In Northeast Oregon, summer and fall are packed with special events that celebrate the personality and history of each community. Special interest groups gather for car shows, motorcycle rallies, cycling events, rodeos and star-gazing. Go to the site’s Visitor Resources page and check out the calendars of events for each of the chambers of commerce. You are certain to find events that appeal to your interests.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City offers entertainment and events of its own throughout the year. Coming to the center June 26 through 29 is musical duo Bill Boycott and Joanne Orr, who perform as Buffalo Bill and Dr. Jo.  This Lander, Wyoming, couple tours around the west, sharing the legacy of traditional and folk music, as well as original compositions and stories about the west – pioneers, cowboys, Native Americans, and the railroads. The couple uses vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. Their performance titled “Along the Oregon Trail” includes multi-media, as well as a program on Indian Sign Language. Known for their outstanding vocal harmonies, they won a Western Music Association Harmony Duo Award. Bill has also won awards for his traditional western style yodeling.

Buffalo Bill & Dr. Jo perform each day at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., through Saturday, June 29.

The Wagon Encampment will be active 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., populated by a variety of pioneers recreating a “nooning” lunchtime break on the Oregon Trail in eastern Oregon. Dutch Oven cooking, blacksmithing demonstrations, pioneer crafts such as leather work, wheelwright, sewing, mending, children’s games, and journaling are included. All this takes place at an outdoor circle of wagons, with the scenery and route of the historic trail as the dramatic backdrop.

Cooks will be using pioneer recipes and ingredients grown locally. On Sunday there will be live music by The Carters.

Visitors can view the permanent exhibits to learn more about the Oregon Trail migration, which had its first major wagon train 175 years ago, in 1843.

Also inside the Center, “The Wild is Calling,” a special exhibit commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, features artwork by regional artists.

The Interpretive Center will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 1, and 9 to 6 on Sunday and Monday and throughout the rest of September.

The Bureau of Land Management National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Ore., on Highway 86. Admission for adults is $8 and $4.50 for seniors; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are also accepted. Call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events or visit oregontrail.blm.gov.

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Take in a performance of “Dr. Balthasar” in the air conditioned Leo Adler Theater. Portraying a mid-1800s medicine show, Dr. Balthasar sells miracle cures, medicines, and dispenses frontier health advice. The show is approximately 40 minutes. Friday-Monday, August 17-20, 11:00, 12:30 and 2:00 each day.

Make a Christmas tree ornament for the National Christmas Tree. Did you know this year’s tree will be from Oregon, and follow the Oregon Trail back east to commemorate the 175^th anniversary of the Oregon Trail? At this workshop, you can help make Oregon Trail themed ornaments that will be used to decorate the tree when it is displayed in Washington, D.C. this December. Materials provided. Friday, August 17, 10:00-2:00.

See a special exhibit, “The Wild is Calling,”  which features original artwork by multiple regional artists inspired by wild and scenic rivers in Oregon and Idaho.

Take your time viewing the outstanding ongoing exhibit about life along the Oregon Trail, for pioneers, Native Americans and people who settled the West. Learn about what inspired people to migrate West and contemplate how you would pack your own household for such an arduous journey.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, about 5 miles east of Baker City, at 22267 Oregon Hwy 86. Currently open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fee $8.00 for adults, $4.50 seniors, 15 and under free; all America the Beautiful Passes accepted. Call 541-523-1843 for more information, or visit oregontrail.blm.gov.

BAKER CITY, OR__

Located outdoors in a circle of replica covered wagons, an encampment of historical re-enactors will cook meals over open fires and offer samples of the food pioneers ate on the trail – including bison stew, beans and bacon, biscuits and cobbler. The cooks will utilize many local ingredients, including heirloom vegetables grown by volunteers. Costumed interpreters using tools and materials typical of the 1850s frontier era will show skills and technology of the Oregon Trail pioneers. Mountain men will share stories while demonstrating flint knapping, black powder shooting, and frontier survival skills. Musician Hank Cramer will perform frontier era music on Saturday, and The Carters will perform on Sunday.

The special exhibit “Finding Fremont” about explorer John C. Fremont’s time in Oregon will be open during regular business hours in the Center’s Flagstaff Gallery.

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is currently open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8 and $4.50 for seniors; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are also accepted. Call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events or visit oregontrail.blm.gov.

July 1, 2 & 3 – Folk Musician Hank Cramer performs music and tells stories from the old west at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., daily.

July 14 & 15 – Michael “Bad Hand” Terry presents his program “People of the Plains,” discussing history and traditions of Plains Indians, and his research and work in producing authentic replicas of tools, dress, and equipment of the Plains tribes. He will be in the Leo Adler Theater, from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m.

July 15 & 16 – Blacksmith Gary Lewis demonstrates historic metal working techniques of the frontier era from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day

July 28 & 29 – Western singer Mary Kaye performs her “Spirit of the West” program with songs about the people, history, culture and landscapes that define this region Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. in the Leo Adler Theater. Evening concert at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 28th (outside, weather permitting).

July 6, 13, & 20 – The Thursday Outdoor Club offers learning activities for youngsters to hone outdoor skills from 1 to 2 p.m.

Throughout the month, staff interpreters will offer a variety of living history programs, outdoor cooking demonstrations, history hikes, and gold panning along with demonstrations to help visitors learn about regional geology, frontier life ways, and outdoor skills. Contact the interpretive center for the daily schedule.

The Bureau of Land Management National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon, on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is currently open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8 and $4.50 for seniors; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are also accepted. Call 541.523.1843 for updates on programs and events or visit oregontrail.blm.gov.

“The Native Landscape: Plants & Pollinators of Sagebrush Country” opens July 19 and will be on display through December 12 of this year.

Visitors to the exhibit will learn about some of the most common native plants found on the sagebrush steppe. The exhibit will feature interactive displays that explore the smells, colors and sights of a thriving native plant landscape. Photographs and illustrations of flowers and pollinators will complement discussions of ethnobotany and how native plants and pollinators are essential to a balanced ecosystem. The exhibit is in the Flagstaff Gallery at NHOTIC. Live presentations, films, and activities related to the exhibit are scheduled throughout the summer months.

Also of note this week, popular northwest folk singer and storyteller Hank Cramer will present his program “Wanderin’ Minstrel” July 15-17 at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Daily performances are at 11 a.m., 12:30, and 2 p.m. All performances are inside in the air conditioned Leo Adler Theater.

Cramer will be joined by duo Clinton and Sarah Carter of Spokane, known as Carter Junction, bringing together Clinton’s deep baritone voice with Sarah’s angelic yet earthy tone in folk and western music. Cramer’s repertoire is a mix of original, traditional, and contemporary folk songs telling the stories of pioneers, cowboys, sailors, soldiers, miners, and adventurers of the old west. He is an avid historian and presents educational programs which weave together music, history, and cultural traditions.

Blacksmithing demonstrations are also scheduled for July 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is currently open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8.00 and it’s $4.50 for seniors; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are accepted.

Call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events or visit oregontrail.blm.gov.

On June 18 and 19, Michael “Bad Hand” Terry presents his program “People of the Plains” in the Leo Adler Theater from 10:30 to noon and from 1:30 to 4:00. He will discuss history and traditions of the Plains Indians, as well as his research and work in producing authentic replicas of tools, dress, and equipment of the Plains tribes.

From June 22 through 28, featured performer Buffalo Bill Boycott presents programs daily at 11:00, 12:30, and 2:00 in the Leo Adler Theater. Boycott’s programs use folk music, both historic and contemporary, to tell stories about the Old West. Harmonizing with his partner “Dr. Jo,” Boycott’s music engages visitors in the spirit of the Old West with stories, songs, and traditional acoustic instrumentation. At 12:30 each day, he presents a program on Indian Sign Language, and how this style of communication was used to bridge the many cultures in frontier America.

For youngsters, the “Thursday Outdoor Club” starts its summer run June 16. The club features interactive programs aimed at the younger visitors and learning about nature. The Club meets Thursdays at 1:30. Attend one session, or all. It is free to all youngsters.

Living History programs in the Leo Adler Theater are scheduled daily, and include a variety of historic characters bringing history to life. Park Rangers are offering outdoor activities to include gold panning, black powder shooting demonstrations, and guided nature walks when weather permits.

“Wagons Ho! Experience the Oregon Trail” continues in the Flagstaff Gallery through July 4. This special exhibit uses costumes, life-sized games, puppets, and a full-scale packable pioneer wagon for youngsters to learn about Oregon heritage and the frontier adventure.

The Trail Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is currently open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8.00; for seniors it’s $4.50; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are accepted. Call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events. For more information about the Trail Center visit www.oregontrail.blm.gov.

At the encampment, located outdoors in a circle of replica covered wagons, historical re-enactors cook meals over open fires, and offer samples of the types of food pioneers ate on the trail. Dressed in clothing representative of the 1850s, and using tools and materials of the time, interpreters demonstrate a variety of trade skills, technology, and everyday activities used six or more generations back. Visitors can see blacksmithing, leather work, laundry and sewing, and black powder shooting. Interpreters will represent all ages and occupations typical of a wagon train.

Some of the activities are interactive, and some are especially planned for families and children – including pioneer era games, school, and dancing.

Many of the interpreters are staff and volunteers of the Interpretive Center, and special guests will bring additional skills. Sheryl Curtis brings her team of oxen and demonstrates the work of a teamster. Blacksmith Peter Clark forges iron using an outdoor setup that might have been seen at a frontier fur post or fort. Musician Hank Cramer joins the wagon train on Saturday, and presents the important role that music played in keeping up the spirits of pioneers as they trekked west.

The special exhibit “Cargo for a Continental Crossing” will be open in the Flagstaff Gallery.

The Trail Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon, on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is currently open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8.00; for seniors it’s $4.50; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are accepted. Call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events. For more information about the Trail Center visit: www.oregontrail.blm.gov

The presentation of original contemporary music is based on life along the Oregon Trail through words and song. The show incorporates narratives, multi media photo display, and songs inspired by diaries and memoirs of Oregon Trail pioneers who crossed the continent over 150 years ago.

“Parlour” is a quartet that writes and performs acoustic Americana roots music and includes guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and vocals. Band members Linda Quon, Mark Quon, Mike Potter and Susan Bonacker perform throughout Oregon and have become well known for their harmonic talent, and weaving historic influences into captivating contemporary songs and lyrics.

At the Interpretive Center, the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands continues every day through August with presentations highlighting resources and history on public lands. If planning a weekend visit to see Parlour, visitors can also see demonstrations of flint knapping and fur trade skills. On Sunday August 30th, join a Leave No Trace mini-workshop, or see an outdoor program about horses with Norm, a former wild mustang adopted through the BLM Wild Horse and Burro program. The special exhibit “Cargo for a Continental Crossing” will be open in the Flagstaff Gallery.

The Trail Center is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is currently open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8.00; for seniors it’s $4.50; children 15 and under are admitted for free. Federal passes are accepted. Call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events. For more information about the Trail Center visit www.oregontrail.blm.gov.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, Oregon, will have two days of living history presentations for visitors over the Memorial Day Weekend at the “Meet the Pioneers” event.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, volunteers and staff will demonstrate pioneer skills such as quilting, crafts, and food between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors will be able to participate in typical frontier crafts such as Dutch oven cooking, gold panning, or making beeswax candles and rag dolls. Presentations by roving interpreters will portray mountain men and homesteading women with authentically outfitted re-enactors. Characters are based on thoroughly researched historical sources, and include real-life pioneers such as Joe Meek and Elizabeth Trullinger.

Storyteller, Karen Haas will perform three times daily in the Leo Adler Theater on May 22-24. Her programs are “Wagons West,” “Eliza Jane Meeker- Pioneer Memories & Future Dreams,” and “Narcissa Whitman.” Program times are 11 a.m., 12:30, and 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“Wagons Ho! Experience the Oregon Trail” continues in the Flagstaff Gallery. This special exhibit uses costumes, life-size games, puppets, and a full-scale packable pioneer wagon for youngsters to learn about Oregon heritage and the frontier adventure. All hiking trails at the Interpretive Center are open. Conditions are excellent for bird watching, wildflower sighting and picnicking, taking the self-guided geology walk or the Trail Tender shuttle tour.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, operated by the Bureau of Land Management, is located east of Baker City, Oregon. Take Exit 302 from Interstate-84 onto Oregon Highway 86 and proceed five miles. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $8; seniors are $4.50; children 15 and under are free. Federal passes are accepted.

Visit oregontrail.blm.gov for more information about the Center or call (541)523-1843 for an update on programs and events. For information on other events in Baker County, Oregon, call (800)523-1235.