|
It is on Abernethy Green that the End of the Oregon Trail
Interpretive Center now invites you to explore the history of the
modern Pacific Northwest, from the arrival of the first fur traders
to the coming of the railroads that ended the era of the great
overland trails. Our signature covered wagon-shaped buildings house
two digital theaters and an exhibit gallery. Out back, you'll find
the Willamette Trades & Craft Workshop, a space dedicated to mixing
exhibits with hands-on activities for children of all ages.
In addition to theatrical presentations, exhibits, and
hands-on Nineteenth Century activities, the Interpretive Center
hosts special events during the spring and summer months. Past
events have included the Oregon Trail Pageant, the Mormon Trail
Sesquicentennial Pageant, the debut concert of the Trail Band's CD
Immigrant Dreams, and even a couple of visits by the Budweiser
Clydesdales -- which admittedly had nothing to do with the overland
emigrants of the Nineteenth Century, but we thought it was kind of
fun. You may wish to check the current edition of our event and
exhibit calendar before planning your visit to the Interpretive
Center.
If you're planning to follow the Oregon Trail from one end to the
other, we have maps and guidebooks available for novice historians
and rut nuts alike in our general store. We also get a number of
inquiries every year from people having trouble finding good maps of
the Oregon Trail with which to plan their vacation. Fear not -- such
maps do exist, and we'll mail you one at no cost to guide you on
your way if you send us your mailing address via e-mail. Best of
all, we won't add you to our mailing list unless you ask us to.
While you're visiting the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive
Center, we can direct you to other historic points of interest in
Oregon City and the surrounding communities. On our campus, you can
see exactly how deep the water was during the Great Flood of '96 at
the high water marks both inside and outside the Center. The house
of John McLoughlin, the Father of Oregon, is now a museum and
reportedly haunted. If you have a day to spare, we recommend a day
trip to Mount Hood, where you can find ruts from the Barlow Road,
the last overland segment of the Oregon Trail.
Bound for Oregon
The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is the only place
you'll see Bound for Oregon, a thirty minute theatrical feature
depicting the Oregon Trail journeys of four real emigrants from the
mid-1800s. Bound for Oregon tells the stories of Lucy Henderson,
John Minto, Joel Palmer, and Elizabeth Dixon Smith in their own
words, as recorded in their diaries and reminiscences.
Hours:
The End of the Oregon
Trail Interpretive Center is open seven days a week, but its hours
of operation vary seasonally.
Contact us for our schedule & admission rates.
Shows run every hour on the hour during the summer season, from
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. The last show of the
day starts at 4 PM.
During the spring and fall, shows are every hour on the hour except
the last show of the day, which begins at 3:30 PM instead of 3 PM.
During the winter months of November, December, January, and
February, shows run twice daily. Winter showtimes are normally 11:30
and 2:30 but sometimes change to accommodate scheduled tours and
field trips from nearby schools. Visitors are encouraged to call
ahead to verify showtimes: 503-657-9336
The Interpretive Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve,
Christmas, and New Years' Days.
Contact us for information on admission rates and hours of
operation. Group rates are available for groups of twelve or more
(reservations required).
503-657-9336
1726 Washington Street
Oregon City, Oregon 97045
The End the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is easy to find, as the
geology and patterns of settlement within the Willamette Valley have
dictated the routes of major roads from Indian footpaths to modern
highways. The simplest way to reach the Interpretive Center is to
take Interstate 205 to Exit 10, which is signed for Park Place,
Molalla, and State Route 213, the Trail's End Highway. Once off the
Interstate, turn right at the first stoplight. The Interpretive
Center is about half a mile down the road. You literally can't miss
"the Big Wagons" on your left at 1726 Washington Street.
Alternative approaches are via State Routes 213, 99-E, and 43. The
Interpretive Center is just off the end of SR 213 -- turn left at
the last light before the Interstate. Taking 99-E or 43 gives you
the option of cutting over to Washington Street on the surface
streets if you're familiar with Oregon City, but it's easier to take
northbound I-205 to Exit 10 from both roads. Here's a handy tip for
those arriving on 99-E: the entrance ramp from 99-E is a continuous
lane that becomes the exit ramp for SR 213, so you are spared from
having to merge with the through traffic on the Interstate. |
