Discover the Pioneer Center in Oregon City: Your Gateway to the Oregon Trail

Winter has arrived at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, your premier Pioneer Center Oregon City, offering a unique journey back in time. Located in historic Oregon City, this center serves as the perfect starting point to explore the rich history of the Oregon Trail. Please note that weather in Oregon can be unpredictable, and for the safety of our visitors and staff, our hours may occasionally change. For the most up-to-date conditions, you can check our live weather camera. Currently, we are open during our regular hours, ready to welcome you.

Begin your adventure at our Visitor Center, the central hub for all your exploration needs. Here, you can purchase tickets to the Interpretive Center, unlocking access to a wealth of exhibits and historical information. Our friendly staff can also provide you with details on even more exciting activities and attractions in Oregon City and the surrounding areas, helping you make the most of your visit to this historic region. Don’t forget to browse our well-stocked gift shop for mementos of your trip and unique historical items. We highly recommend taking a leisurely walk around our grounds and discovering the beautiful Heritage Garden. This garden showcases heirloom flowers, herbs, and vegetables that were commonly grown in the 1860s, offering a tangible connection to the pioneer era. We look forward to seeing you and sharing the wonders of the Oregon Trail!

A still from the Oregon's First People film, showcasing indigenous individuals in traditional clothing and settings, representing the rich history of Oregon's native populations.

When you visit our pioneer center oregon city, be sure not to miss our compelling new film, “Oregon’s First People.” This film offers a crucial perspective on the history of Oregon, highlighting the stories and experiences of the region’s original inhabitants. We encourage you to watch the preview available at the center to learn more about this important and insightful film.

For those seeking complimentary admission to the Interpretive Center, we offer Library Passes. You can check out a Cultural Pass from the Canby Library, or any of the convenient Clackamas County Library locations. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the pioneer center oregon city and delve into the history of the Oregon Trail. For detailed information regarding our programs, upcoming events, and new exhibits, please explore the dedicated sections of our website.

Are you fascinated by history? The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center extends its historical offerings beyond the physical location with a range of engaging virtual content, accessible online. You can join our knowledgeable End of the Oregon Trail Interpreters for captivating presentations on various aspects of Oregon Trail history. We also feature historian Dr. Stephen Beckham, providing expert insights into this significant period.

We offer four distinct video options to enrich your understanding of the Oregon Trail era:

Oregon’s First People: Narrated by Cheryl Kennedy, Chairwoman of the Grande Ronde Tribes of Western Oregon, this video poignantly details the devastating impact of westward expansion on Oregon’s indigenous populations. It also showcases the inspiring efforts of the Grand Ronde Tribes to restore their traditions and heritage.
Barlow Road on the Historic Oregon Trail: Journey through the challenging final leg of the Oregon Trail and discover the story of the Barlow Road. Historian Dr. Stephen Beckham recounts how Samuel Barlow, Joel Palmer, and William Rector forged a new route across the Cascade Mountains, creating the Barlow Trail toll road and altering westward travel.
That Long Looked-For Place: The Oregon Trail Journey: Perfect for all ages, this video brings to life the Oregon Trail journey. Based on our popular school group presentation, it includes additional details, fascinating facts, and engaging anecdotes, making history accessible and entertaining.
Women of the West: Pioneer Women on the Oregon Trail: This video explores the unique experiences of women pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Through excerpts from real pioneer diaries, it highlights the attitudes, responsibilities, hardships, and remarkable ingenuity of these often-unsung heroines of westward expansion.

These videos are integral to the mission of the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, aiming to preserve and interpret the history of the Oregon Trail authentically, diversely, and inclusively. Trailers for these videos are available below and on our YouTube channel. Full-length videos can be accessed on our website with a modest $10 viewing contribution, supporting our ongoing educational efforts at this vital pioneer center oregon city.

Barlow Road: Oregon Historic Trail

We are excited to present a new series of video presentations! Visit our dedicated videos page to watch the trailers for these captivating new videos. Access full-length presentations (approximately 30 minutes each) including “Barlow Road: Historic Oregon Trail,” “The Oregon Trail Journey,” and “Women of the West.”

Promotional image for the video series featuring a play button overlay, inviting viewers to explore the historical video content online.

Our Mission

Clackamas Heritage Partners, as stewards of this pioneer center oregon city, are dedicated to our mission: to “preserve the heritage, educate the public, and interpret the history of the Oregon Trail, Clackamas County, and Oregon City – the western terminus of the Oregon Trail.” We strive to offer unique and enriching programs that tell the diverse and authentic stories of history shaped by the Westward Migration culminating at “The End of the Oregon Trail,” profoundly influencing the development of the Oregon Territory.

Our facilities at this pioneer center oregon city are also available for facility rentals. For further information, please contact us through the facility rental form located at the bottom of the facility rentals page. We appreciate your interest and support!

A close-up shot of a bison, representing the wildlife encountered during the Oregon Trail journey and the challenges faced by pioneers.