The Elgin Opera House

The Elgin Opera House is more than a nonprofit producer of public theater; it is a cultural and social refuge and a home away from home for hundreds of children, youth and adults who are nourished by soul enriching opportunities that ignite imaginations and open up possibilities for a brighter future.

Since 2007 the Friends of the Opera House has shown successful progress and strives to create the highest level of artistic excellence possible in our rural community.

Mission: Established in 2007 to “provide quality ‘Youth & adult performing arts & educational programs and theatrical productions for the public while working to maintain and restore the historic Elgin Opera House Building and now the Pendleton Playhouse.”

Friends of the Opera House is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Eagle Cap Train Rides

The scenic train business was established as the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. The first full season of operation for the excursion train was 2004. The excursion train continues to provide scenic train rides on Mother’s Day and selected Saturdays, from late May through October on the roadless section of track between Elgin and Minam. The train operates from the Elgin Depot, 300 Depot Street, in Elgin, Oregon.

Elgin Museum & Historical Society

The Elgin Museum and Historical Society collects, preserves, researches, interprets, and makes available to the public the historical heritage of Elgin, Oregon and Union County, Oregon to foster in all people a deeper understanding and appreciation of our county’s history, accomplishments, and natural environment.

Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland – 30-Minute Drive

From time immemorial the winding waters, grasslands and forests of Wallowa have provided a bounty of sustenance. Learn more about the people of the Wallowa country and Nez Perce culture today at our downtown visitor center. Explore photos and artifacts, maps and art. A miniature tipi, activities for kids, and informative videos offer something for everyone.

Buffalo Peak Golf Course – 40-minute Drive

Buffalo Peak is located on the edge of the small Eastern Oregon community of Union, just sixteen miles southeast of La Grande. The William Phillips designed Buffalo Peak Golf Course is an 18 hole layout owned and managed by Union County, Oregon. Where untamed beauty mingles with manicured splendor against a stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains, Buffalo Peak Golf Course captures the true spirit of links-style golf. Here, the native vegetation and natural terrain will transport you back to the very beginnings of the sport. Highlights of the course include a dramatic landscape with views of the Grande Ronde Valley and surrounding Wallowa and Blue Mountain ranges, ponds, and fountains.Here, you will experience golf as it was intended. From the elevated tees of the first hole to the gently sloping fairway of the eighteenth, your senses will be captivated.

Union County Museum – 40-minute Drive

The Union County Museum Society collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts to illustrate the story of humans and their environment in Union County, Oregon.

Wallowa Lake – 60-Minute Drive

The large day-use area along the lake features a beach, spots for fishing, picnic tables and two reservable picnic areas (one covered). Another reservable picnic area is along the Wallowa River. The park continues a mile upriver at the seasonally open Little Alps Day-use Area, located between the east and west forks of the Wallowa River. This quiet area has picnicking along the river and access to the Wallowa Lake Trailhead, gateway to the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. 

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center – 70-Minute Drive

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, located near Baker City, Oregon, brings to life the historic journey of pioneers who traveled westward on the Oregon Trail in the 19th century. This interactive museum and outdoor site illuminates the challenges, triumphs, and profound impact of this historic migration that shaped the American west. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the daily lives of the pioneers and the landscapes they traversed. The exhibits also highlight the cultural connections and collisions of the Native Americans and Euro-American emigrants involved in this monumental movement of people.

Anthony Lakes Campground – 75-Minute Drive

The Anthony Lakes Campground is the largest of the 3 campgrounds in the Anthony Lakes Recreation Area. Located directly adjacent to Anthony Lakes it offers spectacular views of Gunsight Peak and the Elkhorn Mountains. Popular activities include fishing, canoeing, day hiking, photography and just relaxing. Located nearby are Anthony Lakes Picnic Area and Boat Launch.

Pendleton Underground Tours – 75-Minute Drive

Pendleton Underground Tours is a non-profit est. in 1989. Come join us for a lively look into Pendleton’s infamous and entertaining past. No town has a more colorful history! Find out why Pendleton was known as the entertainment capital of Eastern Oregon. This is where the past becomes real. Follow your guide underground to the Shamrock Card Room, Hop Sing’s (Chinese Laundry), the Empire Ice Cream Parlor, through the tunnels beneath the sidewalks to the Empire Meat Market. Stand under prism glass and go through a secret passageway to a Prohibition Card Room. Tunnels will lead you to a Duck Pin Bowling Alley, then up the 31 stairs to one of Pendleton’s 18 bordellos; the famous “Cozy Rooms.” After learning about Stella Darby and her working girls, the guide will take you to the most primitive area of the tour; the Chinese living quarters, jail, and opium den. Learn why the Chinese came here and how they helped build the West.

Attractions

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