• Fort Rock Ghost Town is a unique town of the homestead era
• Each building of the town comes with its own history
Fort Rock Ghost Town, also known as Fort Rock Valley Homestead Museum, offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the homestead era in the early 1900s.
Situated in the high desert of Central Oregon, the ghost town is located 1.8 miles from Fort Rock State Natural Area and about 65 miles away from Bend.
The village-museum comprises multiple wooden buildings dating back to the homestead era. These structures were acquired from various homestead sites and relocated to Fort Rock to preserve history and create a museum showcasing the lifestyle of early Oregonians.
The Fort Rock Valley Homestead Museum was established in 1988 by the Fort Rock Valley Historical Society with just two buildings named Webster Cabin and Dr. Thom's Office. Over the years, the village expanded with the addition of more buildings, resulting in a total of thirteen structures. These include houses, cabins, a doctor's office, a church, a general store, and a school, each with its own unique history.
Visitors to the museum can explore the buildings and learn about their individual stories, which are detailed in the museum's visitor center. Additionally, the museum displays a collection of artifacts and historical documents.
The site is open for self-guided tours from May to October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Fort Rock Ghost Town: Places to Stay
The closest cities offering various types of accommodation are situated northeast of the Fort Rock. La Pine, located 37 miles away, and Bend, located 67 miles away, provide a range of lodging options for visitors to the area. Whether you're seeking hotels, motels, vacation rentals, or camping facilities, both La Pine and Bend offer convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in La Pine
Fort Rock Ghost Town | Facts
Open: May to September, Thursday-Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Managed by: Fort Rock Valley Historical Society
Location: Fort Rock Basin
Amenities & Services: Flush restrooms, an interpretive trail, a guided tour is available
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes
Elevation: 4,400 ft (1,341 m)
Fort Rock Homestead Village Museum is located:
- 37 miles southeast of La Pine
- 67 miles southeast of Bend
- 204 miles southeast of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Fort Rock Ghost Town
From La Pine,
- Drive 2 miles south on US-97 to OR-31
- Turn left onto OR-31 and follow 29.2 miles to County Road 5-10
- Turn left onto County Road 5-10 and continue 6.1 miles to the destination.