Fossil, Oregon
Fossil, Oregon
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Museums in Oregon

Top Cultural Activities in Central Oregon
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With plenty of cultural activities and museums in Oregon, there are many great ways to celebrate the heritage of the John Day River Territory! Visit museums with exhibits that tell the story of ancient fossil beds and display Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years. Learn about the early pioneers, the Oregon Trail, agriculture, ranching, rodeo, sheepherders, and much more.

Wheeler County Court House

History & Culture

Wheeler County Court House (1901)
701 Adams Street, Fossil, OR 97830
541-763-2191

Oregon Paleo Lands Visitors’ Center
333 Fourth Street, Fossil, OR 97830
541-763-4480

Gilliam County Historical Society
Highway 19 at Burns Park, Condon, OR 97823
541-384-4233

Spend a Day at the Museum

Fossil Museum & Pine Creek School House
First & Washington Street, Fossil, OR 97830
541-763-4440

Spray Pioneer Museum
402 Willow Street, Spray, OR 97874
541-468-2069

Sherman County Historical Museum
200 Dewey Street, Moro, OR 97039
541-565-3232

Kam Wah Chung Museum
125 NW Canton Street, John Day, OR 97845
541-575-2800

Ghost Towns

Abandoned truck cab
Ghost town in Oregon
Richmond

South from Service Creek on Highway 207 and one mile east on Richmond Road. Established in the 1890s, Richmond had a store, school, church and community center.

Lonerock

East from Condon on Highway 206 to Lonerock Road. This pioneer town’s namesake is a huge rock which sits next to a Methodist church dating back to 1898.

Shaniko

South from Fossil on Highway 218 and eight miles west of Antelope. Many beautiful historical buildings still stand at what was once largest inland wool shipping center in the world.

Group Horseback Riding

Proudly Rooted in 8 Generations of the Western Way of Life, Celebrating 250 Years of American Frontier Spirit and the Year of the Horse

Bed & Breakfast: After a day of exploring the high desert, unwind at Wilson Ranches Retreat. Our historic 1910 Sears Roebuck Ranch House is home to pristine ranch-style guest rooms, each a warm and welcoming retreat after a day on the range. Wake up to a family-style breakfast and enjoy our pioneer hospitality that makes every stay special.

Winter & Spring Calving: Watch nature’s miracles unfold with newborn calves on our working cattle ranch. It’s a memorable and unique experience to bring you up close to ranch life.

Horseback Riding & Hiking: Explore the rugged landscapes of the Oregon’s High Desert on horseback or by foot. Breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Journey Through Time: Our retreat is a scenic drive to the Painted Hills-one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hike through the natural wonders or a quiet moment to take it all in. Make us your home base for exploring historic pioneer towns and digging for fossils in Fossil.

Join us as we honor 250 years of America, the Year of the Horse, and the enduring spirit of the West — where independence, hard work, and wide-open spaces are still a way of life.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2026!
Your Wilson Ranches family

Saddle Up in Oregon’s high desert!

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