Looking for things to do in Baker City, Oregon? Come along with me…

When most people make the journey west into Oregon, they will most likely be road-trippin’ along Interstate 84. Much of this stretch of highway follows the historic Oregon Trail. And when they first hit Oregon soil, they will pass through the little town of Baker City.

Those two words, “pass through” are key. Because they don’t think to stop here for a while.  And that’s a shame.

What most people don’t know is that Baker City is a gem of a destination. To pass it by is to miss some pretty cool things. Here are just a few of the epic things to do in Baker City, Oregon. To get a well-rounded trip, go in summer when everything is open and the weather will not be an issue. Since the town sits over 3,000 feet in elevation, you can imagine it gets might wintry during the colder months.

Restaurants in Baker City

For you carnivores who really want to experience the best of the west, head over to the neighboring town of Haines Steak House for the best steak in the area. And those that love small-batch, handcrafted beer (with good food included) head straight to Barley Browns Brew Pub. For a breakfast treat or even a light lunch, go to Sweet Wife Baking. I had their grilled cheese sandwich and it was divine! Or for a yummy, down-home restaurant serving comfort food, go to Eagle Cap Grill. Their prime rib is pretty darn good.

Historic Downtown Baker  City

This was a gold rush city, after all, and in downtown Baker City you can still feel just a bit of that old wild west vibe.  The Geiser Grand Hotel is the shining star of downtown Baker City, and a must stay while you are in town. Read about my stay here. Encompassing just a few square blocks, it makes for a wonderful afternoon just strolling up and down historic Main street and browse the eclectic shops, maybe do a little wine tasting a chocolate tasting.

An American Adventure

Go Wild Adventures is your premier one-stop tour guide for fantastic tours in town and throughout the area. These guys really cover a wide berth of activities, from backpacking trips to historic downtown Baker City tours to fly fishing…and even an Alpine Stargazing/Wine Tasting adventure! All tours are seasonal, so check out their website to learn more.

Baker Heritage Museum

Get a true taste of what it was really like back in the gold rush days. And not just for the men who left everything to travel hundreds or thousands of miles in the hopes of striking it rich. This is where the Wild West developed. There are permanent and rotating exhibits to enjoy, and no two visits are alike. Discover things like mining, timber, ranching, Chinese culture. There is even an extensive collection of fossils, minerals, and stones. The Wyatt Collection consists of 2,000 agates, picture jaspers, and cabochons.

You know the great travel invention known as the Airstream? Well, the guy who invented it was from Baker City! Yeah, he’s featured in this museum, too. Learn his story.

Leo Alder House

The magazine mogul and philanthropist of early Baker City led quite the life….all in one house. Back in 1993 that he left us and also left his house to the Baker County Museum Commission. He spent literally (almost) his entire life here from aged 4 until his death at age 98.

He was a businessman and a bachelor, with no time for much house upkeep and as such, he left the house in a bit of disrepair! And so it was that a major renovation took place, which is quite the story in itself. Suffice it to say that the interior as you see it today is a gorgeous replica of its glory days and a real step back in time.

Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

This is a fantastic spot just outside Baker City – high atop a hill with tremendous views of the valley below. Also, a great place to take the kids, as you stroll through the center and make your way through the display, you will get an intimate look at what people had to go through during the arduous journey out west. With life-size installations, precious artifacts and a ton of great historical information, this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon while you’re here.

Drinks, Anyone?

Baker City has no shortage of libations to help you relax after a long day of sightseeing. And even if you have trouble with committing to any one type of drink, there is beer tasting, wine tasting, and distillery tasting to be had!

The folks at Glacier 45 are incredibly friendly and will be happy to let you sample any of their VERY tasty vodkas. They have a ton of flavors, all made right in their distillery in downtown Baker City. Do check them out – you will no doubt walk out with a bottle or two to take home (I sure did!)

Pace yourself though, because then you’ll have to sample some wine (maybe the next day?) Head to Copper Belt Wines just down the street. They are directly across the street from the Geiser Grand Hotel. I sampled one of their reds and it was very tasty. But they also have Chardonnay and Rancher’s white, and also a dry Rose.  And oh yes, I cannot forget the beer! Other than Barley Browns mentioned above there is Lefty’s Taphouse. The pizza there is also pretty good.

Other Things To Do in Baker City

• If you really want to get a taste of the entire area, go on a self-guided ghost town tour!
• Visit a real-life ranch and pet some of the animals!
• If you stay at The Geiser Grand Hotel, they can hook you up with a variety of different experiences through the area.
• Ride the Sumpter Valley Railroad in the nearby town of Sumpter