Each time my family has moved, we've tried to treat it as a new adventure. That means exploring the nooks and crannies of our own neighborhood and also looking at the bigger picture — the history and geography of the region.
Donner Memorial State Park, in Truckee, California is a great day trip destination from South Reno, less than 50 miles west on I-80. An all-day parking pass costs $8 per car, or $7 for guests who are 62 or older. Highlights of the park are beautiful Donner Lake and the Emigrant Trail Museum. (The parking fee includes museum admission.)
The park and lake are named for the ill-fated Donner Party of pioneers who became stranded in the Sierra Nevada during the harsh winter of 1846-47. Almost half died from hypothermia or starvation and some of the survivors resorted to cannibalism. It's a gruesome story, to be sure, but history isn't always pretty.
Although the Emigrant Trail Museum includes art, dioramas and artifacts related to the Donner Party's plight, it also tells tales of the building of the railroads and the mining boom that shaped the history of Northern Nevada and Northern California. During yesterday's trip to the museum, youngsters were also enthralled by a taxidermy exhibit showing animals that are native to the region. The flying squirrel, bobcat and pine marten appeared to be the audience favorites.
The gift shop at the Emigrant Trail Museum offers cutesy t-shirts, coffee mugs and magnets, but more importantly, a big selection of books and DVDs about the Native Americans, the pioneers and prospectors and the plants and animals that can be seen in the park.
Donner Memorial State Park has facilities for swimming, boating, fishing, camping and hiking. Picnic tables overlooking the lake provide a place to kick back and relax, or of course, you can bring your own folding chairs. By the way, the close proximity of the town of Truckee means you're also just a hop, skip and jump away from grocery stores or fast-food restaurants, should you decide upon an impromptu picnic.
For more information about Donner Memorial State Park and the Emigrant Trail Museum, 12593 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, CA, call (530) 582-7892 or visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503
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