area around Alcove Springs made travel difficult for emigrants. Heavy wagons being pulled forward by livestock dug into the ground, creating ruts. These ruts were deepened and lengthen by wagons wet from river crossings, which made the ground muddy. The ruts were maintained, and grew, by the thousands of wagons that traveled through this area. They can still be seen today.

Historic Trails Park (Marshall's Ferry)
Kansas

Type: Other Landmark

Site description: Marshall's Ferry was a major crossing of the Big Blue River near Marysville, Kansas. The Oregon and California trails, along with several others, converged here to cross the river. Seeing a great business opportunity, in 1852 Francis Marshall moved to Marysville from Missouri with the purpose of establishing a ferry on the Big Blue.

Oregon Trail Park Grave Site
Kansas

Type: Monument or Grave

Site description: From the Oregon Trail Park at Scott Springs parking lot, follow the one mile long, handicap accessible walking trail called "Little Dog Lost." It leads from the park, under the bridge, to the other side of the highway, and onto a grave site.

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area
Kansas

Type: Heritage Area or Trail

Site description: Wayne City (Upper Independence) Landing

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
Grand Island, Nebraska

Type: Museum

Site description: Walk along original wagon swales, visit a Pawnee Indian earth lodge, and explore a “pioneer settlement” that interprets the 1850s-1860s road ranches—the truck stops of yore—that served emigration and freight traffic along the trail.

Scotts Bluff National Monument
Nebraska

Type: Monument or Grave

Site description: The bluffs of Scotts Bluff National Monument rise directly from the North Platte River, blocking wagon travel along the river's south bank. At first, emigrants had to take a detour south and use Robidoux Pass, a natural gateway, to get through the bluffs. This mostly stopped in 1850 when a new route was opened at Mitchell Pass.

Legacy of the Plains Museum
Nebraska

Type: Museum

Site description: Located on the Oregon Trail, legacy of the Plains Museum is a destination for people interested in stories of human and agricultural history in the North Platte Valley and High Plains. Fine new state-of-the-art and interactive exhibits.

Homestead National Historical Park
Beatrice, Nebraska

Type: Park

Site description: Homestead National Monument of America, managed by the National Park Service, remembers the Homestead Act of 1862 and the lives of those affected by it. The Act brought about significant changes to the United States, including opening up federal land to a diverse group of people.

Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Nebraska

Type: Park

Site description: Fort Kearny was the first Western military post built to protect emigrants on the trails west, and it later served as the headquarters for a number of small outposts along the emigrant trails. The fort was also a place where emigrants could resupply and a Pony Express station.

Ash Hollow State Historical Park
Nebraska

Type: Park

Site description: Sweet spring water made Ash Hollow State Historical Park an important spot for American Indians. Centuries ago, a ferocious battle between the Pawnee and Lakota Sioux took place here for control of the valley. Years later, this valley, and its spring water, also became an important stop for emigrants making their way west.

The Archway- Pioneer Sod House
Nebraska

Type: House

Site description: The Archway also contains a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The Great Plains Cultural Learning Trail travels through native prairie vegetation to a replica sod house.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Nebraska

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Chimney Rock was more than a wonder of nature. It was also a significant landmark in measuring the emigrants' progress west. This natural feature was a "grand and splendid object" to emigrants who had never seen the geology of the American West.

Oak Grove Station/Comstock Ranch
Nebraska

Type: Station

Site description: Oak Grove Station was a busy road ranch operated by the Comstock family. On August 7, 1864, a suspiciously friendly party of 20 Cheyenne dropped in for a visit. While chatting casually with nervous ranch workers who had gathered for dinner, the Cheyenne suddenly struck, killing two men and wounding two more. The Oak Grove Pony Express Station is also commemorated here.

1864 Indian Raids
Nebraska

Type: Museum

Site description: The 1864 Uprising was a series of American Indian raids made by the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes in an attempt to drive emigrants from their lands. A Nebraska State Historical Society interpretive marker provides more information about these raids.

The Archway
Nebraska

Type: Monument or Grave

Site description: The Archway is a unique trail-themed building that spans the emigrant trails, now part of Interstate 80. The facility tells this story of 170 years of westward movement with detailed displays, family activities, education programs, and more.

O'Fallon's Bluff at Sutherland Rest Area
Sutherland, Nebraska

Type: Rest or Recreation Area

Site description: O'Fallon's Bluff is a section of bluffs about 20 miles long that sits next to the south side of the Platte River. The bluffs close proximity to the river forced the emigrant trails onto a narrow path that went up and over the bluffs. Over time, as thousands of wagons, emigrants, and livestock went up the rise, ruts were carved into the dry bluffs. These ruts are still visible today at Sutherland Rest Area.

California Hill
Nebraska

Type: Butte or Hill

Site description: California Hill reveals the difficult decisions emigrants had to make when choosing their route to Oregon. Near North Platte, Nebraska, the Platte River splits into two major forks. Several crossing sites were used, but the Upper Crossing was the most important because it led to the best approach to the North Platte. However, this meant traveling over California Hill, which necessitated a steep climb of 240 feet in 1½ miles.

Ash Hollow State Park- Windlass Hill Area
Nebraska

Type: Park

Site description: Windlass Hill is scarred by deeply eroded ruts cut by thousands of wagons sliding downhill with their wheels locked on the Oregon Trail. Due to the steepness of the grade, the wagons could easily travel at speeds that were not good for them or the livestock pulling the wagons. They were slowed by locking the wheels, which prevented the wheels from turning and increased friction.

Rachel E. Pattison Grave
Nebraska

Type: Monument or Grave

Site description: Rachel taken sick in the morning, died in the night. Thus did twenty-three-year-old Nathan Pattison record the death of his wife of two months, Rachel Warren Pattison, on the Oregon Trail. Her trailside grave was the beginning of this pioneer cemetery, now known as Ash Hollow Cemetery.

Courthouse and Jail Rocks
Nebraska

Type: Rock or Spring

Site description: Courthouse and Jail Rocks are massive monoliths made of Brule clay and Gering sandstone. Over time, wind and water erosion slowly sculpted the rocks into their current courthouse or castle appearance. The rocks were first noted by Robert Stuart in 1812 and quickly became guiding landmarks for fur traders and emigrants.

Burnt Ranch
South Pass City, Wyoming

Site description: Located along the Sweetwater River, almost at the edge of the Continental Divide, Burnt Ranch was a key spot along the route to the west coast. Geography and human events made it one of the places contributing significantly to the growth and ultimate power of young nation.

Fremont County Pioneer Museum
Lander, Wyoming

Type: Museum

Site description: Located near the base of the Wind River Mountains in central Wyoming, the Fremont County Pioneer Museum contains collections on the many people who lived in the area, from indigenous communities to travelers on the overland trails.

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
Wyoming

Type: Museum

Site description: The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is a public-private partnership between the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation, and the City of Casper, Wyoming. It tells the stories of American Indians, early explorers, and the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails.

Bessemer Bend National Historic Site
Wyoming

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Bessemer Bend National Historic Site, also known as Red Buttes Crossing, is one of the places where travelers forded the North Platte River, then 300 yards wide, for the last time and started the push toward the Sweetwater River. This crossing was used mostly in the early years of the emigration.

Fort Bridger State Historic Site
Wyoming

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Jim Bridger established Fort Bridger in 1843 as a fur trading post. It was composed of two double-log houses about 40 feet long that were joined by a pen for horses. The fort soon became a vital resupply point for wagon trains on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails and expanded in size. I

Lt. Colonel's Quarters (Burt House, 1884)
Wyoming

Type: House

Post Surgeon's Quarters (1875)
Wyoming

Type: House

Old Bedlam
Wyoming

Type: Other Landmark

South Pass Overlook
Wyoming

Type: Overlook or Viewpoint

Site description: South Pass Overlook is a Bureau of Land Management interpretive site with views of several trail landmarks including Pacific Springs, South Pass and the Oregon Buttes. A short, paved pathway contains several interpretive waysides that tell the story of South Pass's importance to American Indians, mountain men, the fur trade, and to the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails.

North Platte River Crossing
Wyoming

Type: Landing, Crossing, or Pass

Site description: North Platte River Crossing was one of numerous crossings used by trappers, traders, American Indians, and emigrants to reach Fort Laramie. In order to enter the fort, two rivers had to be crossed- the Laramie River and the North Platte River. Over the years, at least nine different sites were used to cross the Laramie and at least four different sites were used to cross the North Platte.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Fort Laramie, Wyoming

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Fort Laramie once stood sentinel over the Oregon, California, and Mormon emigration trails; was a stop on the Pony Express route; and served as a staging ground for both peaceful and hostile dealings with Plains Indians. Its association with important figures, including Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, and historic events makes Fort Laramie an icon of the American West.

Bedlam Ruts
Wyoming

Type: Swales or Ruts

Site description: The Bedlam Ruts are a fine stretch of Oregon Trail ruts and swales that visitors can walk. This Trail segment is on 40 acres of undeveloped public lands jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service (Ft. Laramie National Historic Site).

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Following a day's journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff , which rises one hundred feet above the North Platte River valley. The soft, chalky limestone rock made it easy for emigrants to inscribe their names into the cliff before continuing on their journey. The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area.

Independence Rock State Historic Site
Wyoming

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Independence Rock was the most-noted landmark of the wagon trails west of Fort Laramie. The rock derived its name from a party of fur trappers who camped and celebrated Independence Day near the rock on July 4, 1830. Eventually, thousands of emigrants camped at the foot of this 1,900 feet long by 850 feet wide granite outcrop. They carved their names and messages into the granite, using Independence Rock as a bulletin board for Oregon Trail.

Devil's Gate Interpretive Site
Wyoming

Type: Museum

Site description: Devil's Gate is a 370 feet deep, 1,500 feet long, and only 50 feet wide canyon that was created by the Sweetwater River when it cut through a ridge of solid rock. Many an emigrant wrote diary comments about this geological oddity. They walked and waded in the Sweetwater River through the gorge, while their wagons followed the trail through the pass to the east.

Rattlesnake Pass
Wyoming

Type: Landing, Crossing, or Pass

Site description: Rattlesnake Pass is where the Oregon Trail passed around Devil's Gate. Among the over 350,000 emigrants that went through Rattlesnake pass between 1840 and 1870, was Frederick Richard Fulkerson. Frederick passed away several weeks later while the Fulkersons where camped at Rattlesnake Pass. A wooden cross and a boulder mark his grave and an interpretive sign tells the story.

Devil's Gate- Mormon Handcart Visitor Center
Wyoming

Type: Center or Kiosk

Site description: The Mormon Handcart Historic Site & Visitor Center, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is open to the public. Handcarts were not used by the initial 1847 Mormon expedition led by Brigham Young, but, rather, came later in the Trail's history. Thousands of emigrants on the Oregon and California trails shared the path with these handcarts.

Split Rock
Wyoming

Type: Rock or Spring

Site description: Split Rock is a "gun sight" notched landform that rises 1000 feet above the sagebrush plains. It was visible to emigrants for two days or more as they approached, and then, left it behind. Some of the emigrants found the landform to be a useful navigational tool, since it guided them directly to South Pass. The Bureau of Land Management has developed an interpretive site on the south side of Split Rock.

South Pass
Wyoming

Type: Landing, Crossing, or Pass

Site description: South Pass , a 20 mile wide, gently sloping gap in the Rocky Mountains, was perhaps the most important landform along the emigrant trails. It opened the West to settlement by providing a route over the Continental Divide that wagons could negotiate. Everyone who followed the Oregon Trail through Wyoming used this sagebrush and grass covered saddle. A wide and deep path was created as thousands of wagon wheels and livestock hooves steadily eroded the ground.

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site
Wyoming

Type: Swales or Ruts

Site description: Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site, also called the Guernsey Ruts, is located where the geography of the area forced the Oregon Trail to change course. At this point, the Trail was blocked from continuing along the North Platte River by a steep ridge of sandstone rock. It had to go up and over the ridge in order to continue heading west.

South Pass- Oregon Buttes
Wyoming

Type: Butte or Hill

Site description: The Oregon Buttes consist of two flat-top hills and a smaller conical shaped hill. This landform, which is visible from South Pass, roughly marked the emigrants' entry into the Oregon Territory.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Washington

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Fort Vancouver was a supply depot and the headquarters for the Columbia District of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a British corporation that monopolized the fur trade. Although HBC hoped to secure the Oregon Country for Britain, the post's humane and generous chief factor, Dr. John McLoughlin, often came to the rescue of American emigrants who arrived on his doorstep half-starved and penniless.

Historic Downtown Pocatello
Pocatello, Idaho

Type: Other Landmark

Herrett Center for Arts & Science
Idaho

Type: Center or Kiosk

Site description: The Herrett Center for Arts and Science is a non-profit museum on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA. Its purpose is primarily educational, offering programs to elementary and secondary school students, CSI students, and the adult community of south-central Idaho. The Center collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits anthropological artifacts and natural history specimens with an emphasis on the prehistoric American continents.

Three Island Crossing State Park
Idaho

Type: Park

Site description: Three Island Crossing was the most important and difficult river crossing in Idaho. Crossing the Snake River was always dangerous, but when the water was low enough to negotiate, everyone who could, forded the river here. This allowed emigrants to take the more favorable northern route to Fort Boise. If they were unable to cross, emigrants were forced to travel along the alternate south route into Oregon.

Bonneville Point
Boise, Idaho

Type: Overlook or Viewpoint

Site description: Bonneville Point is named for U.S. Army Captain Benjamin Bonneville, an early Idaho explorer whose party reached this viewpoint along an old Indian trail in 1833. Later, it became a fondly remembered location for emigrants on the Oregon Trail as they took in their first view of the Boise River Valley from the here.

Hooper Springs Park
Idaho

Type: Park

Site description: Hooper Springs , the most famous of the area's soda springs, is one of several natural fountains in the area that emigrants considered to be one of the marvels of the Oregon Trail. Hooper Springs was noted for its picturesque scenery and its cold, naturally carbonated water spring. Emigrants added flavorings to this water to create natural soda-fountain drinks.

Oregon Trail Park and Marina
Idaho

Type: Park

Site description: Oregon Trail Park and Marina contains a short segment of original Oregon Trail wagon swales. The Trail, marked by white carsonite markers, heads up from the park's lake, Alexander Reservoir, and crosses the park's entrance road. Look for the swales in the grass on either side of the entrance road near its junction with U.S. 30.

Massacre Rocks State Park
American Falls, Idaho

Type: Park

Site description: Massacre Rocks State Park received its name from a grouping of boulders that created a narrow break through which the Oregon Trail passed. Emigrants, fearing that American Indians might be waiting in ambush, named the boulders "Massacre Rocks." Skirmishes between emigrants and Shoshone Indians did occur in August 1862, but these took place east of the park. The state park still contains visible trail ruts.

Massacre Rocks Rest Area- Historical Site
Idaho

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Remnants of the Oregon and California Trails can be found by continuing on the trail at Massacre Rocks Rest Area to the historical site . To reach this site, walk past the Snake River overlook and through the tunnel that goes underneath both lanes of the interstate highway. When you exit the tunnel, follow the trail to right. It will take you first to a series of interpretive wayside exhibits on Oregon Trail history.

Geyser Park
Idaho

Type: Park

Site description: Geyser Park includes a gray-orange mound- one of the original soda springs described by passing emigrants- and a captive geyser that erupts every hour on the hour. This "luke-cool" geyser was released when drillers seeking hot water for mineral baths unintentionally tapped into an artesian well. Now, it is a developed site with interpretive exhibits that tell the area's story.

Massacre Rocks Rest Area (Westbound)
Idaho

Type: Rest or Recreation Area

Site description: Massacre Rocks Rest Area (Westbound) is located next to the Oregon and California Trails. Hundreds of thousands of emigrants passed through this area on their way to Oregon in the mid-1800s. In 1862, American Indians, possibly in collaboration with white men, attacked two wagon trains in this area. Today, this location is a rest area for travelers on westbound I-86.

Milner Historic Recreation Area Swales
Idaho

Type: Rest or Recreation Area

Site description: The Oregon Trail ruts at Milner Historic Recreation Area cut across the loop road here in a couple of places. The shallow trough-like swale can be seen extending on both sides of the road through the grassy landscape dotted with sagebrush. Small white posts labeled "Oregon Trail" mark the position of the swale.

Milner Historic Recreation Area
Idaho

Type: Rest or Recreation Area

Site description: Over 100 years ago, emigrants on the Oregon Trail passed through what is now Milner Historic Recreation Area , creating ruts as they traveled through the soft soil of the area. Some of the emigrants chose to camp here, resting before continuing on the long journey ahead. The recreation area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, preserves these still visible Oregon Trail ruts.

Three Island Crossing Overlook
Idaho

Type: Overlook or Viewpoint

Site description: Three Island Crossing Overlook is located on top of the bluff across the river from Three Island State Park (directions available at the park's education center). 30 miles eastward from this spot, the Oregon Trail left the Snake River and traveled across dry plains until near the overlook, where once again the trail descended to the Snake River. Emigrants would then attempt to ford the river, a risky undertaking that not all of them survived.

Oregon Trail Historic Reserve
Boise, Idaho

Type: Swales or Ruts

Site description: Oregon Trail Historic Reserve is a 77 acre site in Southeast Boise that contains original trail ruts. The Oregon Trail descended to the river about a half-mile to the east of this site, at a very steep, rocky location. The reserve contains a gravel pedestrian trail that follows the trail ruts as they head along the rim of scenic Boise Valley to the start of the descent.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Baker City, Oregon

Type: Museum

Site description: The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a 500 acre site managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The large interpretive center building contains exhibits that tell the compelling story of the Oregon Trail and the emigrant experience.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum
The Dalles, Oregon

Type: Museum

Site description: Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is located on a 54-acre point of land adjacent to the Columbia River and is the interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This area includes one of the oldest continuously occupied places in North America (over 11,000 years) and parts of the Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trails.

Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
Oregon

Type: Museum

Site description: Tamástslikt (pronounced "tuh-MUST-slickt") is from the Walla Walla Indian language, meaning "interpreting our own story." This museum and research facility is the only American Indian owned and operated interpretive center on the Oregon Trail. Its permanent exhibits explore the past, present, and future of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people (the Confederated Tribes.)

McLoughlin House
Oregon City, Oregon

Type: House

Site description: The McLoughlin House is named after John McLoughlin, the Chief Factor of Fort Vancouver. Pressured into retirement by Hudson's Bay Company because of his generosity toward American emigrants, John McLoughlin moved his family from the fort to this home in 1846. During his retirement, he became a U.S. citizen (in 1851), founded Oregon City, established several businesses there, and donated land for schools and churches.

End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Oregon City, Oregon

Type: Museum

Site description: The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center contains a wealth of displays about the history of the Oregon Trail and the town of Oregon City. Before heading into the center, explore the outside grounds and gardens. Here, interpretive signs tell the stories of the Trail, the Tumwater Chinook and Clackamas Indian people, and the settlement of the Willamette Valley.

Farewell Bend State Recreation Area
Huntington, Oregon

Type: Rest or Recreation Area

Site description: Farewell Bend State Recreation Area is named after Farewell Bend, the last location where emigrants camped and watered along the banks of the Snake River after following the river for over 300 miles. The next morning they would turn northwest and head into the desolate Burnt River country. Restored cover wagons and exhibits at an Oregon Trail kiosk tell the story.

Deschutes River State Park Oregon Trail Kiosk
Oregon

Type: Center or Kiosk

Site description: Crossing the Deschutes River, near Deschutes River State Park, was difficult for emigrants. They frequently camped at the mouth of this large tributary of the Columbia River before crossing. In order to cross, some emigrant parties used the rocky islands near the river's mouth as stepping stones, while wagons were floated across and stock animals swam.

Keeney Pass Interpretive Site
Oregon

Type: Museum

Site description: Keeney Pass was named for the early western pioneer, Jonathan Keeney. In 1831, at the age of 19, Keeney left Missouri to explore the Rocky Mountains. He joined Jim Bridger of the American Fur Company and spent his life trapping and trading throughout the west. Thousands of emigrants on the Oregon Trail used this pass to reach the fertile farmlands that laid further west.

Birch Creek Trail Site
Oregon

Type: Other Landmark

Site description: Birch Creek Trail Site is a Bureau of Land Management site where the actual path made by emigrants, livestock, and wagons traveling the Oregon Trail is still a hiking path. Visitors are welcome to hike this quarter mile long section of the Oregon Trail across the sagebrush plains as it heads toward the Snake River.

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area Overlook
Oregon

Type: Overlook or Viewpoint

Site description: For emigrants on the Oregon Trail, Ladd Marsh was another obstacle they had to overcome in order to reach the fertile lands of the Willamette Valley. After traveling through Ladd Canyon and descending Ladd Hill, the flat lands of Grande Ronde Valley at first were a welcome reprieve from hard travel. But that changed upon entering the marsh.

Birnie Park
La Grande, Oregon

Type: Park

Site description: For emigrants, today's Birnie Park was more than just a place along the Oregon Trail. It was also an important camping and staging area. In order to leave Grande Ronde Valley and continue on the Trail, emigrants faced a nearly 1000 ft. climb up steep valley walls. Teams of oxen had to be combined in order to pull the wagons up this rise. The area now known as Birnie Park provided a perfect location to do this.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Walla Walla, Washington

Type: Historic Site

Site description: Whitman Mission National Historic Site was established to preserve and share the story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman's religious mission to the Cayuse Nation in the early nineteenth century, along with its lasting impacts and continuing relevancy. The Whitman's established their religious mission at Waiilatpu on the Columbia Plateau. During the 1840s, the mission also served as a way-stop on the Oregon Trail.

Echo Meadows
Oregon

Type: Other Landmark

Site description: The primary route of the Oregon Trail passed through Echo Meadows from 1847-1860. Just four miles from the Umatilla River crossing, emigrants did not stop or camp here, but they left signs of their passing nonetheless. Deep wagon swales were created as the emigrants passed through the meadows, which remain to this day.

Celilo Park
Oregon

Type: Park

Site description: Location: I-84 exit 97, west of Biggs Junction, Oregon Celilo Park is located along a stretch of the Columbia River where American Indians have been fishing for at least 10,000 years. In the past, they netted salmon migrating up the rapids and over Celilo Falls for food and trade. This important fishery became the hub of a vast Indian trade network that one writer called "the Wall Street of the West." The opening of The Dalles Dam in 1957 submerged Celilo Falls, but sonar r

Rowena Crest Viewpoint
Mosier, Oregon

Type: Overlook or Viewpoint

Site description: Obtained as a gift from Mark Mayer in 1924, the Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a paved overlook located near the top of the high bluffs on the south side of the Columbia River. It offers magnificent views of the Columbia River Gorge, interpretive exhibits, and hiking trails through a nature preserve. When the spring wildflowers are in bloom, this is one of the most stunning vistas in the Gorge.

Grande Ronde Valley Oregon Trail Kiosk
Oregon

Type: Center or Kiosk

Site description: The kiosk's interpretive exhibits tell of the emigrant experience in the Grande Ronde Valley and their peaceful encounters with the valley's American Indians. Look back to the southeast (left side of the freeway when facing the westbound lanes of I-84) to see white posts marking the "powerful rockey" 1,300-foot descent of Ladd Hill.

Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing
Oregon

Type: Museum

Site description: Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing is where the Oregon Trail passed through the rugged Blue Mountains. Knowing that this was the last mountain range they would cross must have helped emigrants find the strength to climb the Blue Mountains.

National Historic Oregon Trail Center- Trail Ruts
Baker City, Oregon

Type: Swales or Ruts

Site description: The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at the top of Flagstaff Hill. The Oregon Trail reached this hill by going through the small valley, known as Virtue Flat, that lies just south of the center. Traveling through this valley was no easy task. Emigrants had to fight their way through shoulder-tall sagebrush just after spending four or five difficult days ascending Burnt River.

Oregon Tail Map 1883

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