Annual event at California Trail Interpretive Center offers a fun look at history

Have you ever wondered how some of the West’s earliest settlers lived? A trip to the past, or in this case, Elko, is just what you need. The Annual California Trail Days celebration will be held at the California Trail Interpretive Center May 31 — June 1.

Located just outside Elko, the center will play host to this historical, fun, family-friendly event so visitors can see what it was like to live, travel and survive on the California Trail in the 1850s. This year’s theme is “Crafts Along the Trail.”

Some of the events include 1850 Wagon Encampment and Shoshone summer camp, black powder rifle demonstrations, gold panning, Native American crafts, formal historical demonstrations and more. Volunteers in period costumes will be on-hand to help with questions and bring the area’s history to life. There will be musical performances to enjoy, hands-on crafts to learn, or you can take a hike on the trails through the Humboldt Valley. On Saturday night, a free family dance will take place in the plaza, where you can learn such dances as the Virginia Reel and contra dance.

This official event of the Nevada 150 Commission, celebrating Nevada’s 150th birthday, is an awesome chance to learn first-hand about Nevada’s pioneers.

Plan your trip:

When: May 31- June 1

Where: California Trail Interpretive Center. Interstate 80 at Hunter Exit 292. Elko, NV

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day; dance is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.

More info: www.californiatrailcenter.org or 775-738-1849