Donner Memorial State Park is a vast area that offers various recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. It also features the Emigrant Trail Museum and a historic monument that tells the story of the Donner Party's challenges. The park staff at the visitor center are helpful in providing information about the place. There are plenty of scenic stops along the lake for morning, afternoon or evening picnics.
I went with my friends for sledding and it didn't disappoint. This park is absolutely beautiful and there's so many activities that you can do! I saw people with their dogs and other people doing snowshoeing and Backcountry ski. I was not able to go to the museum and hike since I was in a group, but will definitely come back for more!
Roxana Morton — Google review
This is such a beautiful place to visit!! The beach is gorgeous with clear lake water and the views is amazing. The water obviously is a bit cold so be aware of that in cause you go swimming. There is a playground, a snack shop, restrooms. You do have to pay an entrance fee. I think it was about $10-12 to get in and for kids and seniors it’s less. But I highly recommend this beautiful place. Lastly is parking is always a bit of a struggle. So keep that in mind. You will need to wait a bit to find a spot.
Joanna Cantarero — Google review
It's beautiful in winter, lots of snow. Though you can get your leg stuck in the snow in as deep as 2 or 3 feet. But I still love this place and highly recommend coming :)
Matthew Sotelo — Google review
We had driven by the park dozens of time on trips from the west coast. We have since moves but had occasion to pass by the park once again and decided to make it a stopping point. We enjoyed the hike to and along Donner Lake. The park staff at the visitors center were helpful and attentive. Understanding the Donner party story better gave us an appreciation for the challenges of the time. This is a beautiful part of the Western United States.
Floyd Rose — Google review
Fun place to visit for a history buff like myself. It's crazy to see a place with such a unbelievable sequence of events. The thing is that you get to set foot in the exact location where the dinner family tried to survive the winter. It is tough to imagine this place being I. The middle of nowhere because you have a major highway and train tracks within ear distance. Having said that, it was well worth the ten bucks.
enrique verduzco — Google review
Enjoyed the few minutes we had before the park closed. With just the snow on the ground, it's still hard to imagine snow 22ft deep and trying to pass through that area. A nice memorial for the tragedy and hardship they endured. Hope to return to again to see the trails and museum.
Chenoa Cavanaugh-Burg — Google review
Exploring History and Nature at Donner Memorial State Park
Visiting Donner Memorial State Park was an enriching experience that combined a deep dive into history with the beauty of nature. This park is not just a place for outdoor activities; it's a site of historical significance with an impressive museum and an inviting gift shop.
The museum at the park is a standout feature. It offers a comprehensive and respectful portrayal of the Donner Party's story, providing a poignant and educational glimpse into a significant chapter of American history. The exhibits are well-curated and engaging, making it a great history lesson for visitors of all ages.
The staff at the park deserves a special mention for their knowledge and friendliness. They were eager to share information and answer questions, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of the park and its history. Their passion for the park and its story was evident and contagious.
The park itself is a beautiful place to explore. With well-maintained trails and scenic views, it’s a perfect setting for a day of outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, the park offers something for everyone.
The gift shop at the park was a delightful surprise. It's filled with a variety of interesting and unique items, making it easy to find a special souvenir to remember your visit.
In conclusion, Donner Memorial State Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history, nature, or just looking for a peaceful day out. The combination of a well-presented museum, friendly staff, and beautiful natural surroundings makes for a memorable and educational experience. I highly recommend taking the time to explore all that this park has to offer.
Michael Schoenborn — Google review
This place is huge. So many stops for a morning, afternoon, or evening picnic.Since it runs along the lake its so scenic. They have an accessible trail that is 1.3 miles. Lovely state park overall. Very well maintained.
Gurpreet Mangat — Google review
Came down from Canada to live some Donner party realness. Read 12 books before I arrived. And now I'm here! A self guided tour about the Donner party, the chinese and the indigenous people.
I didnt really feel like they had the questions to my answers but they sure tried hard to find out.
We were a little disappointed at how the indigenous people were depicted. Considering they had been here way before the Donners ever arrived.
Beautiful walks, scenery, and views... can be cold and windy, so be prepared.
As a Donner enthusiast I would have liked a little more, a map of the camps would have been helpful.
Overall had a great time, would love to come back, staff was very friendly. I would even love to apply and get a job, so I can share all the information I have on the Donner party with others.
Aaron Molnar — Google review
Beautifully maintained park with plenty of tiny beachlets for a family outing at the edge of Donner Lake.Helpful and friendly staff. 3 Clean restroom spaced a long the parking lots. $10. Day use parking $9.00 for seniors. Large informational illustrated signage along the path between parking and lake. Lots of shady tree areas for relief from the sun. Dog friendly !
Picnic lunch by the lake the best afternoon ever.
Toby Kahn — Google review
This is a well-taken care park. Everything is clean. Dogs are, mostly, on leash. Some parts are very close to the highway and its noise but the noise does eventually fades away. Rangers are very kind and resourceful. Great trees and beautiful birds. Bring your favorite mosquito repellent.
Thomas Regan-Lefebvre — Google review
This is a beautiful state park. Donner lake is stunningly gorgeous. It’s a family and dog friendly place. Just as a reminder, it’s a public state park. To enter its ten dollars per vehicle. Just be respectful and mindful and clean up afterwards.
Mariela Glasder — Google review
Donner state park is amazing. Great for paddle board, kayaking, hanging out at the beach and enjoying the beautiful views.we saw some fools gold floating in the water by the beach. So cool. Highly recommend visiting.
William Dye — Google review
Beautiful and daunting place. The history behind this park is spectacular and heartbreaking. Scenery is gorgeous, easy access and good alternative to a snow park. Kids had fun building our buddy Olaf in front of the statue.
Mrs. C-S — Google review
Been coming here since I was in elementary school. I love everything about this place! The museum, the history, the nature, beautiful lake, trails. One of my favorite places in the world 😊
Kristen Q — Google review
This is a magical place. It was such a needed visit for me to get away and heal. The park is very well kept and there's a lot of easy hiking trails for all Age levels.
Michael S. Copeland — Google review
Great place to go in early winter, before there is too much snow. Easy hiking loop that takes you to the lake and back.
Kristina Pagan — Google review
Visitor centre museum is free and unmissable tribute to emigrant journey on horse carts foot over icy brutal Sierra Nevada Range Mountains .Help of natives and human strength weaknesses were revealed in this pilgrim progress .Chinese efforts to create road way in difficult circumstances is acknowledged.Spiritof California Republic emerges and gen next is reminded of the past .Unmissable store with great books on wildlife trees all the gifts of nature this heaven of Tahoe of Washoes natives has.Do not drive past this.Donner Lake trail is a bonus .
DrHemant Anant Sant — Google review
It's been since 90's we camped. When we were driving up .. started raining hailing in the freeway. I started to laugh .. we must be crazy !! to be camping.
In Campground .. raining, wet .. n laughing.
My calm Hubby .. suggested let's go McD .. eat n wait till Rain stops.
Rain stopped .. n busy set up tent n beddings n tarps.
Big Bear Locker storage for groceries n ice chest.
That night .. tired ..Just cooked easy n quick meal n wine🍷
It rained 2 times. Put tarp on top .. keep us warmer.
Discovered.. our 1 yr old Instant Tent ( Walmart ) is waterproof !!!
We loved the area .. this Campground .. clean nice bathrooms n private showers.. Scenic beautiful hiking areas, Museum n relaxing.
Near Truckee for groceries, Thrift shops n Reno for Atlantis Crab buffet.
We survived !! the rain. Definitely will return
The Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center is a bustling district that boasts a variety of activities for tourists. It is home to many quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries. The area also offers scenic views and a historical walking tour of the town. Visitors can stop by the clean visitor center to purchase locally made souvenirs or browse through used local books.
Arrived on Amtraks California Zephyr and came into the Truckee welcoming center for information on how to get around and just information about the surrounding area. The ladies were very friendly and helpful. If you’re coming to Truckee, CA do stop in and see what they recommend.
Brandon Weeks — Google review
A great area to walk around and shop
There’s a small bookstore ( library ) in the area you can take a book for free or even rent one , loved that idea.
Also check out the stand alone Ice cream truck
There’s a sitting area to relax for a bit as well
Must pay for parking $$
But be careful if you park near edge at roundabout the road is narrow
Melissa Marie — Google review
Must stop if you never been to Historic Downtown Truckee, CA. We were here recently in November and was busy but not as swamp like in the summer time! We haven’t stop here since a few years ago! Many unique shops and restaurants!
Shari griffin — Google review
So many interesting layers of interesting history intertwining culture, economy and transportation. Well designed displays and docent Greg is a wealth of knowledge.
Peggy Fulton — Google review
Full of history, cute little shops, coffee, Ice cream,books,Chocolate candy, fly fishing etc right along the train tracks.
Shelli Dickenson — Google review
We liked the historic area of Truckee. We decided to eat lunch then walk around looking at stores . There are a lot of buildings and house that are old which I love to see. Some of the stores had really nice, good quality cloths. They have a good variety of stores in this area. It was a great day to wander around and look at stores and busy that were from the 1800’s.
Debbie Stobaugh — Google review
A really cute town with a lot of shops and also restaurants. We took the train from Biloxi Mississippi to Truckee it was quite an experience. The ladies in the train station were a hoot to talk with and very friendly. I ran across a really good sale at dressed and I'm sure if I'd had another day I'd have to come away with a whole bunch more things.
It was worth the 2 day train ride and very close to Lake Tahoe. Beautiful area.
cyndy carroll — Google review
Truckee is very small yet beautiful town surrounded with snow clad mountains with lots of amazing views. The town is near to Reno and Lake Tahoe so the stay here would also be good and beautiful. The town was decked up for Christmas when we visited so the evening views was very beautifully lit up with lights. It felt very good to visit this town.
mahima prabhu — Google review
Truckee Thursday has good vendors, and great shuttle service to surrounding areas. $8 beers with free wristband. ATM was broken at the visitor center, beer tent only accepts cash, so try the 76 at the corner.
David Baldie — Google review
The visitor center was super clean and had some really nice locally made shirts and souvenirs. The staff was knowledgeable staff. They even a cool little shelf of used local books that I had difficulty not buying all of. Definitely recommend starting your day here then figuring out how you want to continue. I had a bit of a time crunch so didn't spend time browsing many of the cool shops but this was a great little one stop shop before heading up for my day around the lake.
Summer Ellington — Google review
Always love spending an entire day just walking up and down this street. So much to do and see and eat.😁