The Oregon Trail

Get your adventure off to an inspirational start by learning how the brave men and women of the area were inspired to head west for a prosperous future. The early United States depended on these brave souls to forge new trade paths and settlements deep into previously unexplored territory. With original maps, diary entries and the chance to see authentic wagons of the era, the Frontier Trails Museum brings the experience to life. (Image credit: Gorilla Jones)

318 W Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO 64050

http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/nftm

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There are almost 40 of history’s most magnificent flying machines on display at the Topeka Combat Museum, including replicas of the aircrafts which served proudly during the First World War. From biplanes to bombers, the history of man’s quest for the sky is well represented out on the airfield. Inside you’ll find a number of exhibits dedicated to the stories of civil and military aviation including uniforms, while a special section for engine parts will get budding mechanics’ motors running.

7016 SE Forbes Ave, Topeka, KS 66618

http://www.combatairmuseum.org/

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With three whole floors given over to weird and wonderful exhibits, the Children’s Museum is an ideal destination for inquisitive little minds. New exhibits include the Grow Zone, where kids can listen to the Firefly Symphony and brave the Noodle Forest. Cuckoo Construction encourages children to build walls using play tools, and the giant Cuckoo Clock itself provides fun on the hour – helping kids to learn to tell the time. (Image credit: Hanyou23)

1420 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68508

http://www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/

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A drive down Highway 88 brings you to these unusual landmarks, which served as important place-markers to those who were making the first ever journeys along the Oregon Trail and other pioneering trips. The imposing nature of these rocks is what gave them their final names after many different and conflicting designations. Look out for what remains of the Courthouse Pony Express Station, a vital part of coast-to-coast communications before the telegraph was invented.

Bridgeport, NE 69336

https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/scotts_bluff/courthouse_jail_rocks.html

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Fort Laramie was another important step on the Oregon Trail, starting life as a trading post before it was taken over by the Army and used as a station for troops during various 19th-century conflicts. Today you can visit the site for weapon demonstrations, to learn about the surrounding areas and meet people portraying the citizens of the time to find out what life on the frontier was really like.

965 Gray Rocks Road, Fort Laramie, WY 82212

https://www.nps.gov/fola/index.htm

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Dedicated to preserving old Western art as well as supporting the local contemporary arts community, ‘The Nic’ has bagged a number of stunning pieces in their permanent collection including Beyond the Shining River by famed film poster artist Robert McGinnis. This vivid image, which depicts a wagon crossing a river, is one of McGinnis’ best known works, and was donated to the gallery by one of its biggest patrons.

400 East Collins Street, Casper, WY 82601

http://thenic.org

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Independence Rock is another vital marker on the Oregon Trail. The landmark was so named because emigrants who reached it before the 4th of July would be safe in the knowledge that they were making good time on their journey, before the treacherous winter weather arrived in the mountains. The names carved into the rock are those of its most famous passers-by during these times - including notable scientists and hardy travellers.

State Route 220, Alcova, WY 82620

http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=24

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Known as the Oregon Trail Oasis, the town of Soda Springs was a welcome sight for those in need of rest and refuelling. Its main attraction is the geyser, created by the region’s unique geothermic conditions. They combine to create carbonated water; which is let off into the air on the hour, every hour, by a specially-timed system. On a calm day the water has reached as high as 150 feet during these hourly demonstrations. (Image credit: Dschwen)

Main St., Soda Springs, Idaho

http://www.sodaspringsid.com/

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After a 20-year mission to see the Peregrine falcon removed from the US endangered list, the World Center for Birds of Prey has turned its attentions to showing the same care and awareness for other members of the family. In the Visitor Centre’s Discovery Room, kids can get hands-on with a number of exhibits and displays, while there are also a plethora of trails allowing keen hikers to see birds in the wild.

5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709

http://www.peregrinefund.org/

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Once you reach the Promised Land of Oregon, be sure to visit the facility dedicated to celebrating those who made it there on the original Trail. Found atop Flagstaff Hill around five miles east of Baker City, the Center’s exhibits provide an insight into pioneer life and the stories of the area’s best-known explorers. An old mine nearby was one of the first Oregon sites to have struck gold, and tours to the old site are available.

22267 Oregon 86, Baker City, OR 97814

http://www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail/

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With the city encouraging its residents to ‘Keep Portland Weird’ you won’t find a hipper city on the trail, and its diverse range of restaurants are no exception. Tuck into some Korean-inspired Bim Bop Bacon & Eggs for brunch or sample the Alder Burger with chubut cheese, bacon and hazelnut romesco. Still got room? The chocolate potato doughnut is worth loosening your belt for.

580 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

http://www.tastynalder.com/

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This piece of Portland heritage was almost destroyed by a 1962 storm, but locals raised the funds needed to save it from demolition and worked on reopening it for public tours. Its original owners were synonymous with Portland for their hand in community efforts, local charities and job creation. Visit the mansion to learn more about the lives of the Pittocks and what they came to mean to the city.

3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210

http://pittockmansion.org/

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Although the Trail was said to reach its end at Oregon City, just north of the Columbia River, the state park is a short walk from the beach where you can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean. A two-mile forested stretch is perfect for biking and has magnificent views of the bay. It’s a great way to round off your own pioneering path.

9500 Sandpiper Lane, Nehalem, OR 97131

http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=142

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