Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can visit several small, delightful museums that record and celebrate the history of Baker and its communities.
Because many of these 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 – Heritage Museum, Leo Adler House, NHOTIC
Morning: Start in Baker City at the Baker Heritage Museum and then walk across Geiser Pollman Park to visit the historic Leo Adler House Museum. While your on Main Street, grab lunch in Historic Downtown – practically a free outdoor museum in its own right.
Afternoon: Make the 15 minute drive to the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and explore the exhibits, events, and reenactments that bring the Oregon Trail experience to life. Head back to Baker City for dinner and see what event is on during the evening.
Day 2: Haines & Sumpter – Local Museums and sumpter Dredge
Morning: Drive to Haines and visit the Eastern Oregon Regional Museum. Pack a lunch or grab something to eat in Haines.
Afternoon: Continue on the Elkhorn Scenic Byway (going counter-clockwise) and pass through the Elkhorn Mountains to arrive in Sumpter. Visit the Sumpter Municipal Museum and tour the Sumpter Valley Dredge. If the timing works out, take a ride on the Sumpter Valley Railroad. Stop by the outdoor Cracker Creek Museum of Mining and tour the historic mining equipment on display.
Continue on the scenic byway past Phillips Lake and return to Baker City.
Day 3: Huntington and Halfway – Local Museums & FArewell Bend
Morning: Drive to Huntington to visit the Huntington Museum. Bring a pack lunch and picnic at Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, a stop on the Oregon Trail.
Afternoon: Double back to Baker and then head east to Halfway. Visit the Pine Valley Community Museum. Grab dinner in Halfway. You can either return to Baker or spend the night in Halfway and continue on the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to Joseph on the following day.
Full list of stops
Museums
Cracker Creek Museum of Mining
Historic Sites