- Eastern
Oregon Fire Museum
- Location: On the corner of Elm &
Washington. The museum is housed in La Grande's historic
fire station, in use from 1899 to 2002. Climb on vintage and
antique fire trucks, some beautifully restored to their original
condition.102 Elm Street, downtown La Grande. Open year-round, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through September. For more information call 541-963-8588
(Back to Top of Page)
Morgan
Lake
- Location: From La Grande's Walnut Street,
head five miles up Morgan Lake Road.
- Just a short drive through the hills surrounding La Grande
and you can experience pristine lake fishing, picnicking, swimming, camping
and non-motorized boating. Paved jetties provide wheelchair
access.
(Back to Top of Page)
Birnie
Park
Location: On the corner of the Old Oregon
Trail (B Avenue) and Gekeler in La Grande.
This beautiful city park is sponsored by the La Grande Lions Club and
includes an abstract pioneer art memorial and a life size wrought-iron
pioneer play wagon. This area was a camping and staging site
for the Oregon Trail emigrants who rested here before combining teams to ascend
the steep valley walls and continuing west.
(Back to Top of Page)
La Grande Drive-In
Location: 404 Twentieth Street, La Grande, Oregon
- One of only four drive-in threaters still operating in Oregon. Movies show during summer months, Thursday through Sunday, beginning at dusk. Fun for the whole family and a great way to spend a summer evening. 541.963.3866 or www.lagrandemovies.com
(Back to Top of Page)
Ladd
Marsh Wildlife Area and Nature Trail
Location: Exit 268 from I-84. Six miles
west of La Grande off Foothill Road.
One of the largest remaining wetlands in Northeast Oregon.
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has restored the marsh and developed a 3,208
acre viewing and preservation area for birds and animals. To get to the viewpoint, follow Foothill Road south from La Grande, or exit #268 off I-84, SE of La Grande. A new viewing platform enhances the birdwatching at the Peach Road nature trail and auto tour. Peach Road is a gravel road the leads north of OR 203, just east of the railroad overpass. Take
a camera when you travel throughout the county. You'll see resident
and migrating wildlife of all sizes. For more information call the La Grande district office of ODFW at 541- 963-2138
(Back to Top of Page
- The
Grande Ronde River
Location: Throughout the county.
- Oregon's second longest free-flowing river. A wild and scenic
home for rainbow trout and steelhead. The beautiful 180 mile
river winds its way through the heart of Union County, providing
numerous scenic and recreational opportunities from quiet fishing
to camping, hiking, and exciting rafting trips. Explore on your
own or with a guide.
(Back to Top of Page
- Hilgard
State Park
Location: Take exit 252 off I-84 eight
miles west of La Grande.
- Camp and picnic along the banks of the Grande Ronde River
at a site where pioneers forded the river. A historic information kiosk provides information about the Oregon Trail. Click for the Hilgard
State Park
Hot
Lake Springs Resort
Location: Exit 268 from I-84 six miles
east of La Grande.
- Hot Lake Resort always attracts the attention of passers
by. This huge old brick building is but a fraction of a once
sprawling complex, alive with hundreds of visitors who
came from around the world to "take the waters" and renew their
health. The resort was in its heyday from
1908 through 1932. A complete history of this fascinating place
is available for purchase at the visitor center. Hot Lake Resort
is now called Hot Lake Springs and is under-going a major restoration.
It is the new home of the David Manuel Gallery and bronze foundry
and the plans for its future are extensive and exciting. Site tours are available and the coffee shop and gallery are
open daily. Call 541-963-HOTL, or visit the website. www.hotlakesprings.com
- (Back
to Top of Page)
-
-
-
- Red
Bridge State Park
Location: From the Hilgard exit off I-84
travel 16 miles SW on Highway 244.
- This scenic Oregon State Park sits in the pine trees along
one of the most beautiful driving tour routes in Eastern Oregon.
The park is popular for fishing and picnicking, and has a few
campsites, as well. Click for the Red
Bridge web site.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
-
- Meacham
Divide Cross-Country Ski Area
Location: 19 miles west of La Grande, exit
#243 off I-84
- Cross-country ski in the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains.
Nordic ski in the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains on 25 kilometers of ski trails groomed with diagonal and skate lanes. On the Umatilla National Forest, the ski area is operated by volunteers through a private/public partnership. Hike or bike on the trails in
summer. 17 miles west of La Grande off Interstate 84 at exit #243. Umatilla National Forest. Open late April to mid-December.
Call (541) 963-7122 for more information.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- The
Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing
Location: 12 miles from La Grande, westbound
on Highway I-84. Take Spring Creek Exit. Signs will guide you
the remaining 2-1/2 miles.
- A paved, easily accessible trail takes you beside some of
the best preserved and most scenic traces of the Oregon Trail.
Colorful ceramic panels depict the pioneers' struggle through
the tall trees and over the rugged "Blues." Living history offered
weekends during the summer. A new exhibit shows a settlement
era logging site. Picnic area, restrooms and drinking water.
Open May to October.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
-
-
- Forest
Cove Warm Springs Pool
Location: 17 miles east of La Grande or
8 miles NE of Union on Highway 237.
- You will find this popular hot springs pool in the picturesque
town of Cove, nestled against the base of Mount Fanny. Open
summer months, call (541) 568-4890, or 568-4063.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Catherine
Creek State Park
Location: 14 miles S.E. of Union on Highway
203.
- Situated on the tree-lined banks of Catherine Creek, this beautiful park is popular for picnicking, camping, hiking, and fishing. A trail allows hikers to climb through the forest for outstanding mountain-top views. Trailhead access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness is also nearby. 14 miles S.E. of Union on Highway 203, Medical Springs Highway.
Click for the Catherine
Creek web site.
(Back to Top of Page)
- Other
State Parks
Visit these web sites for additional information:
-
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Union
County Museum
Location: 15 miles S.E. of La Grande on Oregon Hwy.203, or
15 miles NE of North Powder on OR Hwy 237.
- This small and acclaimed museum includes Cowboys Then & Now, featuring the history of cowboys and cattle in America, plus Hollywood cowboys and a place where kids can try on cowboy gear. Exhibits highlight the rich natural and cultural history of the Grande Ronde Valley, and the Livery Station, with a stable, blacksmith shop and pioneer cabin. Visit the mining cave, learn about Native American life in the Grande Ronde Valley, and how residents lived in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The museum is located on Main Street in Union's National Historic District and is open Mother's Day through mid-October, (541) 562-6003. Union is known for its collection of Victorian homes and brick commercial buildings, including the beautifully renovated Historic Union Hotel, www.theunionhotel.com, and for the annual Eastern
Oregon Livestock Show and Rodeo, held early in June. Click here
for an outside view and a peek inside.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Anthony
Lakes Ski Resort and Recreation Area
Location: Take the North Powder exit, 285
off I-84, travel west 18 miles.
- Pristine and quiet, this beautiful high mountain lake is surrounded by granite peaks that sparkle in the sun. In summer, enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking, and excellent hiking through unspoiled mountain wilderness. The lake is wonderful for kayaks, canoes and rafts and is popular for fly fishing and angling. In winter, dry powder makes the downhill skiing here outstanding. Family-oriented Anthony Lakes Ski Resort offers ski rentals, a day lodge with restaurant and lounge, groomed Nordic trails, and snowboard, triple chair lift and snowcat skiing. No lodging available on site. Exit #285 off I-84 at North Powder, turn toward mountains and follow signs 20 miles. Visit their web site
at www.anthonylakes.com.
-
(Back to Top of
Page)
-
- Spout
Springs Ski Resort
Location: Between Elgin and Westin on OR Hwy 204.
- In winter, ski downhill and Nordic, snowboard, snowshoe, and ride snowmobiles. 2 lifts, a restaurant/lounge, and night skiing. In the summer, hike and mountain bike through the beautiful Blue Mountains.
This popular ski resort is located in a beautiful forested area on Tollgate Mountain. For more information
call (541) 566-0320. Visit their web site at www.spoutspringsskiresort.com. Accessability to the facility is closed for the summer.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Thief
Valley Reservoir
Location: 12 miles south of Union. 18 miles
east of North Powder, off OR Hwy. 237.
-
Situated in the heart of cattle country, the rugged sage covered hills provide scenic surroundings for premier spring fishing and windsurfing in a ruggedly scenic setting. Primitive facilities. From Union, drive south on OR Hwy. 237 to Telocaset. Cross railroad and follow Medical Springs Road for five miles.
-
-
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Wolf
Creek Reservoir
Location: Take exit 282 off I-84, near
North Powder, 24 miles SE of La Grande.
- A great place for fishing, camping, water skiing and boating in the picturesque setting at the base of the magnificent Elkhorn Ridge of the Blue Mountains. Primitive facilities. Take the Wolf Creek Exit #282 from I-84 near North Powder. Follow signs west to reservoir.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Pilcher
Creek Reservoir
Location: Travel 25 miles S.E. of La Grande
to North Powder, I-84 exit 285, then 9 miles west.
- Camp, picnic, fish and watch wildlife at this beautiful, quiet reservoir with a fantastic mountain view. Primitive facilities. Exit #285 from I-84 at North Powder. Follow signs west toward mountains.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Elgin
Opera House
Location: 17 miles N.E. of La Grande on
the Wallowa Highway, OR Hwy 82.
-
Treat yourself to a visit to the wonderfully restored, acoustically perfect 1912 Opera House. Historically the center for community entertainment, the Opera House is again a great place to enjoy live musical theater and concerts, movies and family entertainment. Take OR Hwy. 82 to Elgin, 20 miles north of La Grande.
-
-
Call (541) 437-2014 for events and hours. Elgin
Opera House website
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Jubilee
Lake Campground
Location: 35 miles N.W. of Elgin off Highway
204.
- Open July through late September. A USFS campground with
51 sites surrounding a beautiful lake open to non-motorized
boating and activities. For more information on Jubilee Lake
and other Umatilla National Forest campgrounds, call (509) 522-6290. www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Looking
Glass Fish Hatchery
Location: 20 miles north of Elgin at Palmer
Junction.
-
Take a beautiful drive to one of Oregon's most scenic fish hatcheries and tour the fascinating ODFW operation. Pack a lunch and picnic at the hatchery or at any number of scenic spots along the way. 20 miles north of Elgin at Palmer Junction. (541) 437-9723
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Indian
Rock Overlook
Location: 15 miles from La Grande. Take
Fox Hill Road.
-
From high atop Mount Emily, the overlook offers a commanding view of the Grande Ronde Valley and distant peaks and provides the perfect setting for a day drive and picnic. Four wheel drive vehicles only. 15 miles north of La Grande on Fox Hill Road.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Nightingale
Gallery
Location: In Loso Hall on the campus of
Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.
-
Eastern's award winning drama, music and art departments provide a wide variety of excellent concerts and plays in McKenzie and Schwarz Theaters, including performances by the resident Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra and the highly regarded EOU choral department. Well known and original plays are scheduled throughout the year and art shows are featured in the Nightingale Gallery during the school year. The Nightingale Gallery is the showplace
for student and traveling art exhibits. Call (541) 962-3667 for performance dates & gallery hours.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Gangloff
Park
Location: Hwy. 30 (Adams Ave.) at the northwest
edge of La Grande.
- This hillside park offers a wonderful view of the city and
the Grande Ronde Valley, and a great place for a picnic. Paved
nature trail provides wheelchair access. The Native Plant Society
has restored the park to pre-settlement and settlement era vegetation.
The recently renovated log cabin was formerly located in La
Grande's "Old Town." The cabin, constructed early in this century
from four salvaged older cabins, is a reminder of
the type of dwelling used by early settlers along the Oregon
Trail.
(Back to Top of Page)
-
- Wallowa-Whitman
National Forest
Location: Surrounding the Grande Ronde
Valley
- Nearly any direction you look when in Union County, you can
see national forests - vast areas of towering evergreens and
crystal waters. Wander the back roads of the Wallowa-Whitman
or Umatilla National Forests, or seek seclusion in the Eagle
Cap Wilderness. The beauty, the wildlife, are yours to cherish,
protect, and enjoy. Contact the La Grande Ranger District for
information about camping facilities, the guard station rental
program, hiking trails and winter sports opportunities.(541)
963-7186.
- click
here for link
(Back to
Top of Page)
-
- Mount Emily Recreation Area
Location: North of La Grande on Owlsley Canyon Road or Fox Hill Road
- Union County recently purchased nearly 3700 acres on the face of Mount Emily, La Grande's most prominent landmark, for management of recreation and natural resources. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV trails are available, with more recreation facilities planned. Trails are easily accessed from staging areas near the Union County fairgrounds on the north end of La Grande. www.mtemily.org
-
-
- Eagle
Cap Excursion Train
Location: The Union Wallowa Railroad operates
the excursion train on their track between the communities of
Elgin and Joseph.
- Ride the Eagle Cap Excursion Train as it travels through spectacular
roadless canyon country and rumbles beside the Grande Ronde and Wild & Scenic Wallowa Rivers. Pass charming small towns and
sprawling cattle ranches. Watch for wildlife and soaring eagles.
Set in Oregon's spectacular northeast corner,
this train ride shouldn't be missed. Click here for the train
schedule, prices and route description.
- (Back
to Top of Page)
-
-
Gilstrap Brothers Winery
Location: Cove. Take OR Highway 237 to
the town of Cove, then turn right on Antles Lane; up the hill one mile
on the left.
-
With its beautiful hillside setting above Cove, the Gilstrap Winery is great place to spend a summer afternoon. See how they grow grapes and make their delicious wines and take home a few bottles for future enjoyment! The winery's beautiful grounds and gazebo are wonderful for your special event. Take OR Highway 237 to the town of Cove, then turn east on Antles Lane; one mile up on left. Now open weekends during the summer through September,
noon to 5 PM. Gilstrap Brothers wines are also served at Ten
Depot Street in La Grande. Call for hours, 541.568.4646 or 866.568.4200. www.gilstrapbrothers.com
- (Back
to Top of Page)
-
-
- Buffalo Peak
Golf Course
Location: from the south or east, take
exit 285 off Interstate 84, at North Powder. Follow Oregon Highway
237 fifteen miles to Union.
- Turn
right on Fulton Street and continue to the course. From the
north or west, take exit 265 off Interstate 84 near La Grande.
Follow Oregon Highway 203 to Union. Stay on Main Street through
town and turn left on Fulton Street and continue to the golf
course.
-
The scenic 18-hole championship public golf course draws rave reviews. Located on a hillside overlooking the town of Union, the course offers outstanding scenery along with challenging links-style play for all levels of golfers. Highlights of the course
include a dramatic landscape with views of the Grande Ronde
Valley and surrounding Wallowa and Blue Mountain ranges, ponds,
and fountains. Buffalo Peak Golf Course
is
located on the edge of Union, just
sixteen miles southeast of La Grande. Power carts are available at the club house.
Call (541) 562-9031 for tee times and green fees. Click here
for a view of the course .
www.buffalopeakgolf.com
(Back to Top of Page) |
102
Elm Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850 ;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}