If you want to immerse yourself in the history, arts, and local culture of baker, you’re going to need some time! This 5-day itinerary breaks down all the essential sites into convenient groupings that allow you to see it all.
Many local museums are only open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Because many museums are run by volunteers, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm open hours. Below is a suggested itinerary that ensures you can visit every single museum across Baker.
Day 1: Baker City
- Breakfast in Downtown Baker City
- Crossroads Carnegie Art Center
- Tour the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
- Lunch in Baker City
- Visit the Baker Heritage Museum
- Enjoy the great galleries along Main Street, including:
- The Art Roamers
- The Cheese Fairy
- Robert Anders
- Royal Artisan
- Sweet Wife Bakery
- Churchill Hall Pass Gallery on Broadway
- Evening Options:
- concert at Churchill School (If available)
- a film at the Historic Eltrym Theatre
- check the schedule at Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre
Day 2: Baker City
- Breakfast in Baker City Downtown
- Walking Tour of Baker City Downtown including tour of the Geiser Grand Hotel, Leo Adler Museum (if open), St. Francis DeSales Cathedral (if available)
- Visit the Chinese Cemetery in Baker City
- Lasso up lunch on Tenth Street, where the ranchers and farmers eat
- Drive to Haines and visit the Eastern Oregon Museum
- Take a scenic drive around the Powder Valley including visits to historic cemeteries and see Eastern Oregon agriculture in action
- Dinner at the iconic Haines Steak House
Day 3: Sumpter
- Breakfast in Baker City
- Head to Sumpter and, along the way hike the path beside the Power River – be watching for birds!
- Stop at the Sumpter Valley Railroad at McEwen (open on the weekends) and take a scenic train ride through the Sumpter Valley mine tailings.
- The train stops at the Sumpter Depot
- Tour the Sumpter Valley Dredge and visit Lynn Bean’s Gallery – Take home a souvenir
- Take the next train back to the McEwen Depot and drive to Sumpter
- Enjoy the Cracker Creek Mining Museum (outdoor experience)
- Explore the Sumpter Municipal Museum and Baker County Library
- Dinner in Sumpter or return to Baker City
Day 4: Halfway and Richland
- After breakfast in Baker City, head to Richland and enjoy the scenery along the river.
- Richland – Stretch your legs in Richland Park and look for the signs from Oregon Film Office about the nearby filming of Paint Your Wagon in 1968.
- If interested in fishing – drive down to Hewitt Park and cast a line.
- Head to Halfway and look for wild sheep!
- Lunch in Halfway
- Visit the Pine Valley Museum and ask to visit the Cornucopia Jail.
- Drive to the Snake River and a view of Hells Canyon.
- Stay the night in Halfway or Cornucopia or head back to Baker City.
Day 5: Huntington
- Grab breakfast in Baker City
- Drive to Huntington
- Visit the Van Ornum Battle Site
- Stop and visit the Huntington Museum (call ahead to see if available)
- Bring a Picnic and have lunch at the Farewell Bend State Park on the Snake River – a great place to fish and relax.
- Either continue east to Ontario, Boise and beyond, or return to Baker City and enjoy one last evening. Stop by the Visitor Center to plan your next visit before you head home!