8 Top Things to Do in Baker City, Oregon

Located along Highway 86 as you approach Baker City from the east, just the site of this fantastic 500-acre interpretive center gives you a taste of one of the Oregon Trail's milestone experiences. Inside the visitor center, you'll find fascinating exhibits on the Oregon Trail and local pioneer history, along with a theater and gift shop. Spend some time hiking the facility's over 4 miles of trails, exploring the outdoor covered wagon encampment, taking in the beautiful yet daunting mountain views, and checking out actual preserved Oregon Trail ruts of pioneer wagons.

This stunning downtown Baker City hotel was built in the 1880s and fully restored in 1997, continuing to provide food, accommodations, and special event space. Whether you are an overnight guest at the Geiser Grand Hotel or not, the building's stained-glass skylight, crystal chandeliers, and mahogany woodwork are worth checking out. You can just stop by to wander the lobby and mezzanine, enjoy some food and drinks along with live music at the historic 1889 Cafe, or dine at the elegant Palm Court.

In addition to the mining booms, railroad access made Baker City a population hub of the region. A bit of the local railroad system remains in operation as the Sumpter Valley Railroad, providing scenic steam train rides through the valley. Passengers board the narrow-gauge railroad at the McEwen Depot south of Baker City. The locomotive and its passenger cars run between McEwen and the former mining town of Sumpter, about two hours round trip, which includes a layover in McEwen or Sumpter. The Sumpter Valley Railroad runs on certain weekends and holidays during the summer months and also offers special events.

Formerly called the Oregon Trail Regional Museum, the Baker Heritage Museum exhibits and interprets local history and culture in the huge 1920 Natatorium building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The pioneer and homestead eras are covered, along with mining, ranching, and farming. The region's natural history, including geology and wildlife, is also featured; their collection of rocks, fossils, and mineral specimens is amazing. The museum is open seven days a week.

Yet another historic building—this time the grand old Carnegie Library—has been re-purposed to the benefit of Baker City citizens and visitors. Now devoted to both the visual and the performing arts, the Crossroads Carnegie Art Center exhibits the work of local and regional artists. Various performances are scheduled throughout the year, including plays and literary events. The center offers painting, drawing, collage, ballet, and other classes for kids and adults as well. Admission is free, but the nonprofit organization appreciates donations.

Among the most dramatic and scenic country in the West—a lovely display of rivers, mountains, valleys, and more—Hells Canyon on the Snake River is deep and wild and off the beaten path. The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a 218-mile loop with several offshoots that lengthen the journey. The main loop, which meets with Interstate 84 at La Grande and Baker City, is mostly an easy drive along ​a paved road, but sections include rough forest service road. If you want to take the side trips towards actual views of Hells Canyon, the road can be more primitive, so be sure to check the local conditions prior to your trip. The byway passes through 11 communities where you can stop for food, shopping, galleries, and lodging.

This more local drive out of Baker City is a 106-mile loop that takes you to historic sites and through stunning lakes, as well as the Elkhorn Mountains. It's a great way to learn about the natural resources, history, and geology of the area; especially interesting for travelers are the historical narrow-gauge railroad grade and the former gold mines.

There are many places to stop for a picnic, camping, hiking, boating, skiing, and other recreational activities. If you are driving in winter conditions, check the weather before heading out and note the scenic byway is not snowplowed between Granite and Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

Those seeking a unique way to learn about the cultural history of Baker City will want to check out the Chinese cemetery. The Chinese were key employees on the railroads and in the gold mines. In 1900, Baker City's Chinese population reached its highest number: 264 citizens. You won't see gravesites, but there are areas where people were buried (the remains have been sent back to the families of the departed in China). A pagoda, a stone prayer building, and signs detailing the history of the Chinese in the city are also at the cemetery.