Emigrant Trail Museum & Bookstore-Donner Memorial State Park

This is a state park with camping spots near Donner Lake. This is also the memorial for the infamous Donner party who got stuck in a massive snowstorm. The memorial itself has some good details on what happened, but the impressive part is the top of the pedestal. This represents the snowfall that year, which was 22 feet. It is insane to think about now with California's record droughts. There is also a walk through exhibit that showcases the unfortunate events of the Donner party but also other facts about Donner Lake and the transcontinental rail road.

We drove in from incline village on our vacation to learn more about the history and story of the Donner party. The museum was small but very well done and informative, but I recommend going on the guided tour at 11 am or 1 pm. It’s no additional cost and you are taken on a short walk to the cabin sites and learn more of the history from the stories the guide tells you. Our tour took about 1.5 hours. Parking is $10.

Very informative museum and visitor center. Entrance is free, parking 5 Dollar. You can whatch a movie about the area and the exhibits are really impressive, as is the dramatic and tragic story about the Donner Party, the settlers, who got stuck on this pass for month and suffered great loss. The monument near by is dedicated to the pioneers, their courage and bravery. There is also a very good and large gift shop.

Very interesting! The intro/historical video is old, but gives great info to understand why the Dinner party got stuck in the snowstorm. Museum nicely done.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entry$6–10

Pretty awesome. Tons of snow. Part of parking lot was clear down to pavement. Some sidewalks were buried in extreme amount of snow.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entry$1–5

Very informative exhibit - the park rangers are very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely worth the visit to learn about such an important part of American history that is always glossed over. Admission is free, but you have to pay $10 for parking.

Excellent opportunity to learn more about the Donner Party and what they experienced. Take the Nature Trail!Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNot surePrice for adult entry$6–10

Interesting story! So it's a memorial of people who just couldn't stop making bad decisions! I guess that's no different than today's society, we probably won't result in eating each other. But the processed food is goin kill us first anyway! Ticket type: Parking $10 mandatory

A wonderful experience, a great way to learn about the Washoe people and the founding of Truckee and Donner pass. Haven't been in awhile and love the updated exhibits. Parking is $10 for the whole day. Very cheap. Museum is free! Lots of trails and Donner lake accessVisited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNot surePrice for adult entryFree

Great history if you stop at rhe museum. The self-guided tour has so much to learn from. The free tour with the park ranger was even more informative and brought history to life. Go up the road and climb by the bridge after.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree