End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Was expecting a lot more. Most of their props were fake and boring. The two ladies that were there were incredibly awkward, were not knowledgable and we felt very shoved through when we were wanting to read the plaques and take our time. The gift shop did not offer anything exciting or fun. Really had high hopes and wouldn’t really recommend going to this to anyone.

I enjoyed the exhibits and the facility is lovely and clean. Staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful. We made candles, played in the «school» and enjoyed learning a little more about the Oregon Trail experience. Although we enjoyed the museum it felt more thin than I was hoping for. I would like to see them expand the play-​based exhibits, as they were effective at capturing the kids’ imaginations and also keeping them happy and busy while the adults read the information on panels about the exhibits.

Visit Date: March 1 2015
I went with my parents, my two nieces (2 and 6) and my one Nephew (9). We all had a fun time! We got there around eleven and watched the film. It was informative and kept the [older] kids entertained. Afterwards we went to the last wagon (building) and the kids got to play with Lincoln logs and see some of the things the pioneers used. Afterwards we ate a sack lunch in the covered picnic area. Went back to the first wagon (building) afterwards and the kids got to color, make candles to take home, and play in this play room set up (has a wagon you load, a schoolroom with chalkboards, and other little fun things.)
We ended going to the giftshop area last and they have clothes in one of the corners where the whole family can dress up in clothes of the time.
The whole thing was a lot of fun and worth it. Spent about three hours there and the kids enjoyed every moment of it. Defiantly a place to take the kids.

I know they need funds to keep things like this going, but it wasn’t really worth $ 9. The first room is set up to show what people lived like and what they brought with them on the trail with several plaques of info. The next room is all about roses, then you watch a cheesy film, which I thought could’ve been more informational, finished by a room set to look like a store. The garden was quite small, and I was expecting much more of the «country store» they speak of online. Speaking of online, their site is hacked so expect to read about viagra!

I have NO idea what we just paid $ 9 a piece for?! We watched a very poor quality movie about the Oregon Trail. It was about 15 minutes long. That’s it. There is nothing else.

I am so excited that they are offering food and wine tasting! End of the Oregon Trail is a landmark in Oregon City and with new leadership, will be the next «meeting place» for locals and travelers alike.

This place was cute but for the sheer space of the museum and multiple buildings, I feel like they could have used the space a little more efficiently.
It was pouring when we were there and we were trying to run from building to building and it was confusing how to navigate the various buildings. We started in the gift shop and then went over to the museum building — but didn’t realize that we had to pay for tickets in the gift shop and had to go back. It was weird because no one was checking tickets so I don’t know how they keep track.
The information available in the museum parts was interesting — but it would have been cool to have some more «real» items from the Oregon Trail. There were lots of quotes and some places that shared history but we found ourselves without things to do about half an hour into our visit… and still. had to wait for the video.
The video was probably one of the more interesting parts of this place. However, afterward you are let out into this big room… but again, there was a lack of things to see and do for such a big space.
I remember this being really different the last time that I was here — and think that I actually liked it better before.

Not much to see. I know things were being renovated, but we weren’t told that anything was closed. We could see inside their visitors’ center and walk around to read the boards, but it seems that there were closed doors to things that we were not allowed to enter. Strange!

«Oregon City is Charming» is the latest promotion by OC to encourage people to get out there and visit the small businesses around town. It runs throughout summer. Get your bracelet at the End of the Oregon trail. Ride the Free Trolley through downtown and the historic district. Walk Main Street and collect charms at participating businesses. Each charm represents the business. ie: The Verdict Bar & Grill has a Gavel, Mia Familia has a pizza, Coffe Rush has a cup of esspresso. The charms only cost $ 1, and they easily clip onto the bracelet. (bracelet can be purchased at any «jump off» point for $ 5.00)
Many of the businesses are downtown, but some are ½ way up the hill on 7^th, and a couple are on Hilltop. See your City, spend quality time with kids, Enjoy Summer, Support local businesses!

I went there last weekend. It was open again but there is only about 2000sq/​ft worth of museum. What was in there wasn’t anything anyone living in Oregon for a while hasn’t seen before. They are working on opening up more area’s but have fallen on hard times like the rest of the economy. Hopefully it will be up and running at full force again!

On my first visit years ago when I moved to the area, I remember being surprised (but also impressed) by the ‘live’ interpretation of history. They are an Oregon City landmark so it is sad that they’ve fallen victim to these rough economic times.
The museum is currently closed and trying to find the funds to reopen. Check their website for updates…

The history talks and film were informative and shed light on the popular computer game in the ’90’s, Oregon Trail. The film didn’t discuss too much about people dying of dysentery or adjusting portions of meal to ‘meager’ or shooting more buffalo than you are allowed to carry though. i miss playing that game.
when we went on 8/​31, they had just installed their oxen at the front. go check them out!

I love this museum. And it doesn’t even really matter that it’s two miles from my home. I have been taking my kids there for several years now and when I used to coordinate summer exchange groups, I always took the exchange students to the center. The interactive tour is fun, informative and entertaining. Where else can you touch real cow pies?
My favorite is the three screen film about the wagon trains. It’s such a huge factor in Oregon history. I didn’t become fascinated with Oregon History until I was an adult and started reading Jane Kirkpatrick’s historical novels. If you don’t know her, you have to look her up. She’s local and often does book signings. But, i digress.
So the only reason this place doesn’t have a 5 star rating for me is because they never replaced the covers on the covered wagons after they blew off in a storm several years back. Now, I have to tell folks to turn left at the «uncovered wagons» when giving directions to my house.

I am an unabashed history buff. I had been looking forward to touring this historical park since I was a youngster, studying alternately Idaho History and Oregon History (depending on my school at the time). When I arrived here, it was everything I expected.
I do have to deduct one star for the fact that it was closed and everyone was long gone at 6 in the afternoon on a Friday during Spring Break at most schools in Oregon.
The historical displays were incredibly informative and the entire display was well-​built and educational. They really need to run an evening tour on Fridays, for those on road trips, especially if the sun doesn’t set until 8:30.
This place offers excellent insight into the amount of work and suffering that was required to get a family down the Oregon Trail from Missouri to the Willamette Valley.
Maybe next time I come here, someone will guide me on a tour.

Much better than I thought it would be.
I first went here years ago when my nephew was visiting because he liked «history stuff,» and I’ve taken others there since just because I wanted to share it with them. I was so surprised by how much I learned and how charming and entertaining this place was! It’s easy enough to find (you can’t miss those big wagons), there’s a little shop to hang out and buy neat stuff while you wait for the tour. The atmosphere and knowledgeable folks really bring the history and experience alive. It really is amazing when you get thinking about people giving up the relative safety and comfort of their homes to head out this way, risking it all.
This is a Portland area must see that both kids and adults will enjoy.