California Trail Interpretive Center

California Trail Interpretive Center Western History: interactive exhibits and brand-new facilities, 8 miles west of Elko, Nevada just of

Congressional legislation established the California Trail Interpretive Center "...to facilitate the interpretation of the history of development and use of trails in settling the western portion of the United States..." Visitors have the opportunity to experience multimedia exhibits, life size dioramas, and video productions. They can hike trails, attend interpretive programs, and speak with staff. From this experience visitors will gain an understanding of what is one the most formative events in American history - Westward Expansion.

Thank you so much to the almost 40 community members plus BLM Fire crew members who helped us care for some sick trees a...
09/30/2026

Thank you so much to the almost 40 community members plus BLM Fire crew members who helped us care for some sick trees and clear overgrown grass and sagebrush from our hiking trails during National Public Lands Day last Saturday!

National Public Lands Day is coming up soon! Come volunteer and get a free lunch and tshirt!
09/19/2026

National Public Lands Day is coming up soon! Come volunteer and get a free lunch and tshirt!

Come out to the Trail Center this Friday at 10 am and try your hand with a bow and arrow at Bows & Throws: Archery. This...
09/16/2026

Come out to the Trail Center this Friday at 10 am and try your hand with a bow and arrow at Bows & Throws: Archery.

This is a free program and takes place outdoors. Please stay hydrated and dress for the weather.

This Saturday is International Observe the Moon Night: Sunset YogaFree sunset yoga session from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.7:30 on ...
09/15/2026

This Saturday is International Observe the Moon Night: Sunset Yoga

Free sunset yoga session from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

7:30 on we'll be teaching lunar facts, checking out the night sky with telescopes and more!

This is a free program and takes place outside. Please dress for the weather.

Summer may be ending soon but it's still a great time for Pioneer Ice Cream! Join us this Saturday at 1 pm (this is a po...
09/02/2026

Summer may be ending soon but it's still a great time for Pioneer Ice Cream! Join us this Saturday at 1 pm (this is a popular program. We recommend getting here early) to see how to make your own hand-cranked ice cream.

Capacity is limited. Seating will be first come-first serve. Ice cream will still be available (while supplies last) even if you aren't able to get a seat for the initial program. In the case of over-capacity we will try to rotate participants once ice cream is served.

Join us this Friday at 10 am for Explore & Create: Foxes. Learn all about fox behavior, habitats and more, followed by a...
09/01/2026

Join us this Friday at 10 am for Explore & Create: Foxes. Learn all about fox behavior, habitats and more, followed by a fox coloring/painting project.

This is a free program and all supplies are provided.

What do medieval and pioneer tools have in common?Come visit us at the Renaissance Faire in Lamoille Grove to find out!W...
08/29/2026

What do medieval and pioneer tools have in common?

Come visit us at the Renaissance Faire in Lamoille Grove to find out!

We'll be here all day today and until 3 tomorrow.

08/29/2026

Rare visit from a badger out here yesterday evening. There are signs of their presence occasionally (tracks, s**t, and telltale large burrowed holes) but it's not often we actually spot one wandering around. Badgers are primarily nocturnal. We think yesterday's overcast afternoon might have contributed to his early jaunt.

This cute little guy didn't seem agitated but if you spot one while on our trails (again, it's pretty rare. I've never run into one in 10 years at the Center, and a...higher number of years in the area) do NOT approach. Badgers can be very aggressive and are not to be trifled with.

Thanks to everyone who came out for Gold Panning yesterday. Remember to post pictures of anything you cool you make or d...
08/23/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out for Gold Panning yesterday. Remember to post pictures of anything you cool you make or decorate with the awesome gems you took home and tag us in your post!

Address

1 Interpretive Center Way
Elko, NV
89801

Opening Hours

Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5pm
Sunday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+17757381849

Website

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