Travel Oregon

Explore the Lore - Seven Heritage Museums & Historic Sites

Explore the Lore - Seven Heritage Museums & Historic Sites

Ever wonder what life was like for Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery? Or the Oregon Trail pioneers who walked thousands of miles in search of a better life? Or the Native Americans who have called Oregon home for thousands of years? Maybe you’re more intrigued by the Chinese immigrants who settled in eastern Oregon during the gold rush era. Whatever your interest, we invite you to celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday with a walk through history at one of our many heritage museums and historic sites.

  • Distance: 
  • Starting Point:  Baker City
  • Minimum Driving Time: 
  • Best Time to Drive:  Year Round

A Great Trip For:

  • Couples
  • Families
  • History Buffs
  • Scenery

1. Fort Clatsop and Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

Make your way to the northern Oregon coast near Astoria for a visit to Fort Clatsop, the winter encampment for Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery from December 1805 to March 1806. Here you’ll find an interpretive center, ranger-led programs, and historical reenactments. >>more


2. Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

The Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Indian tribes are a small group of people with a big story to tell—one of 10,000 years of enduring culture. Exhibits and events at Tamástslikt showcase traditional song, dance, art, language, clothing, religion, and food created by these tribes. Located in the eastern Oregon town of Pendleton. >>more


3. National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Located just 5 miles from Baker City in northeast Oregon, you can walk in pioneers’ tracks, pan for gold and learn about everyday life on the Oregon Trail. >>more


4. End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

At this Oregon City center you can learn about the complete pioneer experience through living history presentations, Trail artifacts and heirlooms, and a film called “Bound for Oregon.” >>more


5. Kam Wah Chung Museum

Constructed in 1876 in the town of John Day as a trading post, Kam Wah Chung was the social, medical, and religious center for the Chinese community in eastern Oregon. Today, it’s remarkably preserved and allows visitors a glimpse into late 19th century Chinese culture in Oregon. Open May 1 to Oct. 31. >>more


6. Jacksonville Cemetery

You can step back to the 1850s at Jacksonville Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 4,000 citizens in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley. >>more (PDF)


7. Oregon Historical Society

You’ll find the treasure chest of all things Oregon at The Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland. Through its mix of permanent collections and temporary exhibits, you’ll learn about Oregon’s people, heritage and culture. >>more


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