It is the place to start all high sierra emigrant trail exploration. Trail maps and books are available in the book shop. Rangers lead hikes on various emigrant trails several times a year. Ask for schedules at the counter.
Walks are self-guided with displays along the trails.
Charles K. Graydon, Trails of the First Wagons Over the Sierra Nevada, 2d edition 1994. The book shop has many other interesting titles. Those looking for easy short walks to different points on the route, will find several places of general interest that are not designated historic sites but nevertheless lie along the route where the emigrants surely passed. Various emigrant trails are presumed to converge in Truckee at the Big Truckey River. The assumed emigrant route to Donner Lake follows the River to the confluence of Donner Creek.