Oregon National Historic Trail


Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands and a new beginning lure you to leave home and walk for weeks? More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states and serve as reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.

More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states- reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Museum Exhibits

  • African American Heritage
  • Arts
  • Photography
  • Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Forts
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • Native American Heritage
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Westward Expansion
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Trails

Guernsey Ruts, Wyoming

A wagon swale is cut deep into limestone rock with trees in background.

The Guernsey Ruts in Wyoming feature deeply eroded rock from wagon traffic.

Devil's Gate, Wyoming

A rock buttress with a notch in it surrounded by sagebrush flats.

Devil's Gate was an important emigrant landmark in Wyoming.

Alcove Spring Park Wayside

An exhibit with an illustration in front of green trees and a rock ledge.

Alcove Spring Park is located in Kansas near Blue Rapids and Marysville.

Split Rock, Wyoming

A large yellow flowering desert shrub in front of sagebrush and a large rock buttress.

Split Rock was an important emigrant landmark in Wyoming.

Fort Laramie, Wyoming

Two people walk on a green lawn in front of historic fort buildings.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site features a replica fort with exhibits, located in eastern Wyoming.