Independence, Missouri
Independence, the fourth largest city in the state of Missouri, was the most popular starting point for parties heading west on the Oregon Trail. Ideal for stocking up on supplies, emigrants collected information and laid their plans for their travels within this industrious city. Many parties banded together at this point to avoid traveling alone and for fear of Indian attacks. Today visitors following the Oregon Trail can still visit Independence's town square and the National Trails Frontier Museum to learn more about the city's role in this historical moment in time.
National Frontier's Trail Museum
18 W. Pacific
Independence, Missouri 64050
(816) 325-7575
Susan O. Hail Grave, Nebraska
Located along the trail is the "Coast of Nebraska," a ridge of sand hills that separate the Platte Valley from open prairie, which contains a number of unmarked graves of emigrants plagued by disease. Among these grave markers laid that of Susan O. Hail who passed away at 34 years of age. Near Lowell, Nebraska, travelers can hike and visit this area, which is located at mile marker 250 along I-80 in Adams County.
Chimney Rock, Nebraska
Now standing 325 feet above the plains of Nebraska, Chimney Rock used to stand much higher during the years of migration. Most commonly mentioned within diary accounts from emigrants traveling the Oregon Trail, Chimney Rock is now a National Historic Site managed by the state. Visitors can learn more about this magnificent site and the trail during educational presentations given every Sunday during the summer season.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Hwy 92 and Chimney Rock Road
Bayard, Nebraska 69334
(308) 586-2581
nps.gov/chro/index.htm
Devil's Gate, Wyoming
Considered one of the major landmarks on the Oregon and Mormon Trail, Devil's Gate developed its narrow cleft from the waters of the Sweetwater River. Although traveling parties made a detour around the cleft, many stopped to hike through the rocks and explore the area. Today the Bureau of Land Management has developed an interpretive trail for outdoor enthusiasts and historical buffs to learn more about the colorful history of the Wyoming section of the Oregon Trail.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Often referred to as the "Niagara of the west," Shoshone Falls is 212 feet high and flows over a rim that is 900 feet wide. Located along Idaho's Snake River, the explorers of the Oregon Trail would often take a short side trip to see the rumored waterfalls that stand 36 feet higher than Niagara Falls. Now open year-round, the falls are under the management of the City of Twin Falls. For a nominal entrance fee visitors can hike the trails surrounding the falls, picnic and enjoy the scenic views.
Shoshone Falls
three miles east of Twin Falls, Idaho, on Falls Avenue
(208) 736-2265
csi.edu/virtualTourSI_/shoshoneFalls
