We’ve driven past this state park on countless occasions . It’s about time we stopped to explore…


The Donner Party is a tragic piece of California history. The museum at the visitor’s center was informative and interesting. Here’s a link for more information about the Donner Party.



Read-Aloud Book Suggestion:

We read this book last year and found it a beautiful account of the ill fated Donner party that was appropriate for children. The gift shop at the visitor’s center had books and miniature dolls to accompany them. The dolls were hard to pass up – So Cute!
While visiting the State Park, we took a 3 mile hike along the shore of Donner Lake.
Donner Memorial State Park – Hike
If you want to read an account about a real-life superhero, this article about John Stark is one that you will not soon forget.
I often read a book about a place/event/people/etc before we visit the site. The Donner Party really touched my heart. To see the height of the snow they endured is hard to imagine. Later, traveling around California, we would come across places where the survivors settled. The Breen family went to San Juan Bautista, California. We just happened to be visiting the town and saw the place they lived.
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I have not heard of this story. I did read some info on the links you provided. I think I need to read the children’s version, “Patty Reed’s Doll.”
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Yes, I rather liked the children’s version!
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Growing up in California, everyone knows about the Donner Party. I imagine people in other states have never heard of them!
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Great place to learn about this tragic history! Thanks for bringing it to attention. I’ll take a look at the books.
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wonderful place. I learn historic places history. I like read & enjoy your Post. So nature Beauty place.v
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