2020-2021_Nevada County Gold

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Pioneer Monument
Things to See and Do in Truckee
1 Deep in History
FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS land
on the shores of Donner Lake was
home to the Washoe, a Native
American tribe. More recently, it was
where the members of the tragic
Donner Party set up camp in the winter
of 1846-47 (See Page 121).
In the Sierra Nevada, just a five minute
drive from Truckee off I-80 at Exit 184,
the site is now the Donner Memorial
State Park, a National Historic Landmark
that is open to visitors all year long.
Discover Truckee’s history in the park’s
Visitor Center where exhibits tell the
stories of the Washoe, the emigrants
who passed through, the Chinese that
worked on the railroad and early motoring
adventures over the pass. Also learn what
happened to the brave souls who made
up the Donner Party.
Nearby stands the Pioneer Monument
that is dedicated to those who crossed
the plains and the Sierra in the 1840’s
arriving in what would become
California. Completed on June 6, 1918,
the monument faces west and sits
atop a 22 foot tall stone base which
marks the snowfall in the winter when
the Donner Party was stranded.
THE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Today visitors are welcome to enjoy
this beautiful setting. In winter you can
cross-country ski, snowshoe on the park
trails or hike in the snow along Donner
Lake. In warmer months there are
opportunities for camping, picnicking,
fishing and hiking. Check out the lakeside
interpretive trail and special activities.
The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Camping Information/Reservations
1-800-444-7275. Visitor Center is open
daily 10:00 am–5:00 pm. Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas,
New Year’s Day. (530) 582-7892.
Donner Summit
Enjoy!
Snow
The River
Trains
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: PIONEER MONUMENT, WAYDE CARROLL
DONNER SUMMIT, KIAL JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
DONNER MEMORIAL SIGN, ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO
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