The Park Today
June 17
The onset of summer is upon us. All camgrounds and cabins are available for public use. Reservations are not required but are recommended. The reservation window for CAMPSITES at our Trailside and Wagon Wheel Campgrounds is from April 3rd to September 30th.
Reservations for CABINS in the Trailside (Lower) Campground are also accepted April 3rd through September 30th.
Reservations are available year round for the CABINS that are in the Day-Use Area and Wagon Wheel (Upper) Campground.
The Oregon Trail History & Education Center is now open Friday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
For school group visits, please call 208.366.2394. Choose extension 15 and please leave the following information: your name and school affiliation, number of students and desired date(s) of arrival. A staff member will return your call to confirm.
Oregon Trail History and Education Center
The Oregon Trail History and Education Center will open Friday, June 19, 2009.
Summer Schedule
Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday 9:00am to 4:00pm
To make special arrangements for student group visits please call (208) 366-2394.
A $4 Day Use Vehicle Entry Fee is assessed per vehicle, per day. Annual passports are available.
Idaho State Park Annual Passports offer tremendous savings for individuals or families planning to frequent their Idaho State Parks this year, by providing unlimited vehicle access until December 31st of the purchase year. The $25 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 Reenactments
The Glenns Ferry community has sponsored a crossing reenactment the second Saturday of each August for many years. Unfortunately, this year's event will be the last. Contact the park for details on this year's event.
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.