Donner Memorial State Museum

12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161

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4.6 955

Hours open

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Hours open

Monday:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, United States

530-582-7892

parks.ca.gov

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About the Business

Donner Memorial State Museum, located at 12593 Donner Pass Road in Truckee, California, is a must-visit tourist attraction in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, offering exhibits that explore the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese railroad construction, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.

Visitors can also explore the famous Pioneer Monument, dedicated to the pioneers who crossed the Sierra on their way west. The monument, completed in 1918, stands atop a 22-foot pedestal facing westward toward Donner Pass.

In addition to the museum, the park offers camping, picnicking, kayaking, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Dogs are allowed on certain trails and areas of the park, but must be kept on a leash. Parking fees apply year-round, with day use rates varying depending on the season.

The park features a day use area along the lake with picnic tables, restrooms, a beach, fishing, and a lakeside interpretive trail. Camping is available at the park campground, which offers 154 sites with amenities such as picnic tables and restrooms.

For those interested in fishing, the park has over two miles of frontage on Donner Lake and Donner Creek, with kokanee and planted trout available. Fishing licenses are required.

Donner Memorial State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, offering a range of activities and attractions to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

Reviews

Mike Kapusta:

"Small for a historic interpretive center, but informative, clean, excellent overview video, and striking displays interesting to even young children. Be sure to take the short walk to the pioneer memorial statue. The imposing base illustrates the height of the historic snowfall that trapped the doomed Donner Party."

1 year ago

Patricia Kapusta:

"Our side trip to Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Cener was worth the $5, even though the ticket kiosk did not give me Senior discount as requested. The film of the Donner party's ordeal gave highlights of their journey without adding its lasting significance. Every digital interactive display was out of order. The historical displays included indigenous people and Chinese and the significance of Donner Pass for travelers across two centuries."

1 year ago

r mills:

"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 instead of ..."

1 year ago

Sarah Hartman:

"Very interesting museum detailing the fateful trip of the Donner Party over the Sierra Nevada mountains. The rangers were knowledgeable and the fees to park very reasonable."

1 year ago

Funsized Traveler:

"The museum was very educational. I learned a lot about what they went through, unbelievable. They have the museum set up very nicely. On the outside, the trails are very wide and flat and easy to walk on for all ages. They have ponds on the trail, too. I highly recommend going."

1 year ago

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Donner Memorial State Museum

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