Baker City Tourist Attractions
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Baker City (pop. 9,900) was incorporated in 1874 and features many historical buildings from the mining industry and the early gold rush days.
Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area
In the extreme north-east of the state, the deepest canyon in the United States, Hell's Canyon, marks the Idaho border. A protected area, whose inaccessibility makes it all the more beautiful, extends along the Oregon side. For the adventurous, the Hell's Canyon National Scenic Loop Drive begins and ends in Baker City.The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area covers over 650,000 acres along the Snake River in Oregon and Idaho, including 215,000 acres of wilderness. It is home to a wide variety of birds and animals such as bears, bobcats, bighorn sheep, cougars, and deer.Miles of trails provide great access to the area either on foot or on horseback. There are also scenic drives through the Hells Canyon area.
Sumpter Valley Railroad
The original Sumpter Valley Railroad was a narrow gage track built in the 1890's. It operated until 1947, at which time it ceased all operations at the tracks were pulled from the ground. A restoration program began in 1947, with new track being laid and old rail cars being retrieved and restored.Visitors can travel on the eight kilometers of track to take a trip back in time and see the way a steam locomotive works. The Sumpter Valley Railway district is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Baker Heritage Museum
The Oregon Trail Regional Museum in Baker City presents the cultural and natural history of the region. It features a collection of carriages, rocks and gems, and other artifacts. The building was constructed in 1920 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located northeast of Baker City. Exhibits and video presentations tell the story of the emigrant experience and the impact of the Oregon Trail. Living history is used to illustrate the many aspects of pioneer life.
Alder House Museum
The Alder House Museum in Baker City is an early 1900's house with historic displays.
Surroundings
There are a number of interesting towns and attractions in the Baker City vicinity including Haines and Union.
John Day
John Day is located at the base of the hills of Malheur National Forest. The town is primarily an agricultural and logging community.
Grant County Historical Museum, Canyon City
The Grant County Historical Museum in Canyon City houses numerous photographs and documents related to the history of the town which was established after the discovery of gold in the area.
Kam Wah Chung and Company Museum
The Kam Wah Chung and Company Museum in John Day is a former Chinese doctor's office and pharmacy. It was built in the mid 1800's. The museum contains Chinese medicines and herbs and related artifacts.
Eastern Oregon Museum, Haines
Located in the small town of Haines, the Eastern Oregon Museum features a number of reconstructed pioneer buildings, including a blacksmith shop, parlor, and train depot. The museum also houses a collection of dolls, pioneer and farming artifacts, and non-motorized vehicles.
County Museum, Union
Within the town of Union are a number of well-preserved Victorian homes dating to the 1800's. The Union County Museum features a number of displays relating to the cultural and natural history of the Grande Ronde Valley, as well as an exhibit on cowboys and cattle ranching in North America.
