national oregon / california trail center

What looked like your basic hokie road-side come 0n turned out to be an interesting presentation of the great western migration. The staff was well versed and interested in their material and while our 'guide' was obviously new to his role, he made a good show and now I know how to organize and lead my own wagon train.

The National Oregon/California Trail Center was a unique place to stop on our way home from our late season vacation.We stopped by to see what the huge blue roofed building was in this small town. We were greeted by friendly staff and even though they were on their "Winter Hours" and the Living History Tour was closed for the season, we enjoyed the art gallery full of paintings of diary entries of pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail! The friendly staff even showed us three hidden things in the pictures! Then we were treated to a visual feast on the second level in their "Quilts on the Oregon Trail" quilt show done by local women. Thanks to the kind and friendly staff at the Oregon Trail Center we will DEFINITELY be stopping back by next summer to take the Living History tour and see the Rails & Trails Museum!

We are sorry that you visited during our off season with our schedule posted on our web site. We are a small non-profit organization with a limited budget and try to be open as much as possible. We take group reservations for the off season and then are open 7 days a week from May through September.We apologize if you feel you were not treated well since we pride ourselves on pleasing the public as you can see buy most of the rest of positive review on TripAdvisor.Thank you for stopping in and hopefully we can try to redeem ourselves if you return during our regular schedule. Happy Holidays!

This is a locally funded, no government money (or influence) fabulous attraction. It explains the hardships, trials and tribulations or the families who plunked down their hard-earned money and headed west with their babies, the family jewels and anything else that could be stuffed into those covered wagons. I was so impressed. It's an unexpected treasure out in the middle of nowhere. Montpelier, Idaho is just a dot on the map; see this wonderful tribute to the pioneers. You will be glad you did; bring your kids. Lunch is served in booths that replicate eating in a covered wagon. Very clever. I cannot say enough good things about this place.

The Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier, ID is an amazing, fun, educational experience that's a must see when driving through SE Idaho. Many of the other reviewers have already described all the great programs, the rails and trails museum, and the mural painted on site. So I want to comment on Pegleg's Trading Post - the gift shop. There you'll find many fun and unique gifts with a pioneer flavor. But what I appreciate most is the many items that are produced by local artisans. There are handmade knives, lovely one of a kind jewelry, books by local authors, Bear Lake raspberry products, CD's by area musicians, and, of course, the beautiful handcrafted quilts. The OTC has something for everyone to enjoy. So, put it on your bucket list

This was such a great experience and we almost didn't do it because I was being cheap. I'm so glad we did. We stopped at a mercantile, rode in a wagon, stopped at a camp with a "campfire" and talked to the people who were stopped there. The kids were engaged and involved the whole time. The staff really went out of their way to teach the kids (and us) in a fun and realistic manner. I would definitely put this down as a "do not miss" if I were traveling through the area, especially with school age children.

Very educating and informative. The Quilts on the top floor were fantastic. The people who made them were very talented people. The basement had a railroad museum the was very interesting. The main floor had pictures painted by an artist that were unbelivable. They had his wives name, his face and an indian hidden in each picture. We took the tour about the trail and learned so much. We loved it.

This place offered an opportunity to experience the trails right down to a simulated stage coach ride. The "moose ears" were fantastic. The employees there really love their jobs and it shows. The quilts are on the second floor and are extremely beautiful -and for sale. Don't forget to say hi to Brittany!!!

We came here as part of a guided tour. What a great place! The staff is dressed in period costumes and they walk you through a dramatic presentation of the Oregon Trail. A cup of coffee and snacks come with the ticket. It is a great stop en route from Jackson to Salt Lake City.

This museum is a delightful blend of paintings and memorabilia of the Oregon Trail and railroads (downstairs). The staff was in period dress and character. The gift shop is large and stocked with lots of interesting stuff. Spending a few hours here is a good investment of your time.

Enjoyed the presenters and learned lots of information. Glad we drove over but wish it cost a little less. But I still recommend going.

The Center has both exhibits and costumed guides who place the visitors in the shoes of the people who migrated over the Oregon/California Trail. One guide serves as the wagon master who gives visitors a feel for the expense of the trip and the hardships which were endured by the pioneers. The second guide offers a glimpse into the camp life of the travelers along the way. Interparative paintings of scenes from the Oregon and California Trails conclude the tour. Pretty good gift shop. All in all, the Center is a good introduction to the history of the Oregon and California Trails. The United States Forest Service is located in the same building and has information about outdoor activities in the area and small book selection.

In this case, stepping back in time will give you a good look and feel of westward expansion in 1852, boy do we have it good these days !! On three levels, you'll have different experiences including a local quilt display (they're for sale), and Linda leading you thru local history complete with artifacts on the lower level; ask her about the Butch Cassidy bank hold-up in town in 1896. But let's not overlook the main attraction -- a visit to the trail all those years ago complete with a realistic history narrative by a knowledgeable guide dressed in period costume. Not to be missed is a deluxe and unique lunch for your tour group upstairs provided by Jeffrey and Cindy right next to the cleanest kitchen in town !! For these group meals, please make reservations well-ahead. Also in the lobby is one of the best gift shops anywhere; most merchandise with redeeming educational value -- no matching moose salt/pepper shakers or cute shot glasses here. And if that's not enough, there's a National Forest bookstore and information desk right next door under the same roof. The Trail Center however, owes it's success not only to community acceptance, but to the direction of Becky whom I know first-hand consistently encourages and inspires her staff to do the very best every day -- and they do.

As part of our tour, we stopped at the Trail Center and were not disappointed. What a unique and wonderful experience. You view authentic tools, clothing and equipment, learn about the foods they ate, the shotguns they used and get the feel of what it was like to travel cross country back in the 1850's. You even have an opportunity to literally ride in the covered wagon as it shifts and rolls over rocks and mountains. This is definitely a must see! Plus there's an amazing display of hand made quilts upstairs.

Be sure to stop here--you won't be sorry! The interpreters are astounding! You'll "ride" in a prairie wagon and step out on the very ground that the people on the wagon train stood! This is an astounding museum that should not be missed!