Outdoor Recreation Faciliites Inventory

Three Island Crossing State Park

Three Island Crossing State Park is located on the Snake River at Glenns Ferry. It is home to The Oregon Trail History and Education Center where visitors can learn about pioneer emigrants and Native American history.

Oregon Trail pioneers knew this spot well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail. Pioneer travelers used the three-island crossing until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream. The Glenns Ferry community sponsors a crossing commemoration the second Saturday of each August. Events often include living history presentations and historic skills fair.

Location: Glenns Ferry, ID
Southwestern Idaho, SE of Mountain Home, 4 mi. off I-84
Mailing Address
Box 609
Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
Street Address
1083 S Three Island Park Drive
Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
Phone: (208) 366-2394
Fax: (208) 366-7913
Web Site
E-Mail the Park

 

Oregon Trail History and Education Center

The Oregon Trail History and Education Center is closed for the season. 

A $5 Day Use Vehicle Entry Fee is assessed per vehicle, per day.

Idaho State Park Annual Passports offer tremendous savings for day visits for individuals or families planning to frequent their Idaho State Parks by providing unlimited vehicle access for the calendar year.  The $35 sticker can be purchased at any Idaho State Park, Regional Service Center (Boise, Idaho Falls and Coeur d'Alene) or by calling (208) 334-4199. A second pass can be purchased for just $5.

The Oregon Trail in Idaho



Oregon Trail pioneers knew this spot well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail.

The trail played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of western America. The original course of the Oregon Trail was from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Most pioneers traveled the trail from 1841 through 1848. However, fur trappers and explorers used the travel corridor as early as 1811. By the mid-1860s, the trail was used little as an emigration route.

The Oregon Trail entered Idaho in the southeast corner of the state. At Fort Hall, it joined the Snake River, following the south bank until this crossing was reached near Glenns Ferry. The route left Idaho near the site of old Fort Boise, near Parma, after winding through 500 miles of the state.

A Risky River Crossing

Upon reaching the Three Island ford, the emigrants had a difficult decision to make. Should they risk the dangerous crossing of the Snake, or endure the dry, rocky route along the south bank of the river? About half of the emigrants chose to attempt the crossing by using the gravel bars that extended across the river. Not all were successful; many casualties are recounted in pioneer diaries. The rewards of a successful crossing were a shorter route, more potable water and better feed for the stock.

The Three Island ford was used by pioneer travelers until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream.

Crossing Celebration

While 2009 was the last actual crossing reenactment, The Glenns Ferry community will sponsor a Three Island Celebration the second weekend of August 2010.   Please check back for additional details.  Updated information will be posted as it becomes available.   

Modern travelers will find a stay at Three Island Crossing much more hospitable than did the pioneers. Located just off Interstate 84 at the Glenns Ferry exit, the park offers a full-service campground, cabins, picnic areas, historical interpretive programs and a fascinating admission-free interpretive center. You can take the self-guided tour, see the replica wagons and dangle your feet in the Snake River where emigrants made their historic crossings.