Union County Tourism

TOUR NORTHEAST OREGON!

Northeast Oregon Welcomes You!

Center your group tour in the heart of Northeast Oregon and plan on breathtaking scenery and exhilarating activities every day. Whether your clients are seeking outdoor adventures and strenuous action or laid back relaxation, we will help you customize your northeast Oregon visit. Union County has the best of everything you need for a tour to remember: great food, comfortable lodging, fun shopping, quality entertainment and endless opportunities for sightseeing. Fill your days with some of the best sights and unique experiences Northeast Oregon has to offer. Then return to the comfort and convenience offered by La Grande's premium visitor facilities. Following are ideas of things to see and do and a sample itinerary. Union County Tourism is happy to help you design an itinerary that fits the interests of your group. Please call Janet, 800.848.9969.

GROUP ATTRACTIONS

THE EAGLE CAP EXCURSION TRAIN
Take a train ride through some of Oregon's most dramatic and beautiful landscapes. A guide will point out features and discuss the history of the area. The train operates on the Wallowa Union Railroad, a once abandoned track that was purchased by the two counties in order to save a vital piece of northeast Oregon infrastructure and history. The track goes from the town of Elgin in Union County to Joseph in Wallowa County. Train tours are available in 2006 with a variety of distances and durations. Call Janet, Union County Tourism, 1.800.848.9969, for information and assistance booking. See www.eaglecaptrain.com for info. Ticket prices vary.

THE OREGON TRAIL INTERPRETIVE PARK
AT BLUE MOUNTAIN CROSSING
A paved, easily accessible path follows some of the best preserved and most scenic traces of the Oregon Trail. Interpretive panels depict the pioneers' struggle over the rugged "Blues." Living history is presented on weekends and holidays or by special arrangement. A park guide can be scheduled to tell stories and read journal entries about this section of the Oregon Trail. Also see a settlement era logging exhibit. Picnic area, hiking trails, restrooms and drinking water. Open May to September. Operated by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest; trail park fee. Exit #248 off Interstate 84 fourteen miles west of La Grande. Follow signs two miles to park. Let Union County Tourism make arrangements for a guide. Parking fee.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA AND NATURE TRAIL
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed a 3,208 acre viewing and preservation area for birds and animals. Resident and migrating wildlife of all sizes and types can be seen from the nature trails, driving tour, or road. Treated effluent from the city of La Grande gets further filtered through the marsh before flowing into the Grande Ronde River. The view point off Foothill Road provides a wonderful view of the marsh and valley and is a great place for a guide to discuss the marsh's role in restoring the wetlands and its inhabitants, and the watershed. To arrange for a guide, call 541.963.4954 or let Union County Tourism make arrangements. Follow Foothill Road south from La Grande, or exit #268 off I84, SE of La Grande. No fees.

BIRD TRACK SPRING NATURE TRAIL AND CAMPGROUND
This nature trail meanders through the woods along the banks of the upper Grande Ronde River and is great for bird watching. Beautiful giant pine and cottonwood trees and a large variety of riverside brush species attract songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. A guide will help you spot and identify the birds and tell you about their habits. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and bring binoculars. Restrooms, primitive potable water source are nearby. West of La Grande on I84 take Starkey Exit 252, 4.5 miles on SR 244. Call 541.963.7186 or let Union County Tourism make arrangements. No admission - Guide fee is $50.

UNION COUNTY MUSEUM
This charming museum houses the wonderful Cowboys Then & Now Collection, along with exhibits showing the rich natural and cultural history of the Grande Ronde Valley. A museum docent will talk about the region's colorful history, from Oregon Trail pioneers to murder mysteries of the early twentieth century. You request the topics. The museum is located on Main Street in the town's charming National Historic District. Open Mother's Day through mid-October or by appointment, 541.562.6003. Take SR 203 from La Grande or SR 237 from North Powder. Union County Tourism will assist with arrangements at your request. Admission is $2, 3, or 4 per person.

ASCENSION CHAPEL
Ascension Chapel is the highlight of Cove, a tiny town nestled at the base of Mount Fanny. Built in 1869, the picturesque Episcopal church has been visited by such esteemed guests as Desmond Tutu and the former Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop, Edmond Browning. A guide will talk about the history of the little chapel, the stained glass window that was brought by ship around the horn, and the community of Cove. This is a good stop as part of a valley tour. Call Sherry at 541.568.4514 or let Union County Tourism make arrangements. No fees.

GILSTRAP BROTHERS WINERY
Oregon's only winery east of the Cascades is now bottling and selling cabernet, merlot and chardonney wines and provides tours of the winery. Learn how wine is made and bottled, taste the product and enjoy views of the beautiful vineyard and the Grande Ronde Valley. Located on the east of La Grande, near the tiny community of Cove, the winery fits well with a tour that explores the valley and follows portions of the Grande Tour, a state designated tour route. Contact Rod Gilstrap, 541.568.4646, or let Union County Tourism make arrangements for you. Winery tour and tasting $7 per person.

HOT LAKE RESORT
Tour the restoration project of a historic sanatorium and resort. Visit the bronse foundry and art gallery of popular resident artist David Manuel, especially known for his life-size sculptures of John Wayne and legendary figures of the west. Ghost stories highlight tours of the building.

ELGIN OPERA HOUSE & MUSEUM
Tour the beautifully restored, acoustically perfect 1912 Opera House in Elgin. The museum specializes in the history of Elgin and the Indian Valley. Schedule a performance or tour the backstage, theater and museum with a guide. Let Union County Tourism make your arrangements. Take SR 82 to Elgin, 20 miles north of La Grande. $1 per person for tour ($15 minimum) plus admission fees for performances.

FOREST COVE WARM SPRINGS POOL
Take a dip in the soothing warm waters of this outdoor pool in a parklike setting in the tiny town of Cove. The waters are pure and healthy and the beautiful grounds offer room for picnicking, camping, short hikes and creek fishing. Children and Seniors, $3.50; Adults, $5. 541.568.4890 or 568.4063 for reservations and hours of operation.

IN LA GRANDE
EASTERN OREGON FIRE MUSEUM
The museum is housed in a historic downtown building that served as the La Grande fire station from 1899 to 2002. Visitors climb on six vintage and antique fire trucks, some beautifully restored to their original condition. We can even arrange for rides on two of the trucks. Exhibits include fire fighting photos, equipment and clothing. 102 Elm Street, 1 block off Adams in downtown La Grande. Call 1.800.848.9969 or 963.8588 for hours of operation or let Union County Tourism make arrangements. Admission $2 per person - no minimum.

GANGLOFF PARK
A paved nature trail provides wheelchair access to this hillside park with a wonderful view of the city and the Grande Ronde Valley. A guide from the Native Plant Society will talk about their project to restore pre-settlement and settlement era vegetation in the park. The recently renovated log cabin was formerly located in La Grande's "Old Town" and offers a great backdrop for photos. Hwy. 30 (Adams Ave.) at the northwest edge of La Grande. Take Exit #259 when entering La Grande from the west. This tour must be arranged through Union County Tourism.

ROSEWOOD COTTAGE
La Grande's year-round Christmas and gift shop. Housed in a restored Craftsman Style home at 1801 Adams Avenue, this shop is filled to the rim with some of the most popular lines of collectibles, candles, decorative items, a Christmas Room and a Thomas Kinkade Gallery. A sure hit for the shoppers on your tour. Call ahead to 541.963.4310 or let Union County Tourism make arrangements. Groups of more than 20 people are not recommended at one time but can be split with half going to the Potter's House and half to Rosewood Cottage, then switch.

THE POTTER'S HOUSE
Visit the studio and charming gift shop of a popular local potter and school teacher. Learn how he makes his unique style of pottery and raku, a traditional Japanese method of firing pots. Located in a restored Queen Anne home near downtown at 1601 Sixth Street in La Grande. Call 541.963.5351 or let Union County Tourism make arrangements. No fees.

LOSO HALL/EOU CAMPUS
Eastern Oregon University's well respected drama, music, and art departments present art shows, plays, and concerts in Loso Hall throughout the school year. Call Union County Tourism, 541.963.8588, for a schedule of concerts or plays and information about gallery exhibits and hours. Call EOU Admission office, 541.962.3085, and ask for Tyler Dubsky to arrange a guided tour of campus. www.eou.edu. No fees.

SAMPLE NORTHEAST OREGON ITINERARY:

Day 1: From whichever direction you begin your visit, you will have the opportunity to travel through magnificent country to reach the Northeast corner of Oregon. When you arrive in La Grande, take a mini tour of our community and spend some time exploring the delightful downtown area shops. Be sure to include a visit to the Eastern Oregon Fire Museum. Your group can stretch their legs with a guided Historic Homes Walking Tour. Stop at the Birnie Park Memorial, created by two respected artists and dedicated to travelers of the Oregon Trail. A drive to the southeast, through fifteen miles of productive farm country will take you to the Victorian era town of Union. Historic homes and charming brick storefronts give this small community its flavor and earned it National Historic District status. The Union County Museum is the home of the acclaimed Cowboys Then & Now Collection, previously housed in Portland. Now situated in the scenic heart of cattle country, this exhibit will take you through the history of American cowboys, from the arrival of cattle on Spanish ships to modern ranching operations and Hollywood heroes. Arrange a visit OSU Agriculture Experiment Station, where research is helping farmers and ranchers learn new and better ways of producing food and managing their lands. Tour and have lunch at the recently restored Historic Union Hotel, then head to Cove for a tour of the Gilstrap Brothers Winery, the only winery in eastern Oregon. Plan on a relaxing evening with a delightful meal and entertainment at one of our fine restaurants or lounges.

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast at one of La Grande's fine restaurants, take the drive to beautiful Wallowa County. Spectacular scenery makes it hard to keep your eyes on the road as you travel into deep canyons, past rolling farmlands and tumbling rivers and through friendly rural communities. Your first stop is at Wallowa, for a leisurely ride on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. Choose a Canyon Cruise and follow the river, or a Valley Voyage across the famous Wallowa Valley. Either way, watch for wildlife, fantastic scenery and curious bovines. Next, stop in Joseph to tour Northeastern Oregon's nationally acclaimed bronze foundries and art galleries. This thriving art community features well-known artists from across the country and draws collectors from around the world. Wallowa Lake is just around the bend. Take the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the top of the Wallowa Mountains - the view and the ride are nothing short of awesome. On the return trip to La Grande, catch a movie, play or concert at the Historic Elgin Opera House & Museum, recently restored to its full glory.

Day 3: Step back in time and imagine yourself on a journey along the Oregon Trail. The Trail passes right through La Grande, and the freeway to Baker County traces the tracks. The 45 minute drive will set the tone for a journey back to one of the most fascinating periods in our nation's history. Your visit to the magnificent National Historic Oregon Trail Monument, on a hill above Baker City, will inspire, enlighten, sadden, and delight. Allow time for a visit to the Baker Regional Museum, where one of the country's most extensive collections of rocks and minerals resides. A ride on the Sumpter Valley Railroad and visit to the Sumpter Dredge State Park will leave you hungry for a steak at the famous steak house in the enchanting old west town of Haines. What a day!

Day 4: Go wild! Large game, songbirds, or waterfowl; just passing through, or year-round resident, the list of wildlife to be seen in Union County may seem endless. Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, south of La Grande, hosts a huge population of birds of many feathers. A guide will identify birds and plants and tell you about the unusual use of treated effluent to re-establish the marshlands and further filter the water before it returns to the river. Head now for the upper Grande Ronde River and take a walk on the Bird Track Spring riverside trail. Next, the nearby Starkey Elk Project is a giant enclosure where deer and elk are studied in their natural surroundings. This project is the largest and first of its kind in the nation. After visiting the Starkey Project and enjoying the scenic wonders of the upper Grande Ronde River, members of your group will be ready for the soothing waters of Lehman Hot Springs. Relax in the hot pools or try a vigorous swim in the large pool. Hiking trails lead into the forest. The huge Winom-Frazier Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Complex is nearby, for hiking, biking, horseback riding or ATVs. Tonight, a delicious meal and an engaging concert or drama performance at Eastern Oregon University's beautiful Loso Hall will make a perfect ending to a glorious day in the wilds.

Day 5: Rise early, the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing is breathtaking in the morning light. Set in the pines near La Grande, this beautiful park is a perfect compliment to the National Monument visited on Day 2. Here, you can walk along the actual ruts, feel where the wheels scarred the trees, and imagine the hardship endured by pioneers as they began the most difficult part of their journey. Listen! There are voices in the wind, and the groan of wagon wheels, grinding over the rocks. On up the road, a side tour will take you to the Whitman Overlook where you can gaze into the canyon that was later deemed too rugged for wagons. The Whitman party brought the first white women to the Oregon Territory and cleared the way for the Great Migration to follow seven years later. Now, on to the Wildhorse Casino, Tamastslikt Institute Museum, the Pendleton Underground tours, the Pendleton Roundup Hall of Fame Museum, and the Pendleton Woolen Mills await. Let 'er Buck!

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