Mtn. View RV ParkBaker City, Oregon USA

BAKER CITY, ORE. – On Friday, Feb. 17, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive will reopen “Pack Your Wagon”, the popular interactive exhibit for kids of all ages.

Measure your pace and calculate how many steps you would take along the Oregon Trail. Decide what to keep and what to leave behind with a full-scale, packable pioneer wagon. Try on pioneer-style clothing and pose for a photo. A puppet theater, magnetic maps, a poetry board, and wildlife tracks activities are also featured. Kids will use math, science, and arts in activities related to the Oregon Trail.

The Pack Your Wagon exhibit is installed annually during spring months to be available for school visits; this year through May 28. The exhibit is funded by Oregon Humanities Commission, Trail Tenders, Inc., and income from recreation fees.

Upcoming workshops for kids are scheduled throughout spring and summer. For specific dates and descriptions, check our website at http://www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail/ Please call 541-523-1843 for more information and to schedule group visits.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, operated by the Bureau of Land Management, is located 5 miles east of Baker City, Oregon on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $ 5.00; seniors $ 3.50; children 15 and under are free. Federal passes are accepted. Visit oregontrail.blm.gov for more information about the Center, or call 541-523-1843 for updates on programs and events. For information on other events in Baker County, Oregon, call 1-800-523-1235.

For more information about the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center or other heritage sites, attractions, and activities in Baker County, visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.basecampbaker.com

About the BLM: The BLM manages more land – more than 245 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $ 1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

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Snowmobilers Revel in Baker County’s 900 Miles of Snowmobile Trails

Old man winter has finally arrived bringing lots of snow and transforming the Baker County Oregon landscape into a playground for snowmobilers from throughout the NW. Baker County has the snowy high mountain adventures outdoor enthusiasts are looking for with more than 900 miles of snowmobile trails to choose from.

The towns of Sumpter and Unity provide easy access to hundreds of miles of groomed trails in the breathtaking Elkhorn Mountains of Eastern Oregon! And….in most cases, you can hit the trails right from your lodging!

In Halfway, the main trail heads right up into Eastern Oregon’s Rugged Wallowa Mountains north of town and ends at Twin Lakes in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest at near 7,000 feet elevation.

Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming snowmobile events.

Saturday January 28
Burnt River Snowmobile Club’s annual Poker Run.
The Poker Run is 8-4 p.m. and is approximately 50 miles from Unity community center to Austin Junction and Back. Sign up at the Community Hall in Unity,
$ 1200 Total Pot. Buy in $ 5 per Hand-Best 5 of 7 Wins First place, $ 500, second place $ 300, third place $ 200 There will also be five $ 20 Cash Prizes for a Loser’s Draw! Raffle prizes include, 2 Night’s stay at Diamond Lake Resort and One Night stay at Wild horse Resort/Casino, includes golf, fun book, 2 free coupons to Museum.
For more information or to get tickets contact:
Dan (541) 446-3655, or Joe (541) 523-5223

Saturday February 18
Sumpter Snowmobile Club’s Annual Poker Run
Guaranteed $ 3,000 purse ~ For more information about the Pokerrun, visit the Sumpter Snowmobile Club online: www.sumpter.org/menu/club.html or visit the club on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sumptersnowmobileclub.
Tickets will be sold at the Sumpter Community Center at the old schoolhouse, 475 N. Mill St. take Hwy 7 about 30 miles SW of Baker City, turn right at Sumpter Junction, follow hwy through town, straight past the Stage Stop Gas Station.

Sunday February 19
Halfway Snowmobile Poker Run
Starts and ends at the Lions Club Park in downtown Halfway for more information contact the Panhandle Snowmobile Club at (541) 742-7277 or email wbloom@pinetel.com

Saturday April 21
Anthony Lakes Hill Climb
Snowmobilers take over Anthony Lakes Ski Area for this end of the season blast. For more information contact Anthony Lakes Ski Area 541.856.3277
or email ski@anthonylakes.com

For more information about these and other winter recreation opportunities in Baker County, visit the Baker County Tourism website at http://www.basecampbaker.com

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Author: Baker County Friends of the Library
No. Pages: 128
Pub. Date: 2002-09-10

Price: $21.99

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Author: Alfred Mullett
No. Pages: 128
Pub. Date: 2009-05-13

Price: $17.15

Baker City has been nominated as one of the most beautiful small towns
in the Rand McNally – USA Today Best of the Road contest  
   

and is currently in 2nd place, and now we need the help of our readers and fans.

Baker City, Oregon’s historic downtown is one of the largest and most intact turn of the 20th century downtowns in the Northwest. The downtown has been lovingly restored thanks to the hard work of the local Main Street program Historic Baker City Inc., and is now home to locally owned shops, restaurants and artists. One of the downtown’s most iconic buildings is the beautifully restored Geiser Grand Hotel.

Baker City is located in the North East Corner of Oregon along the Oregon Trail and at the intersection of three Oregon scenic byways. Nestled between the Wallowa and Elkhorn mountain ranges this small town of 10,00 is surrounded by some of Oregon’s most spectacular wilderness and scenery including Hells Canyon and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.

Follow this link http://www.bestoftheroad.com/categories.do?tId=43 to cast your vote for Baker City and then please share with your friends.

Looking for more inspiration or a sample photo to include with your post? Visit the Baker County Tourism photo gallery at http://www.flickr.com/photos/basecampbaker/4870037518/in/set-72157624236278714 and see why we think Baker City is such a worthy nominee for this exciting recognition.

For more information about Baker City’s historic downtown and other historic sites and attractions throughout Baker County, visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.basecampbaker.com

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Celebrate National Trail Day with a 5K fun run on the trail system at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon.   
The course runs from the top of Flagstaff Hill to the Oregon Trail ruts and back up the hill.

After running to the ruts, enjoy a full day of festivities celebrating National Trails Day including the dedication of the new Oregon Trail Interpretive Center gate, commissioned by the Trail Tender organization and designed by local Baker County artist Terri Axness.  The new iron gate depicts the pioneer experience of travels along the Oregon Trail and was manufactured by local welding company, Baker Welding.

The day will begin with the 5K Run to the Ruts at 9:00 am followed by the gate dedication at 11:30.  An authentic trail meal will be available for a suggested donation of $ 5.00, along with tours of the center, interpretive programs in the Leo Adler theater.  Local Author and Geologist, Howard Brooks will be available to sign his book on the Geology of Baker County, and interpreters will be available at the working sluice box and in the encampment.  Costumed docents from the Trail Tenders will provide entertainment including music, games and demonstrations and buggy rides around the center.

For more information about the center or the Run to the Ruts, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website at http://www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail. 

For more information about other Baker County events, attractions and historic sites visit the Baker County Tourism Website at www.basecampbaker.com

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Anthony Lakes ski resort, located in eastern Oregon’s Baker County, is one of five Nordic ski centers in North America featured in the November issue of National Geographic Traveler.

The one page feature on cross country skiing touts Anthony Lakes’ 30 kilometers of groomed cross country trails and great powdery snow conditions. The Anthony Lakes Nordic Center is the only Northwest ski resort on the list which includes four US locations and one Canadian resort. Locations featured in the article include the Snowmass Nordic Trail System in Aspen Colorado, Crafsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont, the Michigan Technological University Nordic Training Center, and Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec Canada.

Anthony Lakes Operations Manager Trish Brinton is thrilled with the recognition. “The Nordic Center has always been an important part of the Anthony Lakes experience and we are absolutely thrilled to see this kind of recognition for Anthony Lakes.” “As a small rural ski resort in Eastern Oregon, it’s pretty exciting to know that our facilities and the skiing experience that we can offer, is on par with places like Aspen and Mont Sainte Anne. “

We agree. Anthony Lakes is well known throughout the region as a destination for downhill skiers looking for dry powder skiing and great technical runs, but the Nordic Center is less well known in the region despite its world class reputation among avid cross country skiers.

An Anthony Lakes Nordic Center season pass is just $ 189, and single day passes are just $ 13.

For more information contact Anthony Lakes, Trish Brinton: Operations Manager, 541.856.3277 xt 0 ski@anthonylakes.com , or visit www.anthonylakes.com .

Anthony Lakes operates under a special-use permit from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

For more information about other Baker County winter recreation opportunities, events, or attractions, visit the Baker County Tourism website http://www.basecampbaker.com  or become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/basecampbaker

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The small Baker County communities of Halfway and Sumpter are among the 47 small towns featured in the new travel book “Discovering Main Street, Travel Adventures in the Small Towns of the Northwest” by Pulitzer Prize winning author and former staff writer for the Oregonian, Foster Church.

The book includes chapters on 47 small towns throughout Oregon and Southern Washington grouped by region and includes 17 communities in Eastern Oregon.

The chapter about Sumpter delves into the rich gold mining history of the community which is interpreted today at sites like the Sumpter Dredge State Heritage Area and the Cracker Creek Mining Museum as well as the town’s historic architecture. The Sumpter Museum, which shares space with the Sumpter Library in an 1889 mercantile building is also featured, with its unique collection of local historic artifacts including a collection of items left by the Chinese miners who worked in the nearby mines.

  The book also notes that Sumpter is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts including ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts. Trail maps of the areas ATV and snowmobile trails are available at businesses throughout town, or by contacting the Sumpter Snowmobile Club, and a number of trails begin at the front door of local motels.

The town of Halfway is located 55 miles from Baker City along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. The bright red steeple of the Presbyterian church, and the whimsical wood carvings that adorn the Pine Valley Lodge are among the character defining elements of the town’s architecture, but the back drop of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Wallowa Mountains define the setting for this small town.

Halfway is a small agricultural community and community events such as the Baker County Fair and Panhandle Rodeo, celebrate the local heritage and culture. Other large community events include the annual Lions Club Crab Feed on the 2nd Saturday of March and more recently the Halfway Whimsical Harvest Festival organized by a number of resident artists, who also formed the local artists co-op Halfway Whimsical from which the festival takes its name.

For more information visit Baker County Tourism at www.basecampbaker.com or www.facebook.com/basecampbaker

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With the holidays just around the corner, there are lots of exciting events planned throughout Baker County to keep you and all those visiting relatives entertained and help you celebrate all the things that make the holiday season such a magical time of year here in Baker County. 

 
Here are a few upcoming holiday events you might want to mark on your calendar.

Thanksgiving November 25
3rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K run/walk
9 a.m. at Kicks sportswear 1801 Main Street in Downtown Baker City. For more information including team and individual registration call 541-523-5265

Ski Anthony Lakes

½ price lift tickets every Thursday.   Watch the Anthony Lakes website or www.facebook.com/skianthonylakes for updates on snow conditions, and upcoming events.

First Friday Art Walk in historic downtown Baker City.
December 3rd, 5 – 8 p.m. Free

2010 Festival of Trees December 2nd through 4th at the Baker County Events Center
December 2nd Preview among the trees 6-9 p.m.
Browse the beautifully decorated trees, mini-trees and wreaths on display for this year’s Festival of Trees. Hors d’ oeuvres and live music d. Bid in silent auction on the wreaths and mini-trees. Tickets are $ 15 per person and available at Betty’s Books, The Sycamore Tree and Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City.

December 3rd Night Among the Stars 6-11p.m
Features an elegant dinner, no-host bar, live music, and the live auction of this year’s beautifully decorated trees. Tickets are $ 50 per person and are available at Betty’s Books, The Sycamore Tree and Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City.

December 4th Family Day 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bring the family for one more peak at this year’s festival trees and to see Santa Claus. Admission is a donation of an unwrapped child’s toy or one can of food.

Christmas Shop at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center
December 3rd through 11th 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Special holiday artists show at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center featuring all hand made or hand painted items perfect for one of a kind Christmas gift giving.

Historic Baker City Downtown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
December 4th 5 p.m.
For more information about this lighted Christmas parade along Main Street in historic downtown Baker City visit Historic Baker City Inc.’s website.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Holiday Open House
December 5th, 1-4 p.m. Free Admission
The interpretive center offers exhibits, presentations, performances, living history, educational activities, mining sites, special events, the Oregon Trail ruts and more. For more information, please call 541-523-1843 or visit http://www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail

Sumpter Christmas Celebration
December 11th 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Christmas Bazaar 10:00 am to 3:00 PM
at the Sumpter Municipal Museum and Library – West side of Mill St just South of Auburn
Christmas Parade 4:30p.m.
Staging and parade begins at the Sumpter Snowmobile Club Groomer Shed – Mill Street, South end of town next to the Cracker Creek Museum of Mining
Christmas Tree Lighting – Following the Parade – 5:00 PM
Corner of Mill St and Granite Hwy
For more information contact Marlene Bork at 894-2217 or Barbara Malone at 894-2458 or visit the facebook events page.

26th Annual Historic Baker City Christmas Parlor Tour
December 11th Noon till 5 p.m.
The tour is self-guided and features eight to ten homes and a hospitality stop with refreshments. Cost is $ 15 for adults or $ 12 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Historic Baker City Inc. office located at 2101 Main Street suite 102 in the Basche Sage Building, or online at www.visitbaker.com.

Chrishmas? Shmishmas! with Johnny Star
Dec. 23rd 7-9 p.m. at the Geiser Grand Hotel

Christmas Sleigh Ride & Bonfire
Every Friday November 26, December 3, 10, 17, and 24th
7-9 p.m. Beginning at the Geiser Grand Hotel

See beautiful Historic Baker City all decked out for Christmas from a Horse drawn Sleigh. Stop off at a historic house on the Powder River for a festive Bonfire. Enjoy S’mores, Hot Spiced Cider and more. $ 24, Kids under 12 $ 12; kids under 6 no charge. Sleigh departs at 7pm and again at 8pm ! Contact the Geiser Grand Hotel for advance reservations please.

Victorian Christmas Tea at the Geiser Grand Hotel

Saturdays December 4, 11, and 18th, 2-5 p.m. 
Inspired by actual historic menus, enjoy an elegant experience with white linen and silver service at a table next to the tall Christmas Tree under the stained glass ceiling. The day begins at 2pm, followed by a Historic Tour at 3:30 Princess Tea (age 14+under) $ 12. Adults $ 24 per person Advance tickets required.  For tickets and reservations, contact the Geiser Grand Hotel

T&T Wildlife Elk -Viewing Excursions
Every Saturday and Sunday beginning December 18, through February 27, 2011
Plus, special Holiday Tours : Every day from Sunday, December 26th through January 2, 2011.
Tours begin at approximately 10:30am, running every 1/2 hour, and last ride departs at 2:00pm. Carrying visitors to within 10 yards of 100 to 250 head of Rocky Mt. Elk. Cost is $ 5 for children (12 & under) and $ 7 for adults. Come early and dress for warmth!
For more information or to purchase tickets contact T & T Wildlife Tours at (541) 856-3356 or online at http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/tours.htm

New Year’s Eve Sumpter Snowshoe Hike
December 31st starts at 1p.m.
At the Sumpter Fairgrounds. Includes Snowmobile Club Bonfire and Chili Feed.
For more information Contact: mark@sumpter.org

For more information about these and other Baker Coutny events please visit Baker County Tourism at www.basecampbaker.com or www.facebook.com/basecampbaker

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The holiday season is here and Baker City will be celebrating with numerous events starting this Friday December 3^rd. 

The festivities kick off with the December First Friday Art Walk 5 till 8 p.m.  in Historic Downtown Baker City.  Featured galleries and venues for this month’s First Friday Art Walk include: 

Baker Towers, 1705 Main Street, Suite 100
Clark & Company Home, 1924 Broadway
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn
Earth & Vine Wine Bar and Gallery, 2001 Washington Street
Geiser Grand Hotel & Gift Shop, 1996 Main Street
Short Term Gallery, 1829 Main Street
Zephyr Bakery and Deli. 1917 Main Street.

For more information about specific venues or featured artists contact Historic Baker City at 541-523-5442 or online at www.historicbakercity.com
Also, First Friday (and every Friday night throughout winter): See Historic Baker City’s
beautiful homes, decorated for Christmas from a horse drawn sleigh. Stop off at a historic house on the Powder River for a festive bonfire. Enjoy S’mores, Hot Spiced Cider and more; sing along with Christmas Carols. $ 24, Kids under 12 $ 12; kids under 6 no charge. Sleigh departs 7 and 8pm at the Geiser Grand Hotel; advance reservations please.  For more information or to purchase tickets contact the Geiser Grand Hotel at 888-434-7374 or online at www.geisergrand.com

And of course the big news for those who enjoy skiing and snowboarding the finest powder snow in Oregon, Anthony Lakes will open this Friday December 3^rd at 9 a.m.  

Oregon is off to a great start for what looks like it will be a record breaking snow year, and with Baker County as the new owner of Anthony Lakes, we’re looking forward to a fabulous ski season in Baker County.  For latest snow conditions and updates call the Anthony Lakes Snow Line at 541-856-3277 ext#1, or visit them online at www.anthonylakes.com

Hang around on Saturday and enjoy Historic Baker City’s Twilight Christmas Parade beginning at 5 p.m followed by the community Cristmas Tree lighting at 6 p.m.

For more information about these and other upcoming Baker County events or witner activites visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.basecampbaker.com or become a fan on facebook at www.facebook.com/basecampbaker

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 Very exciting news from our friends at the historic Geiser Grand Hotel in downtown Baker City!   FUJI TV will  be broadcasting LIVE from the Geiser Grand in Baker City for their big  New Year’s Eve show.   

According to Geiser Grand owner Barbara Sidway, “It’s sort of like our Dick Clark’s rockin’ New Years Eve, where they flip to different venues around the country-only the Japan version is flipping to different interesting venues around the world, including us in Oregon. We think this is the first time Japan TV has ever broadcast live from Oregon for any reason.”  ”Unbelievable TV Show is one of the highest rated TV shows in Japan, now in its 11th season. More than 15 million people watch every show, more than double that for this NYE special! We’re thrilled here that they chose the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City Oregon.”

 Given the time difference, the filming will take conclude 6am Pacific time on December 31. 

FUJI TV was on location at the Geiser Grand Hotel earlier this year to film  a special episode of  Unbelievable TV show on the ten most interesting spots on the planet!  That trip was Director Nakayama’s second trip to the Geiser Grand Hotel. His first story, filmed 11 yrs ago, proved to be one of the most popular, making #1 on the “best of ten years” retrospective. When asked “why the Geiser Grand Hotel?” Nakayama said “it’s authentic, you feel the real history everywhere, and its so beautiful”.

 Resonance Productions  (Oregon based award winning filmmaker) will film the whole event, and share an edited piece for broadcast by 1pm December 31.   For more information about the News Year’s Eve Broadcast contact the Geiser Grand Hotel at www.geisergrand.com

For more information about other upcoming events and activities in Baker County visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.basecampbaker.com or become a fan on facebook at www.facebook.com/basecampbaker

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