Living in Oregon has many perks–from gorgeous sunsets at the beach to hitting the snowy-packed Cascade slopes or from relaxing in wine country to exploring bustling farmers markets, our state is full of bounty ready to be enjoyed. In all reality, none of these wonders would be the way they are without a rich history of brave people who gathered together almost 200 years ago and made the arduous journey in order to call this area their home. The original pioneers trekked thousands of miles over mountain ranges and through rushing rivers in some of the harshest conditions so that Oregon could become the central gemstone of the West Coast, and their story deserves to be shared with our younger generations! Here are four unique ways tailored to different learning styles that can help your kids soak in the rich history of the Oregon Trail and experience what life was like for the pioneers:

Frontier Heritage Fair – February 15th and 16th @ Lane County Fairgrounds
If your kids are social or kinesthetic learners and need to get their minds and bodies busy in action, chances are the dark and damp days of winter have them bored and understimulated. Shake the winter blues by taking them out of the house this upcoming Valentine’s weekend and driving to Eugene for the annual Frontier Heritage Fair! Admission is only $5 for anyone 12 and older, and this indoor event is loaded with different booths where kids of all ages can learn and be creative. Dive into life on the frontier by crafting and dressing your corn husk doll, watching a live re-enactment, or learning about blacksmithing, quiltmaking, and beadwork in one building full of pioneer experts. This two-day annual event runs hours from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City
Once the pioneers finally crossed out of Idaho and into Oregon territory, Baker City was their first stop. Today, we can visit a 500-acre site officiated by the Bureau of Land Management that features the remnants of the Flagstaff Gold Mine, the actual ruts from the wagon wheels of the official Oregon Trail, over four miles of hiking trails highlighting historic vistas, and a museum with life-sized displays and interactive media. Throughout the year, live demonstrations and special events are hosted at this location as well! If your kids are visual or auditory learners, this place is guaranteed to stimulate them. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is open from 10am to 5pm daily, but please note that they are only open Thursday through Sunday during the winter months. Admission ranges from $4-8 and only applies to visitors 16 years or older, but they also run Fee Free days during the month of December.

The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City
Back in the 1800s, when the pioneers finally arrived at their destination, there was not much more to see than the humble beginnings of a settlement and the glorious Willamette River. Today, you can spot the location of this historic landmark by the grand, oversized covered wagon that characterizes the grounds of The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Here, learners of all styles are welcome to enjoy films, exhibits, games, and activities that highlight pioneer life and culture. Churn your own butter, practice packing the wagon, or simply browse goods at the country store while you come up with fun questions to ask the staff. Admission fees to the INterpretive Center are $17 for adults and $13-15 for children, but access to the Visitor Center, Country Store, and Heritage Garden is free!

The Oregon Trail – Book Series by Jesse Wiley
For those kids who are more of the solitary type who would prefer staying at home with an interesting book to read, there is still an excellent way to get them steeped in pioneer life. Jesse Wiley has authored 13 unique novels featuring the thrills and dangers of the Oregon Trail. Read about gold rushes, getting lost, wrecking the wagon, enduring harsh winters, and all kinds of other terrors these travelers faced by enjoying this young adult series recommended for kids aged six and older. Each one of the books in this series is designed as an interactive story with more than 20 possible endings, depending on how the reader chooses to react during key events in the book. Unlike those brave souls exposed on the original Oregon Trail, these cooperative stories can harmlessly be “played” repeatedly to indulge all the different possibilities. Died of dysentery? No problem! Start the book from the beginning and use your new knowledge to hopefully stay safe all the way to Oregon!