Our summer road trip was split into two parts. The first traveled through California, Oregon, and Washington, and the second traveled through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. When we pulled onto I-80 in Rocklin to kick of the second leg of our family road trip, Brian joked that we were just going to drive straight until bedtime — except that he wasn’t joking.
We needed to get to Salt Lake City in one day, which is completely doable with even a little time to spare to make a few fun pit stops to check out the sights along the way… But do you know what’s along the way, easily accessible off I-80? Not much at all.
Luckily around mid-day, just as we were all needed a break to get out of the car stretch our legs and eat a picnic lunch, we saw signs for the Humboldt Museum in Winnemucca, Nevada. The museum complex, with three historic buildings, was really interesting and there is a picnic area right off the parking lot that has a killer view and interpretive signs. Then, a while later when we all were feeling a bit bored and needed an afternoon break, we found the California Trail Interpretive Center.
The building is hard to miss from the freeway and the museum is totally worth the stop.
Visiting the California Trail Interpretive Center
When we arrived at the California Trail Interpretive Center, it was about 100 degrees and the sun was blazing. Because we were already hot, we decided to wander through the outdoor plaza and exhibits first, then head inside to the air conditioned museum to cool off.
Directly outside the entrance is a welcome plaza that features quotes, historic information, statues, and trail maps of the California Trail. From here a dirt trail leads into an open field next to the museum with:
- The outdoor Wagon Encampment, complete with three full-size replica wagons, tents, and handcarts, depicts the pioneer encampments that were commonplace as emigrants traveled along the California Trail.
- A traditional Shoshone village with several shade houses (boho bahknee) made of willow and sagebrush. The structures were actually built by local Western Shoshone youth.
We then entered the Center from the back entrance and worked our way to the front and the gift shop.
Over the years, we have visited several historic sites to learn about the California Gold Rush and American history, like the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park and the California State Indian Museum, Columbia State Historic Park, Old Hangtown’s Gold Bug Park And Mine, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Shasta State Historic Park, and the Rhyolite Ghost Town. But all of our experience so far have been in California when the pioneers had already arrived. It was really neat to now learn about how the pioneers traveled to California and hear their experiences and stories.
About the California Trail Interpretive Center
The California Trail Interpretive Center, a pioneer history museum, shares the history and stories of the 250,000 people who sold their belongings, packed wagons, and set out for California between 1841 and 1869 on a 2,000 mile trek to find land, gold, adventure, and endless possibilities.
Located in Elko, Nevada, the California Trail Interpretive Center is a beautiful, modern museum and the exhibits are incredibly well done. From the first map and mural, to the last statue, diorama, and exhibit, we all we highly impressed with the quality and attention to detail. Each exhibit is designed to bring authentic pioneer history to life, including how brave pioneers traveled, the types of chores with which they were tasked, and where they settled throughout Nevada and California.
At the the California Trail Interpretive Center you’ll see:
- A topographic map and timeline of the California Trail.
- Covered wagons, hand carts, and tents depicting a typical pioneer encampment.
- Displays about what pioneers packed with them for the 2,000 mile journey to California in pursuit of wealth and a better life.
- Beautiful sculptures, murals, artifacts, and other artwork in large exhibit halls depicting scenes of pioneer life and the historic California Trail.
- An elephant statue and the stories of pioneer hardships and discovery behind it.
- An outdoor plaza with a scale map of the Great Basin that shows the many trails pioneers took to cross the desert from Salt Lake
The California Trail Interpretive Center, owned by the Bureau of Land Management, also has movies and programs on local Native American heritage, the California Gold Rush, the Donner Party, and the Forty Mile Desert, as well as hiking trails with spectacular views of the Ruby Mountains, the historic South Fork Canyon, and the Humboldt River.
Know Before You Go
- The California Trail Interpretive Center is located off I-80 Exit 292 at 1 Interpretive Center Way, Elko, Nevada 89801 in Elko County.
- The Center is open year round Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
- Admission is free.
- Parking is free and there is plenty of RV/Bus parking.
- The California Trail Interpretive Center partners with the non-profit Southern Nevada Conservancy to sell books, children’s gifts, apparel, candy, and other miscellaneous Trail related items in the gift shop.
- There are big clean restrooms and a not very shady picnic area with several tables just outside the entrance behind the plaza.
- During the Pioneer Trail Days, special living history events, the Center features costumed interpretation and demonstrations of daily life for both Native Americans and pioneers.
- There are 4,500 feet of hiking trails adjacent to the Interpretive Center, that offer spectacular views of the Ruby Mountains, the historic South Fork Canyon and the Humboldt River. About 2,300 feet of trail are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
