California Trail Days 2023

Event Details

Between 1841 and 1869 over 250,000 people sold their belongings, packed up wagons, and set out over-land for California.

Learn the stories of the pioneers who endured the 2,000-mile trek; some seeking land, some gold, others seeking adventure, and some for reasons we may never know. Enjoy Native American programs, visit with trail reenactors, and much more. Our young visitors will enjoy Jr. Ranger activities throughout the camp.

California Trail Days is a pioneer reenactment event for the whole family!

Schedule of Events

The California Trail Interpretive Center is hosting the 18th annual California Trail Days pioneer re-enactment this Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The family-friendly event is open to everyone. Located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292, and as always FREE Admission! Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the pioneer encampment and Shoshone summer camp, experience Dutch oven cooking, wagon rides, and a Pioneer Dance with live music on Saturday night. Participants can learn to shoot a bow, throw an axe, play pioneer games, and sign up to become an official California Trail Center Junior Ranger. The weekend will also host the second year of the Owyhee Combined School art exhibit, showcasing the art of the Owyhee youth which will be displayed through October 2023.

Programming will be held throughout the event including the following:

11:00 a.m. Anatomy of a Wagon (45 mins)

12:00 p.m. Central Pacific Railroad and Promontory Point (30 mins)

1:00 p.m. Preserving Gravelly Ford Documentary (45 mins)

2:00 p.m. Anatomy of a Wagon (45 mins)

3:00 p.m. Honey, Mud & Maggots: Medical Practices of the Trail (50 mins) (Saturday Only)*Be Advised: This program contains material related to maggots and decomposition that some may find uncomfortable.

7:00 p.m. Pioneer Dance with Live Music (Saturday only)