Donner Memorial State Park & Emigrant Trail Museum

Donner Memorial State Park – North Lake Tahoe

Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada near North Lake Tahoe, Donner Memorial State Park offers year-round recreation and history. In summer, visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. During winter, the park transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on scenic trails, perfect for experiencing the High Sierra’s seasonal beauty.

Open year-round, the Emigrant Trail Museum and the iconic Pioneer Monument honor the emigrants who traveled west to California during the mid-1800s. The museum features exhibits on the Donner Party, a pioneer wagon train that endured hardship while wintering at Donner Lake in 1846–47.

The park also encompasses Schallenberger Ridge, located south of Donner Lake, where visitors can explore trails and witness some of the Sierra Nevada’s fascinating geologic history. With its mix of recreation, history, and natural beauty, Donner Memorial State Park is a must-visit in North Lake Tahoe.