Donner Memorial State Park - Winter Interpretive Programs

All programs are free; there is a $7.00 per vehicle parking fee which also includes museum entrance.

Participants in outdoor activities must bring their own equipment (snowshoes or cross country skis). Be sure to dress for winter conditions and carry water.

For more information call 530-582-7892 from 9AM to 4PM daily.

Museum Tour
1:30PM on Saturdays, February 7, February  21, March 14, March 28.
Meeting place: museum lobby.
Leader: Gayle Green
Visit the Emigrant Trail museum with Historian Gayle Green for an in-depth look at the Donner Party, and related Truckee area history. Approx. 1 hour.

Donner Party Snowshoe Hike
10:30AM on Saturdays, February 14, March 21.
Meeting place: the flagpole in front of the museum.
Leader: Veneta Stewart
Experience the winter wilderness through the eyes of the Donner Party who were stranded here in the winter of 1846-47. Visit the sites where they camped then snowshoe through the woods to the shore of Donner Lake for a glimpse of the barrier of Donner Pass. Approx. 2 hours, 1 ½  mile.

Junior Snowshoe Hike – for “Junior Rangers” age 7-12.
11AM on Saturdays February 28, March 28.
Meeting place: Nature Trail in back of museum.
Leader: Veneta Stewart
Put on your snowshoes and explore the Nature Trail. Find out how the animals and plants survive when their world is covered with snow. This hike is easy and fun; approx. 1 hour, ½ mile.

Railroad History Snowshoe Hike
9AM on Sundays, February 22.
Meeting place: Museum parking lot.
Leader: Don Schmidt
 Join State Park Ranger Don Schmidt on a snowshoe trek through the summit tunnels and learn about the trials of constructing the transcontinental railroad over Donner Summit in the 1860’s. The hike will begin at the park then carpool to the summit. Participants should come prepared for very cold conditions inside the tunnels. Dress in layers and include a warm hat and gloves. Bring a flashlight; it is dark in the tunnels. Snowshoes only – no skis. Moderate difficulty, approx. 3 hours, 2 miles.

Shoreline Cross Country Ski Tour
10:30AM on Saturdays January 31, March 7.
Meeting place: the trailhead by the park entrance station.
Leader: Veneta Stewart

Grab your skis and camera and join Veneta for a 2 ½ mile off track ski tour from the east end of Donner Lake  along the shore to China Cove, then back through the forest to your starting place. OK for beginners with some ski touring experience. No skating skis. Approx. 2 hours, 2 ½ miles.