Oregon Trail Days and more: BLM’s public events celebrate history and public lands
Kelsey Merison
OREGON (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management will host three public events across Oregon to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognize the BLM’s 80th anniversary of public land stewardship.
The events aim to foster a deeper appreciation of the nation’s past, the beauty and value of public lands, and the work required to sustain the health and productivity of these lands for future generations.
The first event, Oregon Trail Days, will take place on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT at Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City. This signature Freedom 250 event for BLM Oregon/Washington will transform the park into an immersive Oregon Trail experience, featuring wagon rides, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, crafts, and games. The free, family-friendly celebration highlights the role public lands play in preserving the landscapes and stories tied to America’s westward expansion. Additional programming will also occur at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center throughout the weekend.
A volunteer event, the Wood River Wetland Volunteer Day, is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT at Wood River Wetland, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls. This event invites the community to assist with invasive weed removal and restoration work on public lands. It highlights the continued role Americans play in caring for public lands through volunteerism and stewardship.
The final event, a Victorian Holiday Celebration, will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area near Newport, This coastal Freedom 250 event connects visitors to Oregon’s maritime history through a Victorian-themed holiday celebration at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Activities may include caroling, historical parlor games, ornament crafts, interpretive storytelling, and live music.