Baker City – Western Ranch Town With Classic Architecture

Baker City is a charming Western ranch town with a rich pioneer history. It sits in northeastern Oregon in a valley between the Wallowa Mountains and the Blue Mountains.

Baker City has about 10,100 residents and is known for its friendly atmosphere and stunning historic downtown area, filled with classic stone and redbrick storefronts.

Ranchers still drive their herds down the highways, and locals greet passersby with a friendly wave, preserving the city's pioneer spirit.

Baker City History

Baker City was founded during the eastern Oregon gold rush and quickly became a bustling frontier boomtown.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the region's largest and most important city.

One of the city's notable historic landmarks is the downtown U.S. Bank, which displays the 80.4-ounce Armstrong gold nugget, a relic from the gold rush era.

Baker City also played a significant role in the Oregon Trail, with many pioneers passing through on their way to the west.

Baker City - Things to Do and See

The Baker Historic District

The Baker Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, takes about 42 acres in downtown Baker City. This district has more than 130 properties, with many structures built between the late 1880s and 1915. Notable buildings within the district include:

• City Hall
• County Courthouse
• Former Post Office
• Former Library
• Former Social Clubs
• Roman Catholic Cathedral
• Episcopal Church

Baker City Tower

This nine-story Art Deco building opened in 1929 as the Baker Community Hotel. This is the tallest structure east of the Cascade Range in Oregon. It features terracotta eagles at each ground-floor entrance and an octagonal observation center with a flagpole on top.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

This 23,000-square-foot museum sits 6 miles east of Baker City and showcases a deep dive into the history of the Oregon Trail. The center features life-size dioramas, exhibits, and even the chance to see the actual wagon ruts left by pioneers.

Baker Heritage Museum

The museum occupies the 1920s natatorium, showcasing artifacts from Baker City's frontier days and the Oregon Trail migration. It's a great spot to learn about local history and enjoy a picnic at nearby Geiser Pollman Park.

Geiser Grand Hotel

This beautifully restored 1889 hotel is a must-visit. Known for its period grandeur, the Geiser Grand gives a glimpse into the past with Viennese chandeliers, mahogany columns, and a stunning stained-glass skylight.

Barley Brown's Brew Pub

This local brewpub is a great spot for beer enthusiasts. Known for some of Oregon's best beers, Barley Brown's has a wide range of brews and a delicious menu beyond typical pub fare.

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort

The resort, 35 miles southwest of Baker City, is a fantastic skiing spot in the winter and a scenic hiking place in the summer.

Elkhorn Drive National Scenic Byway

This scenic route takes you through historic gold-mining towns like Granite and Sumpter and past the breathtaking Elkhorn Mountains. It's especially beautiful in the fall when the trees are ablaze with color.

Hells Canyon

Known as the deepest gorge in North America, Hells Canyon is a short drive from Baker City. It's a great spot for hiking, fishing, and exploring the rugged landscape.