This place is a pleasant camping spot in northeast Kansas. The Big Blue River crossing is close by.

Alcove Springs

This place is the most popular spot to cross the Kansas River. The city of Topeka grew up in this same location.

 Papin's Ferry

This is the most famous landmark on the whole Oregon Trail.

 In one study, it was mentioned in 99 out of 100 primary source diaries and journals!

 CHIMNEY ROCK

This is the very first fort in the west built specifically for the assistance and protection of western emigrants.

FORT KEARNEY,NEBRASKA

This is the very best spot on the Oregon Trail to read names of the pioneers scratched into the rock.

REGISTER CLIFF

This fort is the one most likely to be skipped - or bypassed on a trip from Missouri to Oregon.

FORT BRIDGER

Spot near Guernsey, Wyoming where thousands of wagons wore through the solid rock in spectacular ruts several feet deep.

DEEP RUT HILL

Bought by the Army in 1846, this former trading post still includes the oldest building in the state of Wyoming.

FORT LARAMIE

Located in south-central Idaho, this isolated spot was the best place to cross from the south bank to the north bank of the mighty Snake River.

THREE ISLAND CROSSING

Once a popular stopping spot along the Oregon Trail, there was no reason to visit this Washington State location after November of 1847.

THE WHITMAN MISSION

This ford on the South Platte River was notable for its shallow water and treacherous quicksand.

CALIFORNIA CROSSING

This Idaho location was the fork in the road where a wagon train had to decide whether to head to California, or proceed on to the Willamette Valley.

PARTING OF THE WAYS

This little river will take a wagon train straight from Independence Rock to South Pass.

SWEETWATER RIVER

This Nebraska grave marker is unique in that it was the only tombstone on the trail made of marble with proper carved inscriptions.

THE GRAVE OF SUSAN HAIL

The only reason this little Missouri town existed, was its' role as the last place to buy liquor before entering land reserved for the Indians.

NEW SANTA FE