Fun Facts on the Oregon Trail Rufus Porter, founder of Scientific American, planned to fly pioneers to Oregon on propeller-driven balloons powered by steam engines. Some 200 adventerous spirits signed up before the venture was abandoned. The loop train takes you to the original ruts of the Oregon Trail. A Lode Mine is also available for exploration outside. Ore carts, tools and accurate mining structures illustrate the important role of mining in the development of northeastern Oregon.
Many wagons are on display outside the building.
They were constructed new by expert wagonmakers, then aged to simulate months of wear. A photo from 1843 shows a stream crossing while the 1997 color photo marks the location of the actual Oregon Trail with a replicated wagon.