New exhibit at Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center's interactive exhibit "Pack Your Wagon: Critters, Costumes and Curiosity" opens Feb. 1 and continues through June 8. The center is located five miles east of Baker City on Highway 86.

The exhibit's interactive elements include a giant magnetic map of the Oregon Trail, a puppet theater, a wildlife memory game, and an animal track rubber stamping activity. The centerpiece is a full-scale "Pack Your Wagon" display in which youngsters can practice the decision making skills Oregon Trail pioneers needed to plan for their long journey over the prairies to the west.

All the activities are designed to enhance curriculum goals of school history classes, but incorporate a fun, interactive approach to learning about history and nature, according to a center press release. The exhibit was funded through a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, matched with donations from Trail Tenders and funds from Bureau of Land Management. Staff interpreters are available to help educators or group tours customize their visit to the exhibit with a guided activity. To book a special group tour of the exhibit, please call the Interpretive Center at least 48 hours in advance.

The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 adults, $3.50 seniors and free for youth age 15 and younger. School groups are also free. Friday, Feb. 15, is a free admission day. For more information call 523-1843 or visit the Web site at oregontrail.blm.gov.

Also this month the center will offer a leather tooling workshop taught by Marty Harriman of Halfway. The workshop is Feb. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. Cost is $5, plus center admission. This class is geared toward adults.

Those planning to attend are asked to register by 4 p.m. Feb. 6 by calling 523-1843.