Donner Memorial State Museum — Attraction in Truckee

EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE. I have known about the event that gave this Mountain Pass it's name since I was a Boy Scout back in the 60's-70's. It was always something I wanted to see & I made it a point to get there when I was planning a road trip recently. I can't begin to imagine what they went through. The displays are well constructed. You are shown artifacts from the time. The railroad story is something I wasn't expecting. You have to be in awe of their accomplishments. I love hearing historical facts about the Native Americans in the local regions. Their stories aren't taught widely & unless you actually take the time to learn about them, you will never hear about many of their contributions. We got to the Visitor's Center the last hour before it closed after going up to the pass to take photos & watch the sledders on a slope. I'm glad we made it because it is worth the stop if you aren't sure.

It makes you pause & think how lucky we are, we can just turn a key, start an engine, adjust the temp, & if hungry - pull into a restaurant to grab some grub WITH friends or family...

One of the best historical Museum/Visitors centers anyone will visit in this country. The small entrance fee is well worth your visit & allows all access. Large display of historical interest, artifacts, and offers a short film on the historical events of the Donner Party. A generous gift shop (they offer a free map of locations of the Donner Party; a must see). Must then take the unforgettable walking trail of actual locations beginning with the famous large Memorial, cabin locations, memorial stone at end of trail listing all party members. This is also a picturesque State Park which offers camping, picnic areas, swimming. Offers a daily park pass. Awesome photography opportunities in the summer time. Such an unforgettable experience. Very close proximity to historical old town Truckee. Eats, shops, annual...

Its only fitting that we memorialize a few of the hardships these people and that group went through to endure and secure our future's legacy. We have absolutely zero idea what Hard Times truly are. Those early settlers pressed forward, just on word alone. They had no idea what they were getting into. Thank God they did. The gold rush came shortly thereafter, and California was born. The west was unknown at that time. They pulled wagons past roughly 20 feet of snow, through narrow canyons, and up over cliffs in search of a better tomorrow. We forget just how lucky we are, while we play video games, hop in our vehicles and get our food from grocery stores; just to name a few things we take for granted... " i once cried when I had no shoes, until I saw a man...