The California Trail Interpretive Center
Address: 1 Interpretive Center Way, Elko, NV 89801
The California Trail carried a quarter million gold seekers and emigrants roughly 2,000 miles from Missouri River towns to California between 1841 and 1869, branching from the Oregon Trail corridor and crossing deserts and the Sierra Nevada; the Donner party's tragedy marked its darkest chapter.
Walk beside real wagon ruts at sites like City of Rocks and explore the California Trail Interpretive Center's exhibits; young kids love the hands-on pioneer displays. For a challenge, drive the remote trail segments and hike to the ruts and emigrant inscriptions at City of Rocks or along the Hastings Cutoff.
Coordinates: 40.76286, -115.93201