Activities and Events

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offers guided programs and living history demonstrations for all ages.

Activities & Events

  • Year round Ranger Programs (days of the week and timing vary upon seasons; call ahead for details)
  • June 13, 2026: Oregon Trail Days
  • October: Haunting on the Hill

Public Programs

Details about routinely offered programs are listed below.

Ranger programs

Winter is a quieter season at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, which makes it a great time for a more personal experience.

  • Because visitation is lighter this time of year, ranger-led interpretive programs (Thursday-Saturday only) aren’t offered on a fixed daily schedule. Instead, programs are often tailored to the visitors who are here that day.
  • Interested in a special presentation or a deeper dive into a topic? Let us know! Our rangers are happy to accommodate when staffing and attendance allow.
  • We recommend calling ahead during winter hours to check on staffing and available programs.
Regularly scheduled programs will resume when the busy season returns. No matter what, we’ll always do our best to make your visit memorable!
Oregon Trail Days

Oregon Trail Days is a free, family friendly community celebration presented by the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. This signature summer event brings history to life while honoring the people, stories, and journeys that shaped the American West. As part of the national Freedom 250 celebrations, Oregon Trail Days invites visitors to reflect on 250 years of American history through hands on experiences and shared community traditions.

The event kicks off the summer season on June 13 at Geiser-Pollman Park, near downtown Baker City. The main celebration begins around midday and wraps up with a free live concert in the evening. Additional programs will take place on Friday and Sunday at the Interpretive Center.

What you can experience:

  • Explore history - Step into the past with a recreated wagon train, wagon rides, and costumed interpreters demonstrating daily life on the trail.
  • Hands-on activities - Meet local organizations, learn about the region, and enjoy engaging activities for kids and families.
  • Entertainment - Enjoy storytelling, live music, and performances throughout the day and evening.

Designed to be welcoming, educational, and fun, Oregon Trail Days offers a chance for families and visitors to connect with local history, talk with educators and volunteers, and explore the deep ties between the Oregon Trail, Baker City, and eastern Oregon.

For full schedules and event details are coming soon! Oregon Trail Days is made possible by the Bureau of Land Management, along with community partners including Crossroads Carnegie, Baker City Downtown, and many more.

Movie

A 60-minute film, West to Oregon, is shown daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Leo Adler Theater.

 

person in old time costume giving a presentation to children
Karen Haas in "Wagons West!"

 

person in old time costume portraying Doctor Balthasar
"Doctor Balthasar's Miracle Medicine" show