Go Explore off I-84

Interstate 84 is an efficient way to travel through Eastern Oregon, but we invite you to exit the freeway to explore our corner of the world.

This guide will give you ideas for experiencing four counties that lie along I-84 — Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Baker. Each is unique and worth your time, whether you have a few hours or a few days.

You can stop by one of the museums that preserves local history, or peruse exhibits

If you want

art gallery that

both local and regional talent.

stretch your legs, we have plenty of golf courses, or simply take a stroll through a historic downtown area.

We have some adventures that span multiple counties — for instance, head up to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, which lies on the border of Baker and Union counties.

We’ve included calendars for each county too, so you can make plans to attend one of the many music festivals or check out a rodeo — from ranch rodeos to the famous Pendleton Round-Up.

We hope you stay a while — and come back soon.

2024-25 Morrow Co. Festivals & Events

Visit GoEasternOregon.com for a full calendar of events and current information

MARCH

Wee Bit o’ Ireland

St. Patrick’s Day weekend

Since 1982, the Heppner Chamber of Commerce has organized the annual Wee Bit o’ Ireland celebration and it continues to be one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in the Pacific Northwest. heppnerchamber.com

MAY

May Day Celebration

May 4, 2024

Spring into fun in Lexington. In its fourth year, the event features food, games, vendor booths and live music.

bit.ly/43i0KWz

JULY

Ione Fourth of July

July 4, 2024

Blast into the Independence Day celebration with activities throughout the day in/around Ione City Park. Live music cranks up in the afternoon with fireworks at dusk.

www.facebook.com/Ione4thOfJuly

Watermelon Festival

Late July

Celebrate the sweetest of summer fruits at the Irrigon Watermelon Festival, which celebrates its 40th year in 2024. facebook.com/irrigonwatermelonfestival

Also, checkout the holiday fun in Irrigon and Heppner

AUGUST

Morrow County Fair

August 14-17, 2024

The 2024 theme is “Admiration for Generations” at this county fair in Heppner. co.morrow.or.us/fair/page/county-fair

OCTOBER

Morrow County Harvest Festival

October 5, 2024

Celebrate the harvest with pumpkin painting, wagon rides, music, food and more at the SAGE Center in Boardman. facebook.com/SAGECenterOR

DECEMBER

Christmas Tree Lighting

December 2024

Get in the holiday spirit at the annual Boardman Community Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony near the SAGE Center. boardmanchamber.org

Morrow County

Morrow County Heritage Museum

Walk into the Morrow County Heritage Museum and let the mannequins tell you stories about Heppner.

Not verbally, of course — but the mannequins featured in the exhibits help visitors understand the history of this place.

Displays, which feature artifacts from the Heppner area, include a doctor’s office, bedrooms, a kitchen, a beauty shop and a taxidermy exhibit.

“The museum started in 1961,” said Cherrie Clark, the museum’s curator.

The museum’s exhibits include everyday objects used in the Depression era and also pay homage to the devastation the city has endured.

“We have our Days of Sorrow room,” Clark said. “Heppner suffered a major flood on June 14, 1903. It was devastating.”

The museum is generally open from May through September.

“We are caregivers here, we’re caretakers,” Clark said. “This is just a great place to visit — we’re very proud of our museum.”

Agricultural Museum

Learn about farming, ranching and forestry in this museum, which is about a half mile north of the heritage museum. It has indoor and outdoor spaces. Be sure to check out the blacksmith shop and barbed wire displays.

Morrow County

Morrow County Golf Courses SAGE

Center

Marker 40 Golf Club

78873

Toms Camp Road, Boardman

This quintessential executive golf course is nestled among farmland and features tree-lined fairways. Dual tees are allowed for those who want to play 18 holes.

Par: 31/Yardage: 1,803

Season: March-November

Information: marker40gc.com

Phone: 541-481-4381

Willow Creek Country Club

53736 Highway 74, Heppner

This semi-private course opened in 1954. There are nine greens, but 18 tee boxes.

Par: 30/Yardage: 1,750

Information: Facebook

Phine: 541-676-5437

The SAGE Center — Sustainable AGriculture & Energy — which opened in May 2013 in Boardman, has lots to boast about. Developed by the Port of Morrow, it gives visitors a unique opportunity to learn about technology utilized throughout the region. It features interactive displays, a theater and museum store.

Assistant Manager Breena Beck said the corn planting simulator is “a big hit for all ages.” In addition, a large sculpture shows the process of how a potato turns into a curly fry.

“Farm to table is a good description,” she said about the display. “It shows potato products that you will find in your grocery store.”

And it’s not just locals who enjoy the facility. The SAGE Center has been included in Oregon Business magazine’s top 100 best fan-favorite destinations in Oregon since 2018.

SAGE Center

The SAGE Center is located at 101 Olson Road. Its regular hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it expands with weekend hours. For more information, search www. visitsage.com or call 541-481-7243.

Offering a unique view of Morrow County Marker

“It is a great opportunity to gain valuable exposure across the state of Oregon and beyond,” Torrie Griggs, SAGE Center manager, said in a 2023 interview.

It also serves as a Travel Oregon Welcome Center. Beck said visitors can pick up brochures, maps and information about things to do and see across the state. She said the center’s visibility from Interstate 84 — it can be accessed via exits 164 and 165 — is advantageous.

“People say they’ve been driving by and decided to stop. And we have others that say, ‘I come here all the time and I have to bring my kids.’ And they do,” Beck said. “We get a lot of traction that way.”

Held the first Saturday in October, the center’s biggest event of the year is the Morrow County Harvest Festival. The 2024 event, Beck said, should be extra special.

“It looks like the grand opening of the convention center will take place during the Harvest Festival,” she said. “That trajectory is very exciting for us.”

The 15,000-square-foot project will offer a venue for expos, trade shows and banquets, Beck said.

Other regular activities include SCIence FRIday — day camps for youths from April through August. Also, SAGE Saturdays feature free crafts and sensory play, and movie nights offer free films and popcorn — both run in the fall and winter months.

The museum store features STEM kits and art projects. In addition, it showcases many local products and creations. Also, Beck said it caters to visitors.

“With a lot of people traveling through, we have some good car activities,” she said. “They are fun things that keep kids busy on the road.”

Morrow County

2024-25 Umatilla Co. Festivals & Events

Visit GoEasternOregon.com for a full calendar of events and current information

JANUARY

Ice Skating

January-early February

Head to Pendleton’s ice rink at Roy Raley Park and hone your skating skills. pendletonparksandrec.com

Comedy Festival

Late January

The Melonville Comedy Festival in Hermiston brings the laughs and raises money for Special Olympics. melonvillecomedyfestival.com

FEBRUARY

Farm City Ag & Home Expo

Late February

Explore booths and activities at this annual event held at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston. hermiston.or.us

MARCH Basketball

Early March

The Oregon School Activities Association Class 2A state basketball tournament is held at the Pendleton Convention Center. osaa.org

Gun show

Mid-March

The Pendleton Convention Center hosts the Gun Show and Eastern Oregon Sportsman Show.

facebook.com/PendletonGunShow

MARCH continued

Echo Red to Red XC Race Mid-March

For 15 years, mountain bike riders have flocked to Echo every March for this race.

echored2redxc.com

APRIL

Adams Day

Early April

Adams, a small town about 13 miles northeast of Pendleton, celebrates its history every April. The festival features parades, vendors, food, baseball and all-day yard sales.

facebook.com/adamsoregon

Battle of the Bars Mid-April

Head to the Let ’er Buck Room at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds for this event where bartenders mix up some unique Pendleton Whisky cocktails to raise money for the Hall of Fame Museum.

pendletonroundup.com

Cattle Barons Weekend

May 3-4, 2024

Pendleton Cattle Barons honors the region’s cattlemen and ranchers at this annual gathering, with proceeds going to scholarships to students who are pursuing a degree in agriculture. The full and varied schedule includes events such as a trade show, working dog and ranch horse demos and sale, a western artistry show and sale, and some rodeo action. Events are held at the Pendleton Convention Center and the Pendleton Round-Up Pavilion. cattlebarons.net

Underground ‘Comes to Life’

May 18, 2024

Every May, the Pendleton Underground comes to life with a rollicking good time, bringing the past to life with more than 75 live actors. Although this event often sells out, look for the pre- and post-event parties. pendletonundergroundtours.org

A.C.E. Car Show

May 18, 2024

The Echo School District organizes the A.C.E. Car Club Auto Show every May. Along with cars there is always lots of food plus vendors and crafts in the park. echo-oregon.com/ace-car-show

JUNE

Heart of the Country Rodeo

June 1, 2024

This annual family-fun event is held on Saturday during the first weekend in June at the Quantum 9 Arena in Helix. facebook.com/HelixOregonRodeo

Umatilla County Pioneer Days Picnic

June 1, 2024

The Umatilla County Pioneer Picnic is an annual celebration founded in 1892 to honor the memory of the early settlers who helped forge and develop Umatilla County. Catch the parades and share a picnic in the park. umatillacountypioneerassociation.com

Old Iron Show

June 7-9, 2024

The Heritage Station Museum draws exhibitors from around the region to fill Pendleton’s Roy Raley Park with all sorts of machinery. heritagestationmuseum.org

Umatilla Landing Days

June 21-22, 2024

Billed as the “Summer Party in the Park,” Umatilla Landing Days celebrates the heritage of Umatilla with the first fireworks of the season, a parade, vendors, entertainment, kids’ games, food and more. umatillalandingdays.org

JUNE continued

Jackalope Jamboree

June 27-29, 2024

This three-day music festival brings country, folk and more to the Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton. jackalopejamboree.com

Hodaka Days

June 27-30, 2024

Get revved up while celebrating 60 years of Hodaka Motorcycles in Athena and Weston. hodakadays.org

Ukiah Rodeo

June 28-29, 2024

This small-town rodeo happens at the Camas Prairie Cowboy Convention Arena in Ukiah. facebook.com/Ukiahrodeo

JULY

Stars and Stripes

July 4, 2024

Hermiston Parks and Rec organizes a Fourth of July celebration at Butte Park with vendors, games and activities. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. hermiston.or.us

Wildhorse Pow Wow

July 5-7, 2024

For almost 30 years, the Wildhorse Pow Wow in Mission has showcased color and community in an event filled with dancing, drumming and cultural celebration. wildhorseresort.com

Caledonian Games

July 13, 2024

This festival in Athena honors the area’s Scottish heritage with piping, Highland dancing and games. athenacaledonian.org

Pendleton Whisky Music Fest

July 13, 2024

A country music party in Pendleton, this festival features food trucks, beverages and lots of music. pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com

Pendleton Run

July 18-20, 2024

Music, motorcycles and more come to the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds and Roy Raley Park for this event. pendletonbikeweek.com

AUGUST

Weekend at the Blues

August 2-4, 2024

This festival features music, a parade, rodeo and more in Milton-Freewater. weekendattheblues.com

Umatilla County Fair

August 7-10, 2024

Held the second week of August, the county fair has a livestock show, carnival, live music and four nights of the Farm-City Pro Rodeo. umatillacountyfair.net

Melon Fest

Mid-August

Hermiston is well-known for its watermelon, and this festival celebrates the area’s favorite fruit. hermiston.or.us/parksrec/page/melonfest

AUGUST continued

Wheatstock Music Festival

August 16-17, 2024

Eastern Oregon’s only nonprofit music festival happens in the small town of Helix wheatstock.org

SEPTEMBER

Pendleton Round-Up

September 7-14, 2024

This Pendleton tradition covers a full week with daily rodeos, parades, the Happy Canyon Night Show and so much more. pendletonroundup.com

Corn Maze

September 27-October 27, 2024

Every fall, visitors try to find their way through the Echo Corn Maze. If you like to be scared, check out their Field of Screams nights. echocornmaze.com

OCTOBER

Rock the Locks

October 4-6, 2024

A three-day music festival in Umatilla for all ages. The family-friendly festival features bands from multiple decades. rockthelocks.org

OCTOBER continued

Oktoberfest Pendleton

October 12, 2024

This tradition celebrates German heritage, beer and community — all while supporting local nonprofits and scholarships. oktoberfestpendleton.org

Echo Oktoberfest

Mid-October

Music, beer, wine, food and fun — benefits Echo Heritage Association scholarships and renovation of the old St. Peter’s Church. choheritage.org

Potato Show

Mid-October

Celebrate the amazing potato with this festival in Weston. wms.athwest.k12.or.us

Trick-or-Treat

October 31, 2024

Towns around Umatilla County provide safe trick-or-treating events for youth.

More information is available at local chamber of commerce offices and downtown associations

Dancing with the Hermiston Stars

October/November

This fundraiser supports the Hermiston Education Foundation. The 2024 date has not yet been set; the event typically takes place in October or November.

hermistoneducationfoundation.org

NOVEMBER

Turkey Trots

November 28, 2024

Start Thanksgiving morning with a Turkey Trot in Pendleton or Hermiston. ‘The Nutcracker’

Late November

Pendleton Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” every holiday season. facebook.com/pendletonballettheatre

DECEMBER

Festival of Trees

Early December

These fundraising events are held in both Pendleton and Hermiston. Search Facebook for CHI St. Anthony Hospital and Hermiston Festival of Trees

Christmas Magic

December 7, 2024

Parade, vendors and more to get you in the Christmas spirit in Milton-Freewater. mfcda.org

Christmas Parades

Early December

Communities across Umatilla County have special holiday traditions. hermiston.or.us/hermiston-live travelpendleton.com

DECEMBER continued

Light Festivals

December

Take a tour through illuminated displays at Heritage Station Museum in Pendleton and the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston. heritagestationmuseum.org eotechermiston.com

Downtown Bar Scene

Fancy or traditional, find a drink in downtown Pendleton

Where once there were dive bars where fights broke out in downtown Pendleton, there now are specialty cocktail spots with their own housemade recipes.

This shift has happened slowly during the past eight years or so, according to Great Pacific’s manager Addison Schulberg, whose idea it was to start serving cocktails at the restaurant alongside its wine and beer selection.

“I think it’s super down to the accessibility of information on social media,” Schulberg said.

Schulberg said he started small, with just a few of his personal favorite drinks, to learn the basics of mixology, essentially a scientific and artistic method of making mixed drinks, like cooking but for bartenders. On Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, mixologists shared videos that anyone could see, even those far away from big cities with cocktail scenes.

Eventually, Schulberg and his employees were able to develop a spring and summer menu as well as a fall and winter menu of cocktails, with new additions and old favorites every year for customers to try.

‘Downtowns are evolving’

Steve Chrisman, Pendleton’s economic development director, said he thinks Pendleton’s downtown scene breaks stereotypes of rural communities. People expect a boring, sleepy place, and Pendleton’s Main Street is anything but that, he said.

“Main streets have been morphing for a long time,” Chrisman said. “Downtowns are really evolving into entertainment centers.”

For him, the shift toward more upscale bars and restaurants just adds to the ambiance of Pendleton. And while he isn’t driving that change, he said, he’s not trying to stop it.

“I think we’re blessed and I think it’s happening on its own,” he said. “But I actually have a place in my heart for an occasional dive bar. I think we still have our fair share of those.”

One such dive bar is Rainbow Cafe, which has been a staple of downtown Pendleton since 1883.

“We’re a whisky bar,” said Rainbow’s bartender Shelly Spencer. “We’re staying the same,” she said.

A return to elegance

Pendleton’s newest spot for drinks, Flying X Speakeasy Lounge, is taking the opposite approach.

Its signature drink, at the top of the cocktail menu, is a “Flying X Smoking Gun Old Fashion” — a twist on an Old Fashioned that is made with Pendleton Whisky and is served smoking.

The owners of Flying X are Markus and Tim McFetridge. Markus, who has worked as a bartender, and Aurora Torres work together to create the cocktails on the menu as well as other featured drinks that bring the Prohibition era into the 21st century.

The McFetridges said the shift toward more upscale bars has happened as the city attempts to increase overnight stays and tourism throughout the year.

“The connotation is more rough and tough, but Pendleton is bringing that elegance and class back,” Markus said.

Balancing classic with relevant Andrew

Sneed, a bartender at Virgil’s at Cimmiyotti’s, echoed that sentiment.

“With more places to try, I think people are willing to take the risk,” he said about customers trying out more cocktails. “They learn that they enjoy different flavors and tastes.”

Sneed said he thinks the shift away from dives is due, in part, to the city’s reinvestment in the Main Street area.

He also mentioned what Schulberg at Great Pacific said — social media could play a part. When people post cocktail recipes to social media platforms, he said, it presents those drinks in a way that’s new and interesting.

At Virgil’s, Sneed said, they try to stay classic but also relevant. In the summer, they offered drinks with fruit infusions, which shifts the flavor profile. Their menu has all the old classics while also offering drinks they set on fire, creating a whole experience for the drinker.

Business as usual?

Not everyone is surprised by — or even sees — the trend toward new, fancy cocktails.

Cheri Rosenberg-LaBoy, Pendleton Chamber of Commerce CEO, said she’s lived here for a long time, and Pendleton businesses and business owners always want the next frontier.

“This is nothing new to us,” she said. “They’re always doing these things.”

It’s possible with the rise of social media, people can see how Pendleton reflects the same sorts of trends that are happening in big cities, she said, but that’s a change in people’s behavior and knowledge, not in the businesses themselves.

“This is a business community that’s never been satisfied with the same old, same old,” Rosenberg-LaBoy said. “I think we take it for granted. It’s just part of our DNA here.”

Cimmiyotti’s Restaurant & Lounge

Umatilla County Museums

Umatilla Co. museums provide a look at the region’s past

PENDLETON

Heritage Station Museum

108 SW Frazer Ave.

541-276-0012

Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagestationmuseum.org

Pendleton Air Museum

21 SW Emigrant Ave.

541-276-6156

Monday, Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. pendletonairmuseum.org

Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame

1114 SE Court Ave.

541-278-0815

Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. rounduphalloffame.org

MISSION

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

Off Interstate 84, Exit 216 near Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. tamastslikt.org

ECHO

Chinese House Railroad Museum

210 W. Main St.

541-376-8411

Admittance at Echo City Hall

May-October: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. November-April: Monday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Group tours: by appointment.

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

Echo Historical Museum

230 W. Main St.

541-376-8411

Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

HERMISTON

Maxwell Siding Railroad Museum

Hodge Park, 100 W. Highland Ave. 541-567-8532

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MILTON-FREEWATER

Frazier Farmstead Museum

1403 Chestnut St. 541-938-4636 frazierfarmsteadmuseum.org

UMATILLA

Umatilla Museum

911 Sixth St. Opens in May

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. umatilla-city.org

Explore our culture

Umatilla County is home to art galleries, cultural centers and a children’s museum.

PENDLETON

Betty Feves Memorial Gallery

Blue Mountain Community College 2411 NW Carden Ave. 541-276-1260

bluecc.edu/community/feves-artgallery

Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon

400 S. Main St. 541-276-1066

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. cmeo.org

Pendleton Center for the Arts

214 N. Main St. 541-278-9201

Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. pendletonarts.org

Pendleton Underground Tours

31 SW Emigrant Ave. 541-276-0730

Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours must be reserved in advance pendletonundergroundtours.org

MISSION

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts

48004 St. Andrews Road 541-276-3954

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. crowsshadow.org

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

47106 Wildhorse Blvd. 541-429-7700

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. tamastslikt.org

Umatilla County Music Festivals

Catch a live music event in Umatilla County

You have the chance to catch a music festival no matter which summer month you visit Umatilla County. Tickets go on sale early for these events, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Jackalope Jamboree hops into fifth year

Jackalope Jamboree, a three-day Americana and country music festival, is June 27-29 at Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton. Nightly headliners for 2024 are Silverada (formerly Mike and the Moonpies), Charley Crockett and Randy Rogers Band.

The Jamboree started as a one-day show in 2019. After postponing its two-day event in 2020 because of pandemic shutdowns, it returned in 2021 and then expanded to three days in 2022. The 2024 festival boasts more than 30 musical acts on three stages.

Other featured performers are Kaitlin Butts, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Bella White, Cody Canada & The Departed, Vandoliers and Cat Clyde. In addition, there are pre-party and after-party events at several downtown Pendleton venues.

The festival is billed as a “community-inclusive event for music fans of all ages, from the first-time concert-goer to the well-traveled and young at heart.”

One-day tickets range from $55-$105. Two-day tickets are $125-$165, and passes for all three days run between $175-$225. Overnight camping costs extra.

Tickets & info: jackalopejamboree.com

‘Party in Pendleton’ with Whisky Fest

Multi-platinum country music superstar Thomas Rhett will headline the 2024 Pendleton Whisky Music Fest. In its eighth year, the event is July 13 at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds.

Referred to as the “Party in Pendleton,” the festival lineup also includes Dustin Lynch, Jo Dee Messina and rising star Thomas Mac. In addition, bring your dancing shoes and get ready to groove. Fans will be treated to an immersive dance party featuring ’90s chart-topping hits with Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc and Sugarhill Gang.

Ticket prices range from $99-$175. While premium recreational vehicle camping sites are sold out, tent camping ($50-$150) and some RV sites ($65-$150) are still available.

Joel Gibson Jr., Precious Byrd and DJ Sovern-T will get people primed for the event with a free kick-off party July 12 in downtown Pendleton featuring local food vendors and signature cocktails at outdoor bars.

Tickets & info: pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com For group sales, call the box office at 541-612-3421.

Big music in a tiny town

Now in its 16th year, Wheatstock Music Festival is setting the stage for its second two-day event Aug. 16-17 at Quantum 9 Arena in Helix.

The Friday headliner will be Treaty Oak Revival. Rooted in the Texas Red Dirt music scene, the band also draws influences from southern rock and punk. The event crescendos with Shane Smith and the Saints as the Saturday night headliners.

Also in the lineup are Them Dirty Roses, Dolly Shine and Lowdown Drifters. Acts with local ties include Ty Lane of Walla Walla’s FrogHollow Band, Music Medicine featuring Scotty Wilson, and Tylor & the Train Robbers, which includes Tylor Ketchum and his brothers, Jason and Tommy Bushman, who grew up in Helix.

“We’re keeping the local vibe going as much as we can,” Wheatstock President DeWayne Dunlap said. “I think we’ve really hit a home run with this lineup.”

Two-day passes are $125, and limited VIP passes are $300. Children younger than 12 and active military personnel with identification are admitted free. Reserved RV camping is $50 and tent camping is free.

Tickets & info: wheatstock.org

Rock the Locks tunes up for second year

The city of Umatilla is gearing up for the second annual Rock the Locks Music Festival, with nightly headliners Halestorm (Friday), Stone Temple Pilots (Saturday) and Barenaked Ladies (Sunday).

The three-day event is Oct. 4-6 at Big River Golf Course. It features more than 20 musical acts spanning multiple decades on two stages. Other lead performers include Hoobastank, Puddle of Mudd, Phillip Phillips, Warrant and Winger.

“It’s been rewarding working on such a meaningful event that brings our community and the surrounding communities together,” said Noemy Vega, Umatilla Parks and Recreation coordinator.

Ticket pre-sales began March 11 (and costs will increase July 8) via www.rockthelocks.org. Three-day VIP passes are $449, three-day general admission is $199 and individual days range from $79 to $99. Camping is $75 to $110.

Tickets & info: search Facebook, visit the website or call 541-922-3226.

Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Owned and operated by The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

The casino in 2020 focused on expanding enjoyment for families and friends by building the $55 million Family FunPlex. The largest feature at the FunPlex is Quaking Aspen Lanes, a 24-lane bowling alley, which offers all the perks of a modern-day bowling lane. The casino also provides arcades with the latest games, including table hockey, free throw basketball, motor racing simulations and much more. For those who want to just sit back, relax with some popcorn and watch a film, the resort has a five-screen cineplex featuring the latest box-office movie releases.

One of the biggest parts of Wildhorse is its casino, which has 1,200 slots, 200 bingo seats, 14 table games and four poker tables. Visitors who plan to stay overnight have three options: a hotel, recreational vehicle parking with 100 spaces, or campground.

On weekends the resort offers free live music at its sports bar.

Open and closing times vary from facility to facility, but the casino is open 24 hours. Wildhorse is at 46510 Wildhorse Blvd., off of Interstate 84 Exit 216.

Visitors who want to go out and hit a few rounds can play at Wildhorse’s 18-hole golf course, which includes a new clubhouse. They also can take in the Golf Course at Birch Creek, which the tribes own and operate a few miles south of Pendleton off Highway 395.

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

Past the Wildhorse Resort & Casino, visitors can explore a rich world of Native American artifacts and history at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute. The museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the Oregon Trail from the perspective of the Native Americans.

The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute is at 47106 Wildhorse Blvd., and it is the only Native American museum on the Oregon Trail.

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts

Crow’s Shadow showcases Native American art from across the United States. Each year the institute provides workshops where locals can learn traditional art forms such as beading and basket weaving. Through their residency program, they provide master printmaking studio classes and publish prints that are exhibited through the gallery.

Crow’s Shadow, 48004 St. Andrews Road, is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information, visit crowsshadow.org

Wildhorse Pow Wow

For almost 30 years, the Wildhorse Pow Wow has showcased color and community in an event filled with dancing, drumming and cultural celebration.

The annual Pow Wow is July 5-7 at Wildhorse. Part of the focus of the Pow Wow is to preserve and showcase Native American heritage and while also fostering cultural exchange, so Pow Wow events are free and open to the community.

The Wildhorse Pow Wow began in 1994 and attracts participants from across the United States and Canada.

For more information, visit wildhorseresort.com

Umatilla County

The M-F Drive-In theater

A movie tradition in Milton-Freewater since 1962 is open from April through early fall

The M-F Drive-In Theater provides one of the few places in Oregon to watch a movie under the stars from the comfort of your car.

The Milton-Freewater theater opened for the 2024 season on April 5. Movies run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until June 14, when the outdoor theater opens daily except for Thursday.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. in the spring, gradually working toward a 7:30 p.m. opening as daylight increases. The DriveIn shows movies into early fall.

Admission prices remain the same as last year, according to owner Mike Spiess. Adults are $8, children age 11 and under are $2. Wednesday is “throwback night,” with admission by the carload at $12. The theater accepts only cash, and an ATM is located at the snack bar.

For more information, including upcoming movie titles as those become available, go to yourmfdrivein.com or search for “M-F Drive IN” on Facebook.

A look back

This outdoor theater, one of just four drive-ins remaining in Oregon and an estimated 300 in the nation, was built in 1953. Dick and Loretta Spiess purchased it in the winter of 1961, and it is now run by Mike and Lorie Spiess.

“The summer of ’62 was our first season,” Mike Spiess said.

Each spring means restoration and improvements at the property. Most notable was that of 2008, after a historic windstorm swept across this corner of the Northwest and demolished the enormous projection screen.

Weather can be the harshest movie critic, Lorie Spiess pointed out.

In 2022, the drive-in had to close one April night because of falling snow, the one thing projected images can’t cut through. The flakes block the light and that creates shadows across the screen, she explained.

The concession stand, largely original to the 1953 construction, is a kingdom unto itself, visited on show nights by a fervent and loyal fan base.

The concession stand offers the traditional movie treats — popcorn, candy and soda — plus pizza made from scratch.

Lorie Spiess rules alongside other family members and staff that consists of high school and college students, many of whom grew up watching movies at the M-F Drive-In.

Umatilla County Golf Courses

18 HOLES

Milton-Freewater Executive Golf Course

301 Catherine St., Milton-Freewater

There’s no quicker 18 holes in Umatilla County than at this golf course, which is relatively flat on the front nine but steep on the back nine and offers a panoramic view of the Walla Walla Valley.

Par: 60/Yardage: 3,346

Information: mfcity.com

541-938-7284

Big River Golf Course

705 Willamette Ave., Umatilla

The mighty Columbia River gives this course its name, and three holes overlook Lake Wallula, the reservoir behind McNary Dam. The course, which opened in 1968, is a good place to learn the game or play a quick round. The city of Umatilla assumed ownership of the course in 2021.

Par: 70/Yardage: 5,955

Information: bigrivergolfcourse.org

541-922-3006

Golf Course at Birch Creek

69772 S. Highway 395, Pendleton

Opening in 1929, this is the oldest course in the county, and it was private until 2014. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation bought the course in May 2019.

Par: 72/Yardage: 6,394

Information: birchcreekgolfcourse.com

541-966-1655

Wildhorse Golf Course

72787 Highway 331, Mission

The Blue Mountains overlook this top-flight course designed by John Steidel. The five lakes dotting the course don’t impede play until the pesky 16th, which tests a golfer’s ability to lob the ball over the water and onto the green — or go around.

Par: 72/Yardage: 7,112

Information: wildhorseresort.com/resort/golf 541-276-5588

9 HOLES

Echo Hills Golf Course

400 Golf Course Road, Echo

The city-owned golf course, which first opened in 1933, is quite possibly the best bang for the buck in Eastern Oregon.

Par: 36/Yardage: 2,884

Information: echo-oregon.com/echo-hills-golf-course 541-376-8244

Pendleton Round-Up

Over 100 years old, this is truly the most exciting rodeo in the world

The 114th Pendleton Round-Up races into Pendleton this year with related events happening every day between Sept. 7 and Sept. 14. Here’s a primer on what you’ll see in the that week.

Dress-Up Parade

Hosted by the Main Street Cowboys, the Dress-Up Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, in front of Pendleton City Hall. This event features floats, horse groups, performances by local ensembles and all the fun of a community parade.

Kick-Off Concert

Each year, this event welcomes a country music lineup to kick off the festivities of Round-Up week. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Happy Canyon Arena, and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets to the kick-off concert are available at pendletonroundup.com.

Rodeo events

Slack begins Monday, Sept. 9 in the Round-Up Arena. Slack is like an overflow rodeo for timed events — such as barrel racing, steer wrestling and tie-down roping — before the main rodeo begins on Wednesday. Slack admission is $5 or free to Pendleton Round-Up ticket holders. Slack continues daily Monday through Thursday.

PRCA Xtreme Bulls Finale sends dirt flying in the Happy Canyon Arena on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Sept. 9 and 10. The event begins at 8 p.m. both nights, and gates to the Happy Canyon Arena open at 6 p.m.

Breakfast, Main Street celebration

Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 11-14, a popular start to the morning is the VFW Outdoor Cowboy Breakfast in Stillman Park. A fundraiser for the VFW, this breakfast features pancakes, ham, eggs, orange juice, milk and “cowboy coffee.” It’s all-you-can-eat when you buy a ticket and typically served 6-10 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, is also the first day of the Main Street Cowboys’ celebration on Pendleton’s Main Street. Vendors and live music will line Main Street for much of Round-Up Week. Find the details on performances at mainstreetcowboys.org.

Round-Up and Happy Canyon

The Pendleton Round-Up rodeo opens at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. This award-winning rodeo fills the stadium with thousands of rodeo fans as well as more than a dozen food and merchandise booths and multiple bars. Each day of Round-Up begins with the grand entry and proceeds through fast-action competitive events like bareback bronc riding, barrel racing and steer roping.

Wednesday is Family and Senior Day, and Thursday is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day.

Wednesday is also the opening of the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant and Wild West Show in the Happy Canyon Arena. Since 1914, this all-volunteer performance has been telling the tales of Pendleton and the surrounding area.

Wednesday ends with the opening of Goldie’s Bar at the Canyon. This 21 and older nightclub and gambling hall is only open four nights a year at the Pendleton Convention Center and Happy Canyon Arena. Admission is $5 or free with a Happy Canyon ticket. Each evening will feature live music.

On Thursday, Sept. 12, there will be two different rodeos at the Round-Up Arena: one for professionals and one for children with special needs.

Sponsored by the InterMountain Education Service District, the Children’s Rodeo invites rodeo cowboys to help with stations to give special needs children a chance to participate in a rodeo. Invited children are able to safely participate in roping and riding events. Spectators may attend and cheer on the participants.

Thursday also welcomes the Junior American Indian Beauty Contest in Roy Raley Park. The American Indian Beauty Contest for adults begins at 9 a.m. Friday on Main Street.

Typically the best-attended and most often sold-out day of the rodeo is Saturday for the Pendleton Round-Up Finals. This day puts the best-of-the-best against each other to take home the final prizes.

Buy tickets for most Pendleton Round-Up events at pendletonroundup.com.

Westward Ho! Parade

The second of Pendleton’s parades opens with a cannon blast at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13. The Westward Ho! Parade is completely non-motorized and features a number of historic and creative entries and the Pendleton Round-Up Mounted Band.

Dr. Fill

Pendleton Underground Tours

Legends live on at the world-famous Pendleton Underground

Referred to as “the history no one wanted to talk about,” the story of the Pendleton Underground has many twists and turns. Originally, the tunnels were built for downtown merchants to bring in supplies while avoiding muddy streets and the local riffraff. According to Brooke Armstrong, the Underground’s executive director, they cover more than 12 city blocks, centered around Main Street and extending to the railroad depot. Some tunnels existed before the current buildings were in place.

“We know of a Chinese laundry that was advertising in 1885,” she said.

Located at 31 SW Emigrant Ave. in the heart of downtown, the Pendleton Underground is open year-round. Tours are offered through reservations only by calling 541276-0730; leave a message if needed. Armstrong can also be reached at pendletonundergroundtours@yahoo.com.

For approximately 90 minutes, visitors are guided through the Underground, Cozy Room bordello, Chinese opium dens, living quarters and jails.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for ages 6 to 12. Participants must be at least 6 years old to go on the tour.

Tour times are scheduled and require a minimum of four people.

Beginning in June, they will open the Shamrock Cardroom bar one Saturday a month and conduct adult-only tours until the end of August. Check their Facebook page and website for dates.

Pendleton Underground Tours is a nonprofit established in 1989. They invite the public to join them for a lively look into Pendleton’s infamous and entertaining past.

Visitors will follow a guide to the Shamrock Card Room, Hop Sing’s (Chinese Laundry) and the Empire Ice Cream Parlor, in the tunnels beneath the sidewalks to the Empire Meat Market and through a secret passageway to a Prohibition Card Room.

Tunnels lead to a Duck Pin Bowling Alley, then up 31 stairs to one of Pendleton’s 18 bordellos — the famous “Cozy Rooms.”

After learning about Stella Darby and her working girls (there’s a bronze statue of Stella on Main Street), the tour continues to the Chinese living quarters, jail and opium den.

“If there is one thing you should do while in Pendleton, it is the Underground tour,” Armstrong said. “Let my enthusiastic tour guides take you back in time. You won’t only have a great experience, you will get a history lesson you won’t forget!”

Pendleton Underground Tours

31 SW Emigrant Ave., Pendleton

Open all year with tours on Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday.

$20 per person, $15 for ages 6-12 541-276-0730

pendletonundergroundtours.org

Heritage Station Museum

Explore history in a historic train depot

Heritage Station Museum, run by the Umatilla County Historical Society, is housed in the 1909 train depot in downtown Pendleton, 108 SW Frazer Ave. The museum tells the story of Umatilla County and the people who have shaped it.

Many of the founding families who settled here came by way of the Oregon Trail. Emigrants such as the Fix family traveled the trail, burying family members along the way before they reached their destination. On site at the museum, you can walk inside the Fix family cabin and learn about their story. There are many descendants of this family still living in the area today.

The exhibit “Umatilla Gold” explores how the settlers in the area survived and made a living by growing and selling wheat. This exhibit explores not only the beginnings of the wheat industry in Eastern Oregon but also the industry as it is today.

Stop in and take a seat in the theater to view the film “The Land They Overlooked,” which shares stories and information about the Oregon Trail and influential people of the time. It also discusses the first people of the area, their traditions and their food sources.

An updated Oregon Trail exhibit opens this year with an interactive station where visitors can play the classic Oregon Trail game and test their knowledge to see if they can make it to the end — or die of dysentery along the way. The station

also allows visitors to utilize research links and will eventually include photos and trail journal entries.

The Oregon Trail display highlights people who have been instrumental in the preservation of the trail, such as Ezra Meeker and Larry Smitten, and visitors can also find a listing of families who settled in the area, as well as explore the various sites around the county where evidence of the trail still exists.

Heritage Station Museum

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Season: March through mid-December (and closed the week of Pendleton Round-Up)

Information: heritagestationmsueum.org and Facebook

Events:

• 20th annual Old Iron Show: June 7-9 at Roy Raley Park

• 50th anniversary

Gala Fundraiser: June 22

• Artisan Market: June 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Heritage Haunt:

Oct. 31

• Heritage Lights: Fridays and Saturdays in December

Frazier Farmstead Museum

Step back in time to the 1800s

The Frazier Farmstead home, barn and other buildings, located at 1403 Chestnut St. in Milton-Freewater, are open to the public from April through December on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and other times by appointment for individual and group tours. There is no admission charge; however, donations are welcome.

Dedicated to the history of the Milton-Freewater area, the museum is a 6-acre site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was settled in 1868 by community founder William Samuel Frazier and occupied by his family for 115 years. In 1983, the entire estate and its contents were willed to the Milton-Freewater Area Foundation by his descendants.

The house, built in 1892, has a collection of antique furnishings and items of 19th century daily living. Most of the items are original to the home. There is also a 1918 barn, a carriage house and several other buildings.

McCoy cabin

Thomas McCoy’s cabin was moved to the museum property in 1989 from its original site near present day Tum-A-Lum bridge. The 1856 cabin is said to be the oldest surviving deeded structure in Umatilla County.

McCoy paid $300 for his 160-acre homestead.

Information:

Frazier Farmstead Museum

1403 Chestnut St., Milton-Freewater

Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Season: April-December

frazierfarmsteadmuseum.org

Also on Facebook

McCoy cabin

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2024-25 Union Co. Festivals & Events

Visit GoEasternOregon.com for a full calendar of events and current information

JANUARY

Sip, Shop, Repeat, Local

All year long

Throughout the year, the Union County Chamber of Commerce invites visitors downtown on the first Thursday to sip and shop at local businesses. visitunioncounty.org

MAY

Ladd Marsh Bird Festival

May 17-19, 2024

The Ladd Marsh Bird Festival is an uncrowded, noncompetitive birding opportunity for the whole family at the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area south of La Grande. The event is scheduled at the height of spring migration and nesting in the Grande Ronde Valley and to commemorate International Migratory Bird Day. Birders are allowed to explore areas of the wildlife area generally closed to the public. Check in between 6 a.m. and noon at the Tule Lake Access Area on Peach Road to receive a map of the stations. friendsofladdmarsh.org

Ag-Timber Parade

May 17, 2024

Sponsored by Union County Farm Bureau, this evening parade in Island City celebrates the agricultural and timber industries and their contribution to the region. The parade begins at 6 p.m., running east along Island Avenue and turning south on McAlister Road and to Buchanan Lane.

La Grande Farmers Market

May 11 - October

Serving Union County and Eastern Oregon since 1980 with local produce, crafts, music and more, the La Grande Farmers Market takes over Max Square, corner of Adams Avenue and Fourth Street, on Saturday mornings and Tuesday afternoons in the warmer months. Markets are held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays. The style and location of the nonprofit have changed over the years, but what remains the same is the commitment to providing fresh, locally sourced products and produce. lagrandefarmersmarket.org

JUNE

Hog Wild Days

June 1-2, 2024

Kicking off the county’s summer street festivals is Island City’s Hog Wild Days. A weekend-long flea market typically includes more than 100 vendors, from food booths to arts and crafts, face painting, plants and community organizations — and, of course, the Island City Lions “Piggy Train.” Some years, a barbecue dinner is served in the Island City Elementary School gym on Friday evening and a breakfast offered by the Rural Fire Department on Saturday morning. Look for the community parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Eastern Oregon Livestock Show

June 3-9, 2024

The Eastern Oregon Livestock Show in Union is among the oldest in the Northwest. 4-H and FFA action during the week leads up to the Ed Miller Xtreme Bull Riding event June 6 at 6:30 p.m. Three days of PRCA rodeo follow, with competition beginning at 4 p.m. June 7, 2 p.m. June 8 and 1:30 p.m. June 9. The EOLS parade begins at 2 p.m. June 7 in downtown Union. Traditionally the rodeos are accompanied by horse racing and a carnival. easternoregonlivestockshow.com

Eastern Oregon Beer Festival

June 15, 2024

La Grande Main Street Downtown plays host to the Eastern Oregon Beer Festival, featuring beer from breweries across Eastern Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Gates open at 2 p.m. and the event concludes at 9 p.m. at the Union County Fairgrounds in La Grande. The festival often includes live music, local food and vendors. Check out the website for the festival’s Tasting and VIP passes to garner early entry and a commemorative glass tasting mug. This is a 21 and older event. Proceeds go toward community and business development, community events and beautification projects. eobeerfest.org

Riverfest

June 16, 2024

The centerpiece of the festival is its car show, conducted on a field near the Elgin Community Center. The car show typically draws at least 70 vehicles a year. Among the other festivities are an outdoor community breakfast served by the Elgin Fire Department, steam-powered tractor display at the Stampede Grounds, yard sales, a treasure hunt of historic Elgin, Lions Duck Race and possibly a quilt show. Riverfest often coincides with a reunion of Elgin High School graduates. visitelginoregon.com

JULY

Imbler Fourth of July Parade and BBQ

July 4, 2024

An old-time Fourth of July parade begins at noon in downtown Imbler. The Imbler Christian Church traditionally hosts a free BBQ lunch after the parade. imblerchristianchurch.org

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4, 2024

Union County’s Fourth of July fireworks show launches from the Buffalo Peak Golf Course in Union. The display, which is easy to see throughout much of town, begins at dusk and is organized by the City of Union Chamber of Commerce. Food and other vendors line Main Street from 4-9 p.m. grvoutskirts.com

JULY continued

Elgin Stampede

July 10-13, 2024

The Elgin Stampede includes four days of festivities. The free all-kids rodeo is July 10 at 6 p.m. The Ty Hallgarth Xtreme Broncs and Barrel Race is July 11 at 7 p.m,. and a PRCA rodeo is July 12 at 7 p.m. July 13 brings a kids parade at 10 a.m. and the grand parade at 4 p.m., followed by the final PRCA rodeo at 7 p.m. elginstampede.com

Crazy Days

July 19-20, 2024

Vendors and businesses flock to downtown La Grande for family activities, sales and a festival atmosphere for the community. Businesses offer sidewalk sales and discounts on Friday, and street fair festivities take place all day Saturday.

lagrandemainstreet.org/events

La Grande Classic Car Show

July 19-21, 2024

Hosted by the Timber Cruisers Car Club, the show features a variety of classic cars and is held in conjunction with La Grande’s Crazy Days street fair. The cars will be parked along Adams Avenue on Saturday. Other activities are planned for club members and out-of-town cruisers.

timbercruiserscarclub.com

Shakespeare Festival

July 2024

This festival is all about Shakespeare, and will be held at Eastern Oregon University this year.

Huckleberry Festival

July 27-28, 2024

This event celebrating the wild huckleberry takes place in North Powder, the only Union County community outside the Grande Ronde Valley. The festival recognizes the historical significance of the popular fruit. Activities include an all-class school reunion, 5K walk/run, parade, car show, mud volleyball games, tri-tip dinner, vendors, family-friendly competitions and street dance. facebook.com/northpowderhuckleberryfest

AUGUST

Union County Fair

July 31-August 3, 2024

The Union County Fair Association was founded in 1872, and the fair continues to be an old-fashioned rural county-wide event at the Union County Fairgrounds in La Grande. Festivities traditionally include a parade, live entertainment, a carnival, animal judging, exhibit barns, textiles, home goods, art, local produce and vendors. The 2024 theme is “Sew It, Grow It, Show It.”

unioncountyfair.org

Grassroots Festival

August 10, 2024

The annual event in Union’s historic downtown kicks off with city-wide yard sales. Among the festival’s highlights are a car show, plastic duck race in Catherine Creek, vendors, library book and bake sale and live music. The day concludes with a family-friendly street dance. grvoutskirts.com

Cherry Fair

August 17, 2024

Cove’s Cherry Fair is a family-friendly day of fun with live music and a quilt show. There are fun and games for all ages, including a community parade, pitspitting and pie-eating contests, old-fashioned relays and vendors from near and far providing great food and shopping at the Ascension School Camp and Conference Center in Cove. covecherryfair.com

Eastern Oregon Country Music Festival

August 23-24, 2024

This festival continues to grow and brings a variety of country singers to rock La Grande at the Union County Fairgrounds. eocountrymusicfest.com

SEPTEMBER

Celebrate La Grande

End-of-Summer Block Party

September 5, 2024

The last festival of the summer, this community party offers free hot dogs, soda and ice cream, plus music and family entertainment from 5-7 p.m. at Riverside Park. Nonprofit groups will be on hand to explain their roles in the community, and children are invited to join in games and activities — and maybe a ride on a fire truck. facebook.com/celebratelg

OCTOBER

Eastern Oregon Film Festival

October 17-19, 2024

Celebrating 15 years in 2024, the Eastern Oregon Film Festival promotes artistic films and emerging filmmakers. Through the mediums of independent film and music, the festival aims to enrich and expand the cultural experience in Northeast Oregon. Visit the website for details of the film titles and schedule.

eofilmfest.com

OCTOBER continued

Trick-or-Treat

October 31, 2024

La Grande Main Street Downtown organizes a safe and free downtown Trickor-Treat on Halloween afternoon. The western portion of Adams Avenue is closed to traffic to allow downtown businesses to safely hand out treats, and prizes are awarded to winners of a costume contest. Trunk-or-treat events are also held in Elgin, Union, North Powder and other locations in La Grande. lagrandemainstreet.org/events

NOVEMBER

Shop Local: Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday

November 29-30, 2024

The weekend after Thanksgiving, Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday promote shopping local. Wearing plaid on Friday is encouraged but optional, and on both days locally owned businesses in La Grande — and often in the county’s smaller towns — offer special sales and drawings. visitunioncounty.org, lagrandemainstreet.org/events

DECEMBER

La Grande Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

December 7, 2024

La Grande’s Christmas parade begins at 5 p.m. and travels down Adams Avenue from Greenwood Street to Fourth Street, ending with a tree lighting ceremony at Max Square. lagrandemainstreet.org/events

Union Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

December 7, 2024

Union’s winter wonderland holiday parade on Main Street begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends with a tree lighting. Vendors, music and hot drinks are traditionally part of the festivities. After the parade, don’t miss the chance to meet Santa. grvoutskirts.com

Cove Tree Lighting and Caroling

December 8, 2024

Cove recently brought back a community tree lighting, organized by the Cove Community Association. coveoregon.org

Elgin Light Parade

December 14, 2024

The Elgin Lions Light Parade begins at 6 p.m. on Division Street then travels around the Fire Station, City Hall and the Opera House and down Eighth Street to the Stampede Grounds. A donation-only chili feed follows at the Stampede Grounds where winners from the parade competition are announced.

facebook.com/visitelgin1700

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Block Party

December 31, 2024

La Grande’s Adams Avenue becomes a mini Times Square on New Year’s Eve with its very own ball drop counting down the last minutes of the year. The street is closed to traffic and the festive outdoor gathering includes burn barrels, warming tents, hot drinks, a scavenger hunt and music at the corner of Adams and Depot Street. Also, be sure to check out other New Year’s Eve events in the county, including The Lodge at Hot Lake. lagrandemainstreet.org

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area

If you’ve any interest in birds — whether for birdwatching or photography or hunting — then Ladd Marsh is your paradise.

Established in 1949, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is about 7 miles south of La Grande with 6,000 acres of managed nature preserves and hunting ground. It is also less than a mile away from the historic Lodge at Hot Lake Springs.

Find birds galore and deer, elk, mink, frogs, turtles, salamanders … Visiting

Ladd Marsh, the largest hardstem bulrush wetland remaining in Northeast Oregon, serves as a nesting and breeding ground for migratory birds and is home to dozens of different species of birds, from greater sandhill cranes and cinnamon teals to northern harriers. Red-tailed hawks can also be found resting on the branches of trees looking for their next snack.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle or two.

Ladd Marsh is perhaps best experienced on foot. Walking through the wetlands in the spring months, you’ll hear a cacophony of birds, such as the honks of Canada geese that can often be found swimming in the ponds and marshlands. Make too much noise, and you’ll spook the skittish geese and set off an orchestra of honks that alludes to the sound of barking dogs.

Some areas, such as Tule Lake, allow short driving tours so you don’t have to get out of your car to enjoy nature. Another highlight is a handicap-accessible fishing pond off Peach Road that is seasonally stocked with rainbow trout.

Birds aren’t the only wildlife you might see on a trip to Ladd Marsh. Salamanders, frogs, toads and turtles can be found in the ponds hiding beneath the native marshland grasses. The area is also home to mule deer, elk and minks, as well as predators such as coyotes and foxes.

The site historically was much larger, but extensive draining in the early 20th century reduced the once expansive marshlands to a fraction of its original size.

The wildlife area is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and visitors are required to purchase a parking permit from ODFW, which helps support conservation efforts and improvements. Permits can be obtained through the local ODFW office or online. A day permit is $10, and a yearly pass is $30. To learn more, go to myodfw.com/ladd-marsh-wildlife-area-visitors-guide.

Ladd Marsh:

Most of the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is open to visitors year-round, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Wildlife areas east of Foothill Road are open Aug. 1 to Jan. 31 with the following exceptions:

• The Nature Trail, adjacent to I-84, is open year-round.

• The Foothill Road Viewpoint is open year-round.

• The Peach Road Fishing Pond is open year-round.

• The Tule Lake Public Access Area is open seven days a week from March 1 to July 31. From Aug. 1 to Jan. 31, it is open Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays.

• Glass Hill Unit is open April 1 to Jan. 31 for wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and other activities.

• Wildlife area lands west of Foothill Road are open seven days a week from April 1 to Jan. 31.

Bird Festival

The Ladd Marsh Bird Festival is May 17-19, 2024. The festival offers opportunities for birders of all experience levels. Find details at friendsofladdmarsh.org

First Saturday bird walks

On the first Saturday of most months, Friends of Ladd Marsh leads a bird walk either on the Marsh or at other birding areas in the Grande Ronde Valley.

From late fall to early spring, tours meet at the Ladd Marsh Headquarters on Pierce Lane at 10 a.m. During the warmer months of the year, tours start at 7 a.m.

Watch the website for upcoming walks, or check the Friends of Ladd Marsh Facebook page.

Eagle Cap Excursion Train

Experience the beauty of the scenic Grande Ronde River by rail

There is perhaps no better way to experience the Grande Ronde and Wallowa rivers than aboard the Eagle Cap Excursion Train.

The scenic train rides begin at the depot in Elgin and go as far as Minam, often with meals and special events along the way. The train’s season runs from spring through fall.

The 2024 schedule offers 22 train rides, spread out May through October. Many include food from local restaurants, and a few have special themes.

This year three robberies, reenacted by the High Country Outlaws, will provide an extra dose of entertainment on June 15, July 20 and Sept. 7.

As for those themed train rides, Bigfoot will make an appearance June 8 with Sasquatch experts Scot and Hannah Violette along for the ride. The Alpen Train, featuring a Bavarian flair, is on the schedule for June 26 to get people in the mood for Oregon’s Alpenfest, a Bavarian Festival that takes place in Joseph Sept. 29-30. For this trip, passengers can expect German fare on the menu, accordion music and costumed representatives from Alpenfest.

Have a little time or a lot? A couple of short “season special” rides are designed for those who would like a shorter excursion, and two “Minam Bonus” rides provide longer trips for genuine railfans along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa rivers.

“The passengers really have a good time and that’s what we want — for them to enjoy the trip and take home memories,” said Ed Spaulding, an engineer and resident of the Friends of the Joseph Branch, the nonprofit that operates the train.

History

The Eagle Cap Excursion Train began operating in 2004 after efforts were made to rescue the Joseph Branch railway — a 63-mile track connecting Elgin to Wallowa, Enterprise and Joseph.

The all-volunteer crew of certified engineers, conductors and car hosts are members of the Friends of the Joseph Branch. The nonprofit organization that manages the excursions business celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. Learn about membership and volunteer opportunities, by sending a message to weishaar73@gmail.com.

Riding the rails

Most excursions fill up, sometimes early, so it’s best to get tickets ahead of time if you want to catch a ride on the scenic Eagle Cap Excursion Train.

Where: Round trips begin and end at the Elgin Depot, 300 Depot St. Elgin is on Oregon Route 82, 20 miles north of La Grande.

When: 2024 trains run from May 8 to Oct. 26. Departure and return times depend on the specific excursion. Check out the trip descriptions on the organization’s website.

Information: Trip descriptions, prices and the schedule are posted on the website, and individual and group reservations can be made through the online booking service at eaglecaptrainrides.com or by calling the Elgin Depot, 541-437-3652 or emailing eaglecaptraindepot@gmail.com

Oregon Trail

Union County’s Oregon Trail sites will delight history lovers

The Oregon Trail passed through Union County’s Grande Ronde Valley, and there are still visible reminders of the pioneers who traveled through the area. Stepping back in time to the days of the Oregon Trail is as easy as stepping into one of two interpretive centers between Hot Lake and the western edge of Union County.

Blue Mountain Crossing

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing, about 16 miles northwest of La Grande, is a combination of an interpretive trail and picnic area with information panels about the Oregon Trail. It is located at a site that many pioneers traveled through during the 1800s. Ponderosa pines in the area bear scars, and visitors can walk alongside the ruts worn into the rocky ground by countless wagons on their way west.

Facilities include large parking areas, paved accessible trails, drinking water, restrooms and interpretation panels. Living history reenactments periodically take place on holidays. The site may be staffed on weekends or holidays.

Where: 16 miles northwest of La Grande. To reach the site from La Grande, travel west on Interstate 84 for 10.5 miles, then take Exit 248 onto Spring Creek Road/Kamela and go 0.2 miles; turn right on Old Emigrant Hill Scenic Frontage Road and go 0.7 miles; take the first right and follow the signs that will take you about 2.5 miles on Forest Road 1843 to Blue Mountain Crossing.

When: Traditionally open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday through Sunday. For the most up-to-date information about when it is open, call the La Grande Ranger District at 541-963-7186. Admission: $5

Lower Ladd Canyon Oregon Trail Interpretive Site

An Oregon Trail interpretive site can be found in Union County on Hot Lake Lane. Features include two wagons that closely resemble those used by Oregon Trail pioneers, plus a wagon wheel that crossed the Oregon Trail in the 1800s. The center was created in 2019 by Ronnie Allen of La Grande.

This interpretive center salutes the legendary pioneer Ezra Meeker, who devoted much of his life to preserving the Oregon Trail and keeping memories of it alive.

The site includes a replica of the Lower Ladd Canyon Oregon Trail marker Meeker dedicated there on April 11, 1906. Allen said the replica is five feet west of the original site, based on photographs of the 1906 dedication.

Site features also include a four-inch steel sight tube, which makes it easier for visitors to see the same landscape as pioneers at least 170 years ago.

Where: Hot Lake Lane, about 8.5 miles from La Grande, between La Grande and Union. To get there from La Grande, take Highway 30 south out of town. After the entrances to I-84, stay the course as it becomes Highway 203. Just before you reach The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs, turn right on Hot Lake Lane. The site is about 2 miles west of Hot Lake.

When: Open year-round Admission: Free

Union County Golf Courses

18 HOLES

Buffalo Peak Golf Course

1224 E. Fulton St., Union

Buffalo Peak is located at the edge of Union, about 16 miles southeast of La Grande. This 18-hole course is owned and managed by Union County

With a links-style course, Buffalo Peak mixed the smooth greens with native vegetation and natural terrain — all with vast views of the Grande Ronde Valley, Wallowa Mountains and Blue Mountains.

541-562-5527

buffalopeakgolf.com

La Grande Country Club

10605 S. McAlister Road, Island City

La Grande Country Club is a member-owned private golf course that opened at its present spot in 1928.

541-963-4241

lagrandecountryclub.com

Buffalo Peak Golf Course

702

Birddog Glass studio and gallery specializing in barware and custom lighting. Offering seasonal workshops giving visitors a hands-on introduction to glassblowing.

Union County Museums

Explore local history at Union County’s three museums

Union County Museum

The oldest and largest museum in the county is the Union County Museum, which opened in 1969. The museum consists of three buildings including one that once served as a roller skating rink. This is fitting symbolically for the museum is now a place where people can easily roll back in time.

The museum’s many features include natural history, cowboys and ranching, agriculture, transportation and livery station exhibits. A special Watchmaker’s Collection of clocks and other timepieces was designed by local watchmaker Merle Miller who, during the Korean War, was in charge of making sure everyone on the front lines and command posts were on the exact same time. The display includes items from Miller’s collection, as well as museum artifacts.

Another popular display at the museum is a collection of cameras and photography equipment donated by the late photographer Fred Hill. The Elgin native gave the museum about 85% of his collection of cameras and photo-related items. Hill’s collection spans more than a century, some items dating to 1890.

Where: 331 S. Main St., Union

Season: Mother’s Day through September

Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

Wednesday through Saturday

Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for students age six and up

Phone: 541-562-6003

Website: ucmuseumoregon.com

Elgin Museum

The Elgin Museum’s many features include a small building that served as Elgin’s jail from 1895 through about 1914. The small wooden building was renovated about four years ago and opened to the public in 2020.

One of the museum’s newest pieces is a 10-foot wagon, made of iron and wood, believed to have hauled buffalo hides in the 1800s and ammunition during the Civil War, according to Brian Shaw of La Grande, who donated the wagon in 2021.

Additional features added recently include a Victrola, a small wooden shopping basket from the old Model Grocery Store in Elgin and a collection of photos from the town’s old Hanford F. Reed Lumber Co., which operated for several decades until at least 1953. It was near where Elgin High School is today, according to the book “History of Elgin” by Bernal Hug.

Where: 180 N. 8th Ave., Elgin

Season: April through September

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

Thursday through Saturday

Admission: $5 for adults and $3 for children

Phone: 541-805-9617

Elgin Opera House

Catch a musical at the Opera House

The historic Elgin Opera House, 100 N. Eighth St., has a full calendar of live musical productions in store for its visitors in 2024. All of the productions will utilize the theater’s professional digital scenery technology to draw its audiences into the world on the stage.

Show tickets are available at elginoperahouse.com or by calling 541-663-6324.

Elgin Opera House

100 N. Eighth St. elginoperahouse.com

Also on Facebook

Eastern Oregon Fire Museum

The Eastern Oregon Fire Museum is open year-round in the former La Grande Fire Department building. Among its features are two restored antique fire trucks. The oldest truck is a 1922 Model T Ford Chemical Truck. It once was based in the Hot Lake area and was acquired by the La Grande Fire Department in 2000 and restored in 2002, according to a museum information board. The exhibit also features a 1925 Stutz Model O — the first engine purchased by the La Grande Fire Department.

Where: 1219 Washington Ave., La Granden

Season: Year-round

Hours: The hours are identical to the hours of Side A Brewing, which is next to the museum. Side A’s hours, which vary by season, are available at its website, sideabeer.com

Admission: Free

Phone: 541-605-0163

Walking tours

Union County visitors have excellent opportunities to explore the past by taking a self-guided walking tour. Digital brochures for the three tours described here, and more, can be found at visitunioncounty.org/digitalbrochures.

La Grande: Turns of the Brick Tour

Information, outside the Union County Chamber of Commerce

Union: Historic Downtown Tour

Starts with the Union Hotel, 326 N. Main St., Union

Union: Victorian Cemetery

Union Victorian Cemetery, 770 E. Fulton St., Union

An architectural tour

Digital brochure at visitunioncounty.org/digital-brochures

Liberty Theatre

Theatre will be fully renovated back to its 1930 art deco glory in spring 2025

The historic Liberty Theatre in downtown La Grande is a site to put on your visitor’s radar for spring 2025, when it will be fully renovated back to its 1930 art deco glory. Its website, libertyonadams.org, will post upcoming events if you want to plan your visit around a certain entertainment.

Citizens supporting the Liberty Theatre Foundation have worked hard to raise funds, and “we are a couple of weeks away from clearing all of the last major hurdles with our federal grant we received in late 2022,” Ashley O’Toole, board chairman, said. “After this we will be soliciting bids to complete the project.”

The building was built in 1910 as the Arcade Theatre, but on Sept. 1, 1930, it was taken over by Inland Theatres Inc., renovated in 11 days and reopened as Liberty Theatre on Oct. 3, 1930. Its opening feature show was the comedy “So This Is London” starring Will Rogers.

Imagine, if you will, an art deco interior, with aisle lighting, seating, new curtains, freshly painted colorful walls, and all the latest cinema technologies available at that time. It featured cinema movies, comedy series and shorts.

The Liberty Theatre closed in 1959 and the space was remodeled for retail business use. In 2012 when the Liberty Theatre Foundation was formed, the theater’s renovation was the focal point. What the foundation wants to do is bring those traditions back — and more.

Experience new art in a historic venue

The Liberty Theatre’s renovation brings together local history and today’s performance arts. The venue is in the heart of downtown La Grande, just next to City Hall. Passersby on foot and in vehicles can’t miss the sign on the building’s exterior, which lights up the block upon sunset.

Where: 1008 Adams Ave., La Grande

Online: libertyonadams.org, facebook.com/libertyonadams

“We’re looking for a theater that can facilitate every kind of programing you can imagine — live performances of just about every kind like stand-up comedy, EOU colloquiums, live music, book readings and a partnership we forged with the Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra, which will be using the theater regularly,” O’Toole said.

The Liberty Theatre will also have a cinema system, not for first-run movie screens, but for small independent films, artsy films, and also popular family favorites from the 1980s and 1990s.

“We also have a partnership with the Eastern Oregon Film Festival,” O’Toole said. “We’re going to be the main screening for the festival each year. There may be an occasional live performance, but it will be a small production.”

When the renovation project is completed, the Liberty Theatre will be a “must see” on visitors’ lists, so peruse through their programming calendar and build your visit around it.

Mount Emily Recreation Area

Outdoor recreation area provides biking, hiking, archery and more

When it comes to outdoor exploring, one of the crown jewels in Union County is Mount Emily Recreation Area.

MERA is located just minutes from downtown La Grande and features 45 miles of non-motorized trails and 45 miles of motorized trails. MERA serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation, environmental education and local resources.

Owsley Canyon Trailhead and Igo Lane provide entry to an extensive set of non-motorized trails that are open to hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Routes offer views of the Grande Ronde Valley and surrounding mountains, and often wildlife.

Hiking trails at MERA range from short distances for beginners to more challenging loops up to 7.5 miles. Mountain bike advocates can choose from numerous single track and trail courses.

The base for ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles and other motorized recreation is the Fox Hill Trailhead. Motorized access on MERA is designated to the western half of the property, above the rim. Seasonal access is allowed on ATV route 409, Igo Extension.

Morgan Lake

A lake retreat, close to town

MERA is beautiful year-round and stays active in the winter months. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can traverse MERA’s hiking trails from the Owsley Canyon Trailhead. For motorized winter recreation, check the website for seasonal access via the Fox Hill Trailhead or the Igo Extension.

Archery also has a home on the mountain. The Grande Ronde Bowmen operate the MERA archery range, featuring 28 targets over approximately 100 acres. Rates to join the archery club can be found on the MERA website.

Union County purchased MERA in 2008, utilizing grants from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. The MERA advisory board meets throughout the year and serves as a representative for public input. Volunteers spend countless hours every year maintaining the trails.

For more details, information about permits and camping, and detailed trail maps, go to meetmera.org. Be aware of an ongoing forest improvement project that could impact access to trails. Updates are posted on MERA’s website.

Located at the end of a steep gravel road atop a mountain, Morgan Lake is a rustic lakeside retreat. Mere miles from downtown La Grande, the lake offers fishing, swimming, picnicking and trails. The road deters RVs, and motors are not allowed on the lake. There is plenty of room to spread out and do some exploring.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout each year, and primitive campsites and picnic tables are available. Take Walnut Street to get there — on its south end it becomes Morgan Lake Road.

The park is open from the beginning of the fishing season in April to Oct. 31. Learn more at lagrandeparks.org

Morgan Lake

Anthony Lakes

The Anthony Lakes area is bisected by the Union/Baker county line

Both Union and Baker counties can claim the Anthony Lakes area. The ski lift runs through both counties — and the top is actually in Grant County — while some runs are only in Union County and others are mostly in Baker County.

The lodge and other buildings are solidly in Union County, yet Anthony Lake itself, and most of the crosscountry trails, are in Baker County.

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is owned and operated by the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association, a nonprofit based in Baker County.

Winter

Boasting the highest base elevation in Oregon at 7,100 feet, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is known for its powder snow and opens most years by early December. The area is open Thursday through Sunday, plus holidays and spring break, through early April.

In 2023, the ski area celebrated its 60th anniversary. It has 21 alpine runs and 30K of groomed Nordic trails.

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is 35 miles from Baker City and 40 miles from La Grande. From Baker City, take Highway 30 out of Baker City to Haines. At Haines, turn left onto the Anthony Lake Highway (look for the sign). The highway winds through the country before heading up the mountain. From La Grande, take Interstate 84 to North Powder, exit 285. Turn right onto River Lane, and follow signs for the ski area.

An Oregon Sno-Park pass is required Nov. 1 through April 30.

Rentals include alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding and snowshoes.

In addition to the powder snow, Anthony Lakes welcomes visiting bands to rock the lodge’s Starbottle Saloon during the winter. Find a schedule at anthonylakes.com.

There are several overnight options — two yurts, the guard station and limited RV spaces. Check the website for details.

Information: 541-856-3277 or info@anthonylakes.com

Website: anthonylakes.com

Summer

After the snow melts — which can take a while with an elevation of 7,100 feet — the mountain turns into a summer playground with trails for hiking and mountain biking and several lakes for fishing. Campgrounds offer a place to extend your stay and food is available at the lodge Friday through Sunday, early July through mid-September.

Information: anthonylakescampgrounds.com or email alcampgrounds@anthonylakes.com

The Trailhead, 1828 Main St., in Baker City, is also a resource for bike repairs and maps of the area. The phone number is 541-523-1668.

2024-25 Baker Co. Festivals & Events

Visit GoEasternOregon.com for a full calendar of events and current information

JANUARY

First Friday art walks

Celebrate art in Baker City during this monthly art walk on the first Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. New exhibits open with a chance to meet the featured artists.

FEBRUARY

Snowmobile events

Baker County is a winter playground with more than 900 miles of snowmobile trails. If snowmobiling is your thing, check out the groomed trails near Sumpter, Unity and Halfway. oregonsnow.org

MARCH

Wine walks

March-November

Baker City Downtown sponsors a monthly wine walk on the third Thursday of each month from March through November. The months have a theme and a portion of the profits supports local nonprofit organizations. bakercitydowntown.com

MAY

Chautauqua Music Festival

May 17-19, 2024

Catch a variety of Americana musical groups in Richland. chautauquamusicfestival.com

Sumpter Flea Market

May 25-27, 2024

Sumpter has three flea markets every summer: Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend. cityofsumpteror.com

MAY continued

Sumpter Valley Railroad

May-December

This historic steam train operates weekends and some holidays on narrowgauge tracks that run from McEwen Station to Sumpter. Special events include staged robberies, night trains and fall foliage events.

sumptervalleyrailroad.org

Catfish Derby

May 25-27, 2024

Compete to catch the biggest catfish in this annual tournament over Memorial Day weekend in Huntington.

Facebook (search for “Huntington Oregon Lions Catfish Derby”)

JUNE

Powder River Music Revue

June-August

Named Oregon Best Music Festival in 2014, the Powder River Music Revue features concerts at 4 p.m. every Sunday in the summertime in Baker City’s Geiser-Pollman Park. Musical performers come from across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

powderrivermusicrevue.org and Facebook

Oregon Trail Days

June 7-8, 2024

Celebrate the history of the Oregon Trail with this gathering at Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City with staff and special performers from the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/national-historic-oregon-trailinterpretive-center

Haines Stampede Rodeo and Fourth of July

July 3-4, 2024

You’ll find old-fashioned rodeo action on July 3-4 in Haines with quality stock and cowboys, traditional rodeo events such as barrel racing, roping, mutton busting and rough stock events. The city’s Fourth of July celebration includes a parade, vendors and fireworks at dusk. hainesstampede.com

Baker City Motorcycle Rally

July 12-14, 2024

Founded as the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally about 25 years ago, a local business took over this summer event in 2022 — and renamed it — to ensure it continued. Motorcyclists come for three days of exploring the highways and byways, and to visit local shops and restaurants. thebcmr.com and Facebook

Miners Jubilee and Baker Broncs & Bulls

July 19-21, 2024

Baker City’s signature summer event, Miners Jubilee is a three-day celebration with a parade, vendors in the park, mining demonstrations, kids’ activities and bronc and bull riding at the fairgrounds. It is always held the third weekend of July. minersjubilee.com, bakerbroncsandbulls.com

Shrine Game

July 27, 2024

One of Baker City’s most festive weekends features a full day of events and activities before the East-West All-Star Shrine Game, a high school football contest that raises money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Each year 30 players and 30 alternates for each team are nominated from high schools across the state to compete in the game. eastwestshrinefootball.com

AUGUST

Baker County Fair

August 6-9, 2024

The first full week of August brings the Baker County fair with livestock exhibits, music, games and more. bakerfair.com

Baker City Show-n-Shine and Memory Cruise

August 17, 2024

Enjoy a walk through vehicle history as restored cars line up at Geiser-Pollman Park, then cap off the day with the Durkee Steak Feed and a Memory Cruise in downtown Baker City. Facebook

We Like ’Em Short film festival

August 22-25, 2024

The We Like ’Em Short film festival celebrates the art of the short film and provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their talent. Entries come from around the world, and all must be shorter than 20 minutes (some are less than 60 seconds! welikeemshort.com

SEPTEMBER

Baker County Fair and Panhandle Rodeo

August 31-September 2, 2024

Held over Labor Day weekend, the Baker County Fair in Halfway celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with a livestock show, PRCA rodeo, parade and craft exhibits.

halfwayfairandrodeo.com

Pine Fest

September 6-7, 2024

This annual music festival at the Pine Valley Fairgrounds in Halfway features an eclectic mix of musical styles with bands and musicians from throughout the Northwest. pinefest.org

Taste of Baker

October 5, 2024

Celebrate the flavors of Baker County during this annual event in downtown Baker City. Participating restaurants offer samples of their popular fare — and maybe some new items. bakercitydowntown.com

Trick-or-Treat

October 31, 2024

Towns across Baker County offer safe trick-or-treat events for youth.

NOVEMBER

Turkey Trot

November 28, 2024

Start Thanksgiving morning with a brisk walk or run at the annual Turkey Trot, which benefits the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center. Facebook (search for “Northeast Oregon Compassion Center”)

DECEMBER

Twinkle in Time and Twilight Parade

December 5-7, 2024

Baker City’s kickoff celebration of the holiday season covers the first weekend in December with a Festival of Trees (Thursday-Saturday), a Cookie Crawl (Saturday) and Twilight Parade at 5 p.m. Saturday in downtown Baker City. Warming barrels are set up to ward off the chill and the Baker City Lions Club provides hot cocoa. The tree lighting, held at the intersection of Main and Court streets, immediately follows the parade.

bakercitydowntown.com

Tree lighting

Tree lighting ceremonies and parades also kick off the holiday season in Sumpter, Halfway and Richland.

Skiing

December-early April

Located in Baker County along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is a mountain riders’ hideaway and home to some of the best powder skiing in Oregon with 21 runs and over 900 vertical feet. There’s also 30 kilometers of Nordic trails. anthonylakes.com

PROUD TO POWER PROUD TO POWER

Baker County

SAFETY FIRST

When exploring, always be aware of your surroundings, have a plan, & prepare for the terrain.

HISTORY HISTORY

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is member-owned and dedicated to bringing you safe, reliable, and competitively priced power while making meaningful investments and positively impacting the communities we serve.

www.otec.coop

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Center tells the story of Oregon Trail pioneers, explorers, miners and settlers

The center is back!

This year marks the reopening of the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center after an extended closure that included a $6.5 million project to make the center more energy-efficient with new insulation, roof, siding, windows, doors and upgraded heating and cooling systems.

The center opens May 24, 2024. Most of the upgrades won’t be visible to the public, but some exhibit spaces will look a bit different than they did in the past.

Through a series of lifesize displays, the center tells the story of Oregon Trail pioneers, explorers, miners and settlers of the frontier west. A completely new Native American exhibit, designed with regional tribal input, will be installed before the summer season.

The 500-acre site, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, includes remnants of the historic Flagstaff Gold Mine, ruts carved by pioneer wagons, and vistas of the historic trail route. You can even take a stroll on the system of trails and see the wagon ruts for yourself.

Visitors can also see a replica 1800s blacksmith shop with authentic tools, a replica of a 1860s mine shaft, and a stamp mill from the Rabbit Mine in Greenhorn that dates to the turn of the century.

Also, be sure to check out the Lone Pine Mercantile, managed by Crossroads Carnegie Art Center and the Friends of NHOTIC, which offers local art and keepsakes as well as food options.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Summer admission: $8 age 16 and older, $6 seniors (good for two days)

Winter admission: $5 age 16 and older, $4 seniors (good for two days)

Interpretive programs: Friday afternoons. How to get there: The center is located 5 miles east of Baker City on Oregon Highway 86 (take exit 302 from Interstate 84). In addition to the indoor exhibits, the center is surrounded by a trail system that takes visitors to the actual Oregon Trail ruts. It is located along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.

Oregon Trail Days

The Interpretive Center brings the experience into Baker City for Oregon Trail Days on June 7-8 at Geiser-Pollman Park.

Artistic connection

NHOTIC’s reopening on Memorial Day weekend of 2024 will coincide with the opening of Gary Ernest Smith’s art show titled “Towards Home: The People, Places and culture of Eastern Oregon” at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center in Baker City.

Baker County Museums

Explore the history and heritage of Baker County in seven museums

Baker Heritage Museum

2480 Grove St., Baker City

The Baker Heritage Museum shares the story of local history in this building that, when it was the Natatorium, contained the community swimming pool. Explore the special exhibit featuring local Chinese history and heritage, and be sure to tour the Calvin-Warfel Rock Collection (don’t miss the room with glow-in-the–dark rocks). The rest of the museum provides a walk through Baker County’s history and industries.

Season: April through October

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $9 for ages 13+, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6-12, free for 5 and younger

Information: bakerheritagemuseum.com, Facebook, 541-523-9308

Adler House Museum

2305 Main St., Baker City

This museum was once the home of Leo Adler, one of Baker City’s most famous philanthropists, who left his fortune of $20 million to benefit the town through grants and scholarships. The Leo Adler Foundation has distributed nearly $40 million since 1995.

Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday-Monday; also by appointment

Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6-12, free for 5 and younger

Information: bakerheritagemuseum.com, 541-523-9308

Eastern Oregon Museum

610 Third St., Haines

Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; by appointment during the off-season (24-hour notice appreciated)

Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; also by appointment

Admission: Free; donations welcome

Information: easternoregonmuseum.com, 541-856-3233, easternoregonmuseum@gmail.com

Sumpter Municipal Museum

245 S. Mill St., Sumpter

Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday-Monday (if volunteers are available), 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday

Admission: By donation

Information: Facebook (Sumpter Valley Museum Association), cityofsumpteror.com, 541-894-2314

Huntington Museum

395 First St., Huntington

Season: Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend; also by appointment

Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays

Admission: By donation

Information: Facebook (Huntington Oregon Historical Society & Museum), 208-249-5179

Chinese Cemetery Interpretive Site

Windmill Lane (east of Interstate 84), Baker City

This area was the site of 46 burials from 1894 to 1948. Many remains were returned to China before the 1930s, when the practice stopped after Japan invaded China. A gravestone marks the final resting place of Lee Chue, who died in 1938. The exact number of remaining burials is not known. The Baker County Historical Society began preservation of the cemetery in 1994. The site is owned by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Portland.

Season: Accessible year-round

Admission: Free

Pine Valley Community Museum

155 E. Record St., Halfway

Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend

Hours: 1-4 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Or by appointment.

Admission: By donation

Information: pinevalleymuseum.org, pinevalleymuseum@gmail.com, Dale Taylor, 542-540-7194

Bill Schuhle, 541-742-7891, Frances Vaughan, 541-742-5152

“Golden Cornucopia,” the documentary that explores the history of Baker County’s richest mining district, is now available on DVD. copiafilm.com

Sumpter Valley Dredge

Tour the State Heritage Area

Now silent, the Sumpter Valley Dredge is the centerpiece of this park that pays homage to the gold mining days.

Miles of tailings line the banks of Powder River, and the dredge left much of the rocky footprint.

Built in 1935, it ran until 1954 and dug up more than $4 million worth of gold.

The park is adjacent to the SVRR station and is open May 1 through Oct. 31. Explore the dredge, visit the gift shop, and walk the trails that weave through tailings.

Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov

Sumpter Valley Railroad

Ride a historic steam train

The Sumpter Valley Railroad is steaming ahead with a season of rides and events, including staged robberies, night trains and short runs for those who have limited time.

The railroad served a dual purpose in the early 1900s — it provided transportation for people, and it hauled lumber to mills. The railroad shut down in the late 1940s, but was revived in 1971 with the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration nonprofit organization.

The season in 2024 starts May 25. Special events include bandit weekends with the High Country Outlaws, Fall Foliage trains to see the autumn splendor of Eastern Oregon, Halloween trains and Christmas runs.

Length of rides vary by weekend. Fares depend on the ride and vary for special events.

Those who want a more personal experience can inquire about cab passes, Engineer for a Day or Engineer for an Afternoon.

Learn more at sumptervalleyrailroad.org

Baker County Rodeos

Rodeo season in Baker County include six exciting events

Hells Canyon Junior Rodeo

June 22-23, 2024

Pine Valley Fairgrounds, Halfway hellscanyonjrrodeo.com

This event, in its 67th year, kicks off rodeo season in Baker County with events for youth up to age 18. Includes rodeo events plus a parade.

Haines Stampede

July 3-4, 2024

Haines Stampede Rodeo Arena hainesstampede.com

Haines is the place to be for Fourth of July festivities. The rodeo starts July 3 with slack at 9 a.m. and rodeo action at 5 p.m. On July 4, the rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m. amid a day full of activities in Haines, including a parade and art in the park. The day concludes with fireworks at dusk, set off from the rodeo grounds.

Haines Junior Rodeo

July 6-7, 2024

Haines Stampede Rodeo Arena hainesstampede.com

Rodeo events for youth up to age 18. Saturday starts at 1 p.m.; Sunday at 10 a.m.

Broncs and Bulls

July 19-20, 2024

Baker County Fairgrounds, Baker City bakerbroncsandbulls.com

Facebook: Baker Bronc and Bull Riding

Part of the Challenge of Champions Tour, this event has been a July mainstay in Baker City along with Miners Jubilee. Friday’s event is at 7 p.m.; Saturday’s starts at 6 p.m.

Panhandle Rodeo

Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2024

Pine Valley Fairgrounds, Halfway www.halfwayfairandrodeo.com

Held concurrently with the Baker County Fair in Halfway, this rodeo always happens during Labor Day weekend. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and at 2:30 p.m. Monday. The ranch-style bronc riding is a favorite, as well as the mule races. Also, check out events at the fairgrounds and the parade at 12:30 p.m. Monday.

Last Hoorah Ranch Rodeo and Carl Wendt Memorial Bronc Riding

Sept. 28-29, 2024

Haines Stampede Rodeo Arena

Facebook: Carl Wendt Memorial Bronc Riding

Family-friendly events, vendors and more, plus rodeo action. Organizers say the “Carl Wendt Memorial 8 Seconds Bronc Riding Tour Stop draws the rankest ranch broncs and the top riders in the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association.”

When you come to visit, you'll see why we love to play here. Available

State Parks in Baker County

Baker County boasts two state parks where you can camp and fish or just play in the water on a hot summer day. For fishing regulations and other information, check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at myodfw.com/articles/ warmwater-fishing-northeast-oregon.

Unity Lake State Recreation Site

This park is described as “an oasis of green in Oregon’s high desert.” Attractions include boating and fishing. Or use the park as a basecamp to explore nearby wilderness areas. This area includes a boat ramp, boat trailer parking, restrooms and water.

The site is open year-round, and camping is allowed April 1 through Oct. 31. There are 35 electrical sites with water, two cabins and hot showers.

Farewell Bend State Recreation Area

This park is located on the Oregon/Idaho border about 50 miles southeast of Baker City along Interstate 84, along the banks of Snake River’s Brownlee Reservoir.

Historic markers and interpretive displays at the park provide visitors with information on Farewell Bend’s significance on the Oregon Trail. Farewell Bend was the last location where travelers on their way west departed from their route along the Snake River after following the river for hundreds of miles.

Brownlee Reservoir offers fishing, water-skiing and boating. The park is open for day-use year-round. Camping is open from March through November.

Reservations:

Reservable sites at both Unity Lake and Farewell Bend can be booked up to six months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com

Unity Lake

Theatre Scene

Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre

Community theater is alive and well in Baker City thanks to Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre, which puts on multiple plays throughout the year. You can find both sides of drama — serious plays with a small cast, or large productions featuring children from the community. But no matter the size of the play, every actor dedicates their time to memorizing lines and putting on the best performance possible.

Be sure to check the theater’s website and social media pages for updates.

Where: 2101 Main St., Baker City

Website: easternoregonregionaltheatre.com Facebook

Missoula Children’s Theatre

Every summer, something akin to a miracle happens in Baker City — two actors/directors from Missoula Children’s Theatre arrive and rehearse a cast of local children for just five days, and then present a full-scale musical.

Crossroads Carnegie Art Center has brought MCT to town for more than 10 years, providing an entire generation of youth with a chance to sing and dance on stage.

There are two productions planned for 2024: “Treasure Island” (June 1722) and “Peter and Wendy” (Aug. 12-17)

Details: Visit crossroads-arts.org, stop by the center at 2020 Auburn Ave. in Baker City, or call 541-523-5369.

Music at Churchill

Live Music

Since Baker City is conveniently located along Interstate 84, we often have the chance to hear bands traveling to and from large shows in Portland or Boise. And we have a lot of local talent as well that play around town at different venues.

Here are some spots to catch live music:

AJ’s Corner Brick

1840 Main St. • Facebook

Barley Brown’s Taphouse

2200 Main St.

barleybrownsbeer.com, Facebook

Churchill School

3451 Broadway St. churchillbaker.com, Facebook and Instagram

The Ison House 1790 Washington Ave. theisonhouse.com, Facebook

Main Event Sports Bar

1929 Main St. Facebook

Veterans Memorial Club

2005 Valley Ave. Facebook

Art Scene

First Friday

Art is part of our local culture. Each month on the first Friday, galleries and shops in Baker City stay open late to unveil a new featured artist The Facebook page “First Friday Downtown Baker City, OR” posts updates each month.

Art places

(These are great places to find art in Baker City, but not all are open for First Friday.)

Anders Fine Art 1802 Main St. robertanders.com

Art Roamers

1902 Main St. Facebook

Baker Floral & Botanicals 1719 Main St. Facebook

The Cheese Fairy 1937 Main St. Facebook and Instagram

Crossroads Carnegie Art Center 2020 Auburn Ave. crossroads-arts.org, Facebook

Hall Pass Gallery

3451 Broadway St. churchillbaker.com, Facebook and Instagram

Peterson’s Chocolates

1925 Main St. Facebook and Instagram

Room 31 Sculpture Gallery

3451 Broadway St. churchillbaker.com, Facebook and Instagram

Royal Artisan

1912 Main St. Facebook

Ruffled Feathers Boutique

2015 First St. Facebook

Sunn Juice + Decor

1917 Main St. Facebook

Sweet Wife Baking

2028 Main St. Facebook

Golf Course

Quail Ridge Golf Course

2801 Indiana Ave., Baker City

Quail Ridge Golf Course in Baker City spreads the view out along 18 holes, and on a clear day the Wallowa Mountains tower in the east to contrast the vibrant green grass.

Turn around, and you can see the Elkhorn Mountains rising to the west.

The course was built in 1936 with nine holes, and an additional nine were added in 1999. This public golf course is owned by Baker City and managed by the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association. It is open seven days a week from March to October.

A pro shop is located in the clubhouse, and Creston’s at Quail Ridge serves up food in a family-friendly atmosphere Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

541-523-2358 • quailridgebakercity.com

Baker City walking tour

Walking tour brings together architecture and history

To see Baker City’s historic buildings, you can simply stroll down Main Street. Below are a few highlights to seek out as you tour — some are located a couple blocks off Main Street. A walking tour brochure is available at the visitors center, 490 Campbell St.

Carnegie Library

2020 Auburn Ave.

Built around 1909, this building has been renovated and now is home to the Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. Regular events include art shows that open on the First Friday of each month, as well as art classes.

Bowen and Bamberger buildings

1809 Main St. and 1813 Main St.

The Bowen, which was built in 1886, survived a fire that destroyed most of the other buildings on the block. The Bamberger was built after the fire, in 1888. The facades of both were reconstructed in the 1990s.

Geiser Grand Hotel

1996 Main St.

This grand hotel was built by Harry and Jake Warshauer and opened in 1889. It was a gathering place for business travelers from across the nation and the world. Local mine owner Al Geiser purchased the hotel at the turn of the 20th century. It later fell into disrepair, and was closed for nearly 30 years before it was restored and reopened by Barbara and Dwight Sidway. Make sure to come in and admire the lobby and consider having a drink or a meal at the 1889 Cafe. Get a lesson on local history at the hotel’s Step Back in Time tours at 2:30 p.m. every day. Cost is $5 and advance tickets are required by calling 541-523-1889.

Baker City Downtown strives to preserve and enhance the vitality and character of our community through the beautification, promotion and development. Learn more at bakercitydowntown.com and Facebook.

The Mint and the Fox buildings

1828 Main St. and 1830 Main St.

Both were built in 1889. The Mint Building opened March 4, 1889, and, according to a local newspaper, was lit by the “glow of sparkling gas jets.” The Fox Building originally housed a cigar and tobacco store.

Bowen Home

1701 Washington Ave.

Built in 1895, this home is a traditional Victorian, and its parklike yard originally extended to the Powder River. The Bowens were pioneers, and Ira arrived in Baker County in 1862 with his parents. He was later the publisher and editor of Baker City’s Bedrock Democrat newspaper.

Wisdom House

2035 Second St.

Built in 1878 by John W. Wisdom, who arrived in Baker Valley in 1862 on the Oregon Trail, this is the oldest house in Baker City. The style is a mixture of Gothic and Italianate, patterned after Wisdom’s home in Kentucky. Today the restored home is a vacation rental.

Luther B. Ison Home

1790 Washington Ave.

Luther Buford Ison requested only the finest materials for building his home, which dates back to 1887. He died in 1889, but his widow lived there for 50 years. Today it is home to The Ison House Bed & Brew.

Baer Home and Adler House

2333 Main St. and 2305 Main St.

The Baer residence, built in 1882, is the Italianate-style “twin” of the Adler residence, built in 1889, at the opposite end of the block. Samuel Baer, a pioneer merchant in small settlements near Baker City, purchased his home in 1884. In 1899, Carl and Laura Adler purchased their home, which is now the Adler House Museum.