1.
Day One
Head over to the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, where kids will have a field day with the variety of exhibits, including a 1950's Diner, Journey To Japan, Lewis & Clark, an arts & crafts room and more. Or spend the morning exploring the history of Umatilla County at the Heritage Station Museum. Hop aboard the caboose, explore a hand-hewn log cabin, a windmill, and a one-room schoolhouse built in 1878 that housed students until 1940.
Don’t miss the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills, which has been making traditional Native American blankets for decades. Call ahead to schedule a tour of the mill.
Pick up some western duds at Hamley and Company then head over to Hamley Steak House for dinner. In addition to good, hearty food, you’ll see history in this restored building; look closely for the spur marks in the wide-planked wooden floors.
2.
Day Two
Just east of downtown Pendleton you’ll find the stunning Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. Here, you’ll learn the story of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Indian tribes, who have lived in this area for 10,000 years. Listen and watch as interpreters demonstrate ancient tribal crafts and games at the Living Culture Village, then take a self-guided walk through beautiful exhibits that showcase Native American song, dance, art and other parts of daily lives of these tribes. If you’re lucky you can end with a taste of Indian fry bread and huckleberry compote, or scour the gift shop for Pendleton blankets, handcrafted jewelry and more.
Spend the afternoon swinging clubs through the scenic foothills of the Blue Mountains at Wildhorse Resort & Casino’s 18-hole golf course. Follow your final putt on the signature hole (#18) with an evening of fun at the nearby Wildhorse Casino. Choose from some 850 slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and more. Or, just sidle up to the bar in the players lounge to wind down with some ESPN and a cocktail.
While visiting Eastern Oregon, browse a number of restaurant options in the Pendleton area.
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